Traditional Hawaiian massage, or Lomi Lomi is a Hawaiian bodywork practice embedded in a spiritual context. It is thus not ‘just’ a massage. There are different ways to learn this massage, and many people in the West have been taught the ‘techniques’ only. Having the luck of receiving training by a Hawaiian teacher Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster (51th generation), I got introduced into how Lomi Lomi should be practiced ideally to get the most optimal benefit and healing for the client.
Note that in order to request a session, you must be willing to open up to a simple prayer for wellbeing before and after the session. This prayer is independent of any religion, so everyone is welcome. According to the traditional setting, the only requirement for the client is that they are open to a force greater than themselves.
How does a typical session look?
Checkin with you: where are you at today?
Optional but recommended: We can start with defining what you want to let go of in your life and we can set an intention for the massage, to receive that which you want to welcome back into your life.
You choose whether you will be fully clothed or whether you want to be rubbed with oil. The advantage of being naked is that the movements are much easier for me to make complete, giving them a smoother feel and help you attain a deeper state of relaxation.
There will always be a large cloth to cover intimate parts. And you can always request to get more of your body covered.
Important to note in setting expectations is that there is no touching of the genitals, nor is there direct touch of the breasts for women (your own arm may be used to that end). And, as with all the work I do, it is consent-based, i.e. you are always in control of the session and can always stop me or ask not to massage an area, or adjust the pressure etc.
Just before the massage starts, I will cite the words of a traditional prayer, and may add some words from myself as well. Then I will start the massage. Optionally, there is music in the background. The music aims to help you relax even further and fully go into the experience.
At the end of the massage I will conclude with a prayer and you may remain on the table for a while to take in the relaxation and slowly acclimatize to the room.
Booking
For a limited amount of time, I offer donation-based sessions.
To book your session, have a look at a free spot in the calendar here.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, I am happy to guide you through.