05 / 12 / 2024
5 Minute Read

What is a Lomi Lomi massage?

 

Lomi Lomi massage has been a very popular term in the recent years, largely used and spread by Thai massages parlors. But did you know that the Lomi Lomi massage has actually nothing to do with the Asian culture?  Because most people do not know the roots of this massage, they aren’t able to seek authentic experience nor set proper expectations when it comes to Lomi Lomi massage. This article is an attempt to shed light on the grey areas surrounding Lomi Lomi massage.

 

What is Lomi Lomi massage and where does it come from?

A Lomi Lomi massage is a traditional Hawaiian healing practice that incorporates holistic principles, fluid movements, and spiritual elements. It is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and is designed to promote relaxation, healing, and harmony for the body, mind, and spirit.

 

Lomi Lomi massage : a spiritual massage

Lomi Lomi means "to knead, rub, or soothe; to work in and out, as the paws of a contented cat" in the Hawaiian language. This massage is traditionally practiced by Hawaiian healers as part of a larger spiritual and physical healing process, which emphasizes love, harmony, and energy flow.

Lomi Lomi massage is mainly about holistic healing that views the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected. Practitioners aim to release blockages in energy and restore balance. Because Lomi Lomi massage may involve prayer, breathing techniques, intention setting to align physical and spiritual health, and addressing emotional or spiritual imbalances by fostering a sense of harmony, it has a lot of similarities with Tantra massage.

 

What’s the differences between Lomi Lomi massage and Tantra massage?

First of all, Lomi Lomi massage and Tantra massage differ in their origins. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Lomi Lomi is Hawaiian, rooted in spiritual healing and Huna philosophy whereas Tantra comes from Indian traditions, focusing on sexual energy and spiritual awakening.

The purpose of a Lomi Lomi emphasizes relaxation, energy flow, and holistic healing. Tantra explores intimacy, sensuality, and awakening energy.

The technique of Lomi Lomi uses long, flowing, rhythmic strokes. Tantra involves slow, deliberate touch, focusing on chakras and sensual energy. 

And when it comes to sensuality, Tantra incorporates sacred sensuality and intimacy whereas Lomi Lomi is nurturing, not sexual.

Lomi Lomi massages and Tantra massages are holistic, nurturing, and intuitive practices that work with energy flow, relaxation, and emotional release. Both create a spiritual and safe environment, blending physical touch with mindfulness to heal and harmonize the recipient’s body and mind.

However, they are different in the sense that, Lomi Lomi massage promotes harmony and relaxation, while Tantra centers on awakening and integrating sexual energy as part of spiritual growth.

 

What to expect during a Lomi Lomi massage session?

During a Lomi Lomi massage, expect the masseuse (or the masseur) to use their hands, forearms, and elbows in smooth, rhythmic motions that mimic ocean waves. These movements are designed to relax the muscles and improve circulation.

Unlike some massage styles, Lomi Lomi often works on multiple parts of the body at once (e.g., working on the shoulders while massaging the legs) to create a sense of flow and connection. The massage is often tailored to the client's needs, with a focus on relieving tension and promoting emotional well-being.

The masseuse will use massage oils, often infused with tropical scents like coconut or kukui nut oil, are used to ensure smooth, flowing movements and enhance the sensory experience.

The atmosphere during a Lomi Lomi massage is often calming and may include elements like Hawaiian music, chanting, or a serene tropical setting to create a deeply relaxing experience.

 

What do the modern adaptations of Lomi Lomi massage look like?

While traditional Lomi Lomi massage is rooted in Hawaiian spirituality, modern versions are often adapted for spa environments, focusing primarily on relaxation and physical benefits.

If you’re seeking a Lomi Lomi massage, look for practitioners trained in traditional Hawaiian techniques to ensure an authentic experience. If not, expect to be provided with a service that has probably nothing to do with a Lomi Lomi massage.  

 

What are the misconceptions about Lomi Lomi massage?

While reading this article, you’ve probably come to realize that what you thought Lomi Lomi massage was, is rather far from the truth. Indeed, there are several misconceptions about Lomi Lomi massage, often stemming from its cultural roots, its adaptation into modern spa settings, and misunderstandings about its purpose and techniques.

The first misconception is to believe that it’s just another Spa Massage. But Lomi Lomi massage is not just about physical relaxation but also about holistic healing, connecting the body, mind, and spirit. The spiritual and cultural elements are often absent in spa adaptations.

Because of its flowing, intimate strokes and full-body approach, some people mistake Lomi Lomi massage for a sensual or erotic service. And this is the second biggest misconception about Lomi Lomi massage. Despite of its sexy name “Lomi Lomi”, it is not an erotic massage. Its focus is on nurturing and holistic care, not sensuality or eroticism.

Another misrepresentation of Lomi Lomi massage argue that the flowing, free-form movements of Lomi Lomi mean it’s unstructured or doesn’t require expertise. In reality, authentic Lomi Lomi requires extensive training, knowledge of anatomy, and understanding of Hawaiian healing philosophies. Practitioners also integrate intuitive techniques, which can make it appear less rigid compared to other massage styles.

Many people also think that Lomi Lomi massage are more or less the same everywhere. Well, Lomi Lomi can vary significantly depending on the masseuse and whether it follows traditional Hawaiian practices or modern spa adaptations. Some practitioners integrate traditional elements like prayer and chanting, while others focus solely on the physical techniques. And because Lomi Lomi is part of a holistic and ongoing healing process, it may take multiple sessions or be combined with other lifestyle changes to achieve deeper, long-term benefits.

 

Lomi Lomi massage: What to keep in mind?

As most spas offer a diluted version of Lomi Lomi massage and the average erotic masseuse won’t be skilled for/qualified to providing this type of massage (she will gladly used the term “Lomi Lomi” for advertising purposes without having a clue what it is all about), “do your homework” first before booking a Lomi Lomi massage session.

If you are looking for a professional who can give you an authentic Lomi Lomi massage, find a practitioner trained in traditional Hawaiian methods. Why? Because it’s not just a physical treatment but a holistic healing process which must be mastered to be fully appreciated by the client.

 

Janet – The Velvet Rooms

 

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