On a menu, Lomilomi means a dish of delicios red salmon fresh fro the ocean with raw red onions, salad dressing, and Hawaiian spices and herbs. On a different level, Lomilomi means a touch-therapy body work. Lomi means “energy shift” and “thumb”. Lomilomi means energy-shifting touch therapy that can change your mind, body, emotions, and life for the good. There are different versions of Lomilomi ~ some gentle, some quick and commercial, some deep and intense. In Lomilomi, what would be called the practitioner in other modalities is called the giver. The client is called the receiver. Giver and receiver are gentler, less hierarchical terms. Healers know that the one on the table gives as well as receives, and vice versa.
But the word has a more fundamental meaning. Lomi means, in the Hawaiian language, to take and turn, to shift. When Hawaiians say a word twice, they are emphasizing the weight of importance, hence: Lomilomi. When we speak of the art of Lomilomi here, we are speaking of the sacred shift within you that is inspired by the healing kahuna raising your vibration and all that is around you.*
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu Hawaii lists the ancient massage under the heading of physical therapy. They define this Hawaiian massage clearly by saying “It consists of both the gentle and hard rubbing, stroking and gentle and vigorous kneading and in such heroic measures when occasion demands as walking on the back of the prone patient with one or both feet”. It is considered mental healing through physical manipulation.**
** Lomi-Lomi. Island Stone Therapy Revealed Carol Gilmore
*Wise Secrets of Aloha: Learn and Live the Sacred Art of Lomilomi Kahuna Harry Uhane Jim, Garnette Arledge - 2007