Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage FAQ’s
Hawaiian Lomilomi, developed over the last two thousand years, is an integral part of Hawaiian health care. In times past, village experts called kahunas worked clinically with community members, addressing a wide array of health problems. This clinical development is the key to Lomilomi’s success in dealing with complex physical, emotional and energetic problems. The essential ingredients of Hawaiian Lomilomi massage are prayer, compassion, love and a deep understanding of the physical and energetic body.
Most sessions are an hour and a half to two hours. I allow two hours for each session. This gives a person’s body time to relax and let go as needed. I find in many sessions that the most transformational changes happen in the second hour.
This varies with each individual and the severity of their condition. I find that most clients experience dramatic symptomatic relief in their first session. After the first session we will create a treatment plan reflecting your objectives. Weekly sessions may be necessary at first. Some clients come weekly, twice a month or monthly depending on their health objectives. Many health studies have highlighted the benefits of regular massage with closer frequency increasing health benefits. In the end, for most people it is a matter of time, money and priorities. My objective is to create positive change with each massage session by helping the person let go of pain and restrictions.
Each person has a unique pain threshold. I do not believe in hurting people or the “no pain, no gain” motto. When tight muscles let go, there is usually some discomfort that accompanies the release. That discomfort quickly goes away as I sooth the muscle, restoring circulation and vitality to the affected area. Any pressure used to release tight muscles is applied with attention to your breath, allowing for an easier transition and more complete release. I encourage communication regarding pressure and depth of touch whenever necessary.
Lomilomi’s affect on the body is both immediate and long term. During the massage we will be moving the body’s fluids through the tissues. In some cases, soreness may be felt the day after the massage due to tissue and muscle manipulation and the release of toxins accompanying this movement of fluids. This quickly fades. You will not have bruises or lasting deep soreness.
The massage is usually done with clothes off (leaving underpants on is OK). You will be draped with a full sheet and large towel at all times. During the massage I usually use oil and apply it to your back, arms and legs. In some cases I have worked with people who are very uncomfortable being undressed even if they are draped. Not a problem. We will work with your body in whatever way is most comfortable for you.
Yes. Many of my clients present with chronic injuries and illnesses. Some examples are trauma caused by car accidents, hip/knee/shoulder replacements, heart/liver/kidney transplants, terminal cancer and cancer in remission, auto-immune syndromes, pain syndrome, heart attack, stroke, etc. Each condition requires a unique combination of care. My training allows for a wide range of care. When a condition is outside my ability, I may offer a referral to an appropriate care provider.
I work at my home studio in Nicasio, California, which is in West Marin County. It is a beautiful natural setting, which helps relieve stress and increases the “leave it behind” factor. The drive out takes you through breathtaking natural beauty.
I can also travel to your home at an increased rate. If health conditions limit access, I may make myself available for in-home care under special circumstances. I donate 10% of my profits toward care for those who cannot afford it. If you feel moved, you can also donate toward the care of those who cannot afford my attention but require it.
Most of my Lomilomi training has come from two kumu (Hawaiian for teacher) from the Big Island of Hawai’i. Dr. Maka’ala Yates D.C. teaches the Kona style of Lomilomi, as passed to him from Auntie Margaret Machado and other Hawaiian teachers. Kumu Yates calls this style Mana Lomi. I am a certified Mana Lomi instructor and teach beginning through advanced Mana Lomi workshops. Dr. Dane Silva D.C. teaches Hilo style Lomilomi as passed to him through his family lineage in the Puna district south of Hilo. Both styles are very similar, employ the optional use of hot stones and are exceptionally well developed with both kumu (teacher) being experts in their field. I have also developed floating water massage as passed to me through Kumu Dane Silva.
Lom’ili’ili Hot Stone Massage, also known as pohaku wela (stone+hot), uses naturally smooth volcanic basalt stones, heated in a bath of hot water to help relax and relieve musculoskeletal tension (tight muscles). I have hand-picked these stones from beaches in Hawai’i and California. I hold the stones in one or both hands and soothe, compress and manipulate the muscles. The stones deliver deep relieving heat, moving quickly into the muscle fibers, allowing for a big release. One or two deep breathes and the muscle tightness is gone. The stones feel great and encourage the tight muscles to let go with ease. The stones are an integral part of the healing process. Often first time clients, upon feeling the stones, will ask how I get my hands so hot. It’s hot stone magic.
Developed in the hot ponds of Hawai’i, Lomi’wai Floating Water Massage is especially beneficial for those who are extremely tight, overweight and/or uncomfortable on a massage table, or for anyone who wants the gentle support of water and a few foam flotation noodles to nearly eliminate the impact gravity has on their ability to let go. This massage is done in the pool in summer months and the hot tub in cooler seasons. It can be combined with table and stone massage in the same session. Sometimes it helps to get the body moving in the water and then finish the massage on the table.