As we learn and practice Lomilomi, we use specific dance steps that allow us to move around the table massaging the body up and down in a
continuous, rhythmic flow. The combination of these steps forms a unique dance coreography during every session. each Lomilomi massage.
These "Flying Dances" were developed by K
ahu Abraham Kawai’i, who named them Ka’a’lele’au. The name loosely translates to "The Flight of the Navigator," inspired by ancient Polynesian navigators who maintained perfect balance and awareness while steering canoes across the vast ocean. By practicing these movements, the practitioner learns to remain centered and stable even when the "waters of life" are stormy.
Ka’a’lele’au is a fundamental, movement-based exercise for the Lomilomi practitioner, often referred to as "flying" or "personal navigation." Through this rhythmic moving meditation, we prepare both body and mind for the treatment, ensuring we can move spontaneously and fluidly. This practice helps us maintain physical and mental balance while "switching off" the analytical mind, allowing us to be fully present for the client.
When we practice "Flying," we encounter the same mental obstacles, emotional patterns, and physical tensions that we face in our daily lives. Through rhythmic motion, we find a way through these blockages. Regular practice trains us to move with fluidity and coordination in all aspects of life. It enables us to recognize obstructions in our thoughts and environment, allowing us to reflect, overcome, and make adjustments without breaking our internal rhythm.
The practice resembles a graceful, flowing dance with specific footwork—shifting weight from side to side in an infinite motion—while the arms move like the wings of a bird. This movement is designed to cultivate Mana (Life Force Energy). In the context of Lomilomi, Ka’a’lele’au is the engine that fuels the massage. Using posture, leverage, and motion, the practitioner performs bodywork guided by the "script" of the client’s body, facilitating a space for self-healing.
In our Integrated Lomilomi Massage courses, we discover how this art form uses dance, movement, and self-awareness to perform a unique "dance" of long, flowing strokes, tailored for each individual.
Both the practitioner and the client experience how the combination of "Flying" and Lomilomi bodywork opens pathways to unexplored physical, emotional, and spiritual areas. By exploring these spaces safely, both individuals can adopt new behaviors and unlock new possibilities in their lives. Whether you are a client or a practitioner, receiving and practicing Lomilomi can shift your reality toward greater joy, self-esteem, and a more fulfilling life.