FAQs

Lomilomi is a traditional bodywork practice with roots in Hawaiian and broader Polynesian cultural traditions. It has been passed down through families and lineages, where it was traditionally used in contexts of care, transition, and personal wellbeing.
There are many different styles of Lomilomi. The one I am mostly using, often referred to as Temple-Style Lomilomi, is based on flowing, rhythmic movements that reflect the natural movement patterns of the ocean. This style of bodywork is typically using warm oil on the body to perform continuous, long, circular, wave-like strokes with the forearms, palms, and elbows.

Advanced techniques may involve the use of chants, hot stones, warm towels, bamboo sticks, and other natural elements such as clay, mud, or sea salt. Using these as physical, emotional, and spiritual stimulation, the practicioner and client co-create a unique ritual, that make lomilomi more than a regular massage experience.

Traditionally, Lomilomi is more than a physical massage. It is a holistic bodywork practice that uses non-verbal elements—such as touch, rhythm, breath, and warmth—to support wellbeing while acknowledging the unity of body, mind, and spirit. According to traditional Hawaiian understanding, our life experiences are held within the body, often beyond our conscious awareness. It is believed that unresolved emotions may manifest as tension or restriction within the muscles and connective tissues, affecting the body's natural ease and freedom of movement. Unlike standard massages, Lomilomi treats the body as a unified whole rather than a series of isolated parts and prioritizes deep relaxation, energy flow, and emotional release over targeted muscle manipulation.

Lomilomi, often called the "massage of loving hands," recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. During a lomilomi massage a sanctuary is created, where the client can be fully present and accepted, where all their parts, feelings, emotions, thoughts and physical tension or pain are welcome and integration can naturally happen. Through compassionate, accepting presence and touch, it creates an environment in which restoration, and personal renewal can naturally emerge.

The flowing movements that are characteristic of Lomilomi can support deep relaxation, enhance circulation, improve body awareness, encourage balance within the nervous system, help release muscular tension, and promote the free flow of life energy.
Beyond the physical level, Lomilomi is often experienced as an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with oneself, and enter a more present and grounded state of awareness.
In this deeply relaxed state, many people report a sense of release from accumulated tension, together with renewed clarity, openness, inner alignment, positivity, and peace.

Lomilomi is much more than a massage technique. It is rooted in Hawaiian values that shape not only how the practitioner works but also how they relate to the person receiving the treatment.

One of the central principles is Aloha. More than simply meaning "love" or "hello," Aloha is a way of being. It is expressed through kindness, compassion, respect, presence, and genuine care. According to Hawaiian tradition, healing touch is infused with Aloha. During the treatment, we seek to recognize and honor the pure spirit within the other person. We meet each person without judgment, fully present, accepting them as they are in this moment while encouraging everything that nurtures joy, balance, and wellbeing. In this way, the loving touch of Lomilomi supports the release of physical tension as well as emotional, mental, and spiritual holding patterns.

Another important value is ʻOhana, meaning family. In Hawaiian understanding, ʻOhana extends beyond blood relatives to include the wider community and all those with whom we share meaningful connections. Within Lomilomi, this wisdom encourages relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual care. The practitioner welcomes each person as a valued member of the human family, creating a safe, compassionate space in which healing can naturally unfold.

The principle of Pono reminds us to seek harmony, balance, and right relationship—with ourselves, with others, with nature, and with life itself. Rather than trying to "fix" someone, the practitioner supports the body's innate wisdom and natural capacity to return to balance.

Lomilomi also reflects the Hawaiian understanding that body, mind, heart, and spirit are inseparable. Flowing, rhythmic movements inspired by the waves of the ocean, conscious breathing, mindful presence, and graceful movement work together to restore a sense of wholeness. The massage becomes a moving meditation that nurtures both practitioner and receiver.

These Hawaiian values are not simply ideas discussed during training—they are embodied through the way we move, touch, breathe, communicate, and hold space for one another. They form the heart of the Lomilomi experience, transforming massage into an expression of connection, respect, and Aloha.

The 2- and 3-hour Lomilomi sessions offer a deep, immersive experience, allowing ample time to unwind and reconnect with your body, thoughts, and emotions. These sessions prioritize deep relaxation, energy flow, and emotional release over targeted muscle manipulation. Each session is uniquely tailored, leading to diverse personal journeys—some may experience profound emotional or spiritual breakthroughs, while others feel a sense of calm and serenity throughout.

Typically, the process unfolds as follows:

Upon arrival, we share a calming tea and discuss your intentions, helping us identify your current state and focus for the session. I rely on intuition to guide the flow of the experience. Sometimes, we begin with a brief ritual to bless the space, or we may engage in card readings or visualization exercises before starting the bodywork with a prayer. I use draping - according to the room temperature - and while genitals are always covered, the treatment involves significant skin exposure to allow for continuous, wave-like strokes from toe to top. Communication is minimal during the massage to encourage a meditative state; you are encouraged to close your eyes and let go and avoid overthinking.

I usually warm up with bamboo sticks, then apply warm coconut oil and begin a dance of flowing movements—circles, figure eights—that harmonize with your whole being, intuitively crafted in the moment. The pressure is generally gentle to moderate, focusing on glide and flow rather than deep tissue. Hot stones may be incorporated, and the session often concludes with a gentle full-body wash using warm water and towels. If you select the Kahiko style, additional elements like salt, clay, coffee, herbal peels, or flower petals might be included.

Following the massage, you'll have a few moments to rest and dress up, after that we can share reflections to integrate the experience, accompanied by another cup of tea if time permits. These sessions tend to be deeply relaxing and revitalizing. Although emotional shifts may occur, most leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and lighter, with a renewed sense of peace and well-being.

It is common to feel slightly dizzy or need time to linger in the experience, so it is advised to avoid scheduling intense activities afterward and to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins.

After completing Level 1&2 you will recieve a Certificate of Completion from your beginner trainer about Welness Lomilomi Massage, that certifies the completion of all requirements of the courses.

After the completion of the four levels, participants recieve an official certificate from Witold K. Polynesian Healing Arts Centre with which they can offer a massage in the ‘reviving-massage’ category.