Lomilomi
Lomilomi means to massage, knead, break into pieces, to work in and out, or to shift. It is an indigenous Hawaiian healing practice that usually integrates prayer and intention. Many believe this art was brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian settlers, while others believe that this beautiful art, so deeply infused with the practice of ‘living aloha’ is a carry-over from ancient Hawaii, and the mystical land of Mu.
Image: Uncle Harry ‘Uhane Jim, author of Wise Secrets of Aloha, working with Tom Cochran at our Advanced Retreat on Maui.
Living Aloha
Lomilomi encompasses many different ‘styles’ each unique to their geographical location and/or their family of origin, as it was used as a restorative health practice within families and communities.
Although all styles of Lomilomi include some sort of movement, breath, prayer and intention, there are two primary styles of Lomilomi that have become well-known around the globe, they are “Temple Style” and “Auntie Margaret’s Style or Big Island Massage”.
Lomilomi is a way of life. It is the practice of ‘living aloha’.
Temple Style Bodywork
Also known as Kahuna Bodywork, Temple Style was shared with the public by Kahuna Abraham Kawai’i (Kahu), before his passing in 2004. His teachings synthesized knowledge that he received as the student/disciple of numerous native healers and Kahuna. We are deeply blessed that Kahu had the heart and vision to share his knowledge and his teachings continue to bless the world decades after his passing.
You can read more about Kahu in the Book: Abraham Kawai’i: a brief history of the man, the kahuna and kahuna bodywork
Auntie Margaret’s Style
Auntie Margaret Machado was a world renowned Lomilomi master and Kahuna who infused love and aloha into all who studied with her. Although her style of Lomilomi differs from Temple Style in form, all styles of Lomilomi are deeply rooted in love, aloha and prayer. Auntie Margaret’s teachings continue to bless the entire Lomilomi community.
“If your hands are gentle and loving, your patient will feel the sincerity of your heart, his soul will reach out to yours and God’s healing power will flow through you both” ~ Auntie Margaret Machado
Photo: Our beloved Jonathon Kaleikaukeha 'Kimo' Lopez, Kumu Hula
In ancient Hawaii
Some believe that Temple Style Lomlomi was practiced in the temples of old Hawaii by Kahuna, or Hawaiian Shaman. Kahu helped bring forth a lineage that he called Ke Ala Hoku, “Pathway to the Stars”, also known as Hawaiian Temple Bodywork or Kahuna Bodywork.
The legend passed down, describes a ritual of fire, drumming, chanting, and shamanic movement. The Kahuna would call on the wisdom of their ancestors, t heir ‘aumakua, and request a vision so they would know who was next to receive this sacred rite of passage.
Sacred Lomi
Rooted in the Hawaiian Temple Bodywork, Tom Cochran and Donna Jason synthesized Temple Style with principles and practices that support modern day practitioners in their quest to heal themselves and others.
The movements of Sacred Lomi are forearm runs, based on circles and figure eights that flow from one side of the body to the other. The practitioner is taught to listen with their entire being to the script of the recipient’s body, supporting the recipient to release all that is no longer serving them and awaken to their authentic calling.
If there is one lesson to learn from Kahu and his lineage, it’s this: “You are a unique being. You are a divine being. You have within you the entire universe.” ~ Tom Cochran
