Here is a short video demonstration of the beautiful flow of Lomi Lomi (kahuna) massage performed by Tania Hodder of touchofaloha.org

In lomi lomi (or kahuna) massage there is no set format or sequence for the massage and no two massages will ever be identical.

The lomi lomi massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time, for example one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the opposite hip. Hands, forearms, knuckles, elbows, or stones may be used to stroke different parts of the body simultaneously. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as it is impossible or at least extremely difficult for the brain to focus on the two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.

Another major difference from other massage is that the recipient lies directly on a vinyl massage table with a small sheet draped over his body. This enables the practitioner to stroke the underbody without interrupting the flow of the massage. Following ancient Hawaiian healing principles, the practitioner uses special breathing techniques and hula dance movements to encourage the flow of energy. It is the “dance of massage,” and is as wonderful to give as to receive.

So, you are not feeling 100%. Work is full of stress, family life is running you ragged, and the bills are never ending. If you could just have a ‘time-out’ to recharge and refresh, life would be wonderful!

Well, when was your last Massage? When did you last take time away from the pressures and responsibilities of the world – to either sort the physical niggles in your body (the stiff neck, the headaches, the sore lower back) or to pamper or reward yourself for the effort you have applied elsewhere in your life. When did you last succumb and surrender to the healing hands of a trained therapist, enter their sacred healing space, with the dim lighting and soft music? You are due aren’t you?

But there are a few things to consider when choosing a massage. Firstly, and most importantly… what style of massage do you want? Traditionally, if you call a clinic and book a massage, you get a Swedish massage. Put simply, a Swedish massage is a sequence of techniques that systematically progress around the body. Starting with the back, it is uncovered, worked on, and re-covered. Then the back of one leg is uncovered, worked on, then recovered, etc. A Swedish massage is great… don’t get me wrong. But…

Originating in the Polynesian Islands (Hawaii) A Kahuna Massage (also called a Lomi Lomi Massage) was first performed by the Kahuna of the village as part of a coming of age / passage of rite ceremony. It is an amazing experience that thrills everyone who lies on my table. Once you have had a Kahuna, You Will Never Go Back!

A few differences to mention that make it unique. Firstly, there are no towels on the table. This enables what we call ‘under-body’ work. The therapist’s hands slide under the body and the weight of the body applies the pressure of the technique. Secondly, instead of working on just one body part at a time, the entire draping is folded between the legs so all of the skin that will be worked on is exposed at once. The massage strokes travel around the body in continuous motion, with the hands never leaving the body or ceasing movement. A Kahuna massage uses a lot of forearms and elbows compared to a Swedish massage. This enables a lot of contact at one time, and greater pressure can be used without it feeling intense or localized. It is a completely different experience to a Swedish massage. Kahuna has been called the Rolls Royce of massage – and rightly so!

The long flowing strokes work along the energy meridians of the body so a transformational experience is often encountered. Blockages are released and energy flows freely! This can often bring insight into a problem the client hasn’t been able to solve, or bring to the surface emotions that have been buried or denied. A Kahuna massage is like driving a Ferrari after a Mini!

Each therapist brings their own style to this massage, as the footwork and coordination is like dancing around the table. Just as we all dance differently each massage is unique.

So if you are familiar with traditional massage and are looking for something new, or are new to massage and want to jump in the deep end, I definitely recommend trying a Kahuna Massage.

More information about Nigel Coates and Kahuna Massage can be found at goldcoastmassage.net.au.
Nigel is a moderator of Explore Meditation, a site with free MP3 guided meditation downloads, exploremeditation.com.