The Hawaiian Spirit of Aloha -An ancient sacred philosopy of life and way of being, passed down through time by the elders, priests and healers known as Kahuna. Kahunas studied and lived by spiritual practices referred to as Huna. Under the umbrella of Huna healing sciences are the specialized massages known as Lomi Lomi……or “flowing hands of love”……the Hawaiian way of connection between heart, hand and soul. The word ‘Hawaii’ is not only the name of an extraordinarily beautiful group of islands in the pacific ocean, but it is also the name of the of the inhabitants who settled there long ago. The people and the islands are called Hawaii and their way of life is called “ALOHA”.
The spoken language of the ancient Hawaiians was Polynesian and developed from their relationship with the beauty and natural diversity that surrounded them. Tied so closely to nature the Hawaiian language literally vibrates with deep and spiritual meaning rooted in the natural elements that surround us.
Hawaiian words are born of natural concepts and have many meanings, each of which is determined by the context in which they are used.
The word HA-WAI-I expresses several root meanings:
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HA: |
the sacred breath of life. |
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WAI: |
the sacred water that sustains life and a symbol of great abundance. |
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I: |
emphasizes what comes before it. |
HAWAII can therefore be interpreted as “the people and the place gifted with an abundance of the forces that create and sustain life, within the spirit of aloha.” Roots of the word aloha extend to the ancient spiritual philosophy of Huna (the secret knowledge and practices of healing through the unseen universal energies) – Aloha is an all encompassing way of life offering acceptance, forgiveness, love and cooperation through the development of spiritual awareness.
It can be translated as “a way of being within the presence of spirit”. Huna master, Dr. Serge Kahili King,Phd, calls it “the joyful sharing of life energy in the present moment. Aloha is the wondrous rhythm of life as well as the spirit within all creation. It is a path of love, harmony and appreciation for beauty in all things.
Health, wellness and vitality is the foundation and intention of Lomi Lomi massage, guiding the body-mind-spirit toward empowerment, self-healing and harmonizing relationships on all levels.
Lomi Lomi in more detail:
Lomi Lomi massage is known as the “hands of love”. Lomi Lomi is a flowing continuous touch over the body. The head to toe long strokes vary in depth, speed and direction to produce a release of blocked energies, loosen tensions and promote profound relaxation. Gentle muscle stretching, soft joint movement and comfort moves increase mobility and vitality. The sensation of floating on an ocean wave is a surrender of self that brings about increased circulation and lymphatic flow, toxin release, pain relief, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, enhances concentraton, increases overall sense of calmness, well-being and happiness, just to name a few of the many benefits. Lomi Lomi is nurturance and pure aloha healing for the body, mind and soul.
How Lomi Lomi is performed: the client may choose between two methods of draping or covering the body [more on draping]. Both ways bring about the same benefits of relaxation with only slight variations dictated by the clients needs. The lomi lomi room is referred to as the “temple” and its sacredness is reflected in the soft lighting, candle light, very warm temperatures as well as the spiritual ambiance and personal essence of the practioner. The massage is always begun with the practioner speaking a Huna healing chant and prayers calling for the healing blessings. The oil is warmed and spread on the body with great focus and intent to bring about the energetic opening for the highest possible good of the individual.
The session always closes with a chant of honoring and respect, while the client lays quietly within the tranquil cacoon of healing bliss. The practioner allows the client a private rest period in order to allow time for the body to absorb the lomi lomi deep within its cells. This reverence is a form of silent mediation and gratitude prayer for the sharing of energy among the client, practioner and the highest powers that be. This is not affiliated with any particular structured religion, it is purely spiritual vibrations of love. The giver is the receiver, the channel for aloha and light to flow in abundance.
Two methods of draping or covering the body:
Traditional: much like western spa practices in that the bed is covered with sheets, the body also fully covered. As the massage begins the back is uncovered to allow oiling and strokes on the neck, shoulders, down the back to the waist as well as arms and hands. The covering and uncovering of half the body at a time offers more modesty for the client and sense of safety and protection. At all times the “private” areas of the body are covered . The traditional draping does determine the types of under/over strokes that may or may not be done as the sheets do tend to remove oil and impede some movements. The difference is minimal in that the healing aspect is the same for both, simply the flow may very slightly.
Temple: the body lies directly on the bare leather bed and is covered mainly over the mid trunk section to knees. The exposed back, arms, legs are oiled from shoulder to toes in long flowing strokes as well as under/over movements increase release of tensions and holding patterns. Temple allows for both hands and arms to work over and under the body at the same time providing pressure on both sides of limbs and increasing the surrender to bliss…The flowing, unimpeded wave–like rhythms are what I like to refer to as “swimming the body or swimming with the dolphins”. Lomi lomi means hands of love while the dolphin is an honored teacher and friend. Water (wai) is the sacred element of cleansing and purifying and is over 80% of our human body composition. We are conceived, grown and birthed in water…..our thanks to mother earth for her endless bounty. May we honor her and conserve with respect.
Either draping you choose, your best interests within respectful boundaries are always the intention. The entire session will reflect this right from the welcoming reception, the personalized massage and gentle reverence period. A holistic and complete experience all the way to the warm exchanges of Aloha at departure.