Lomilomi is the word used today to mean "massage therapist" or "Hawaiian massage." In the Hawaiian language, the word used traditionally, called lomi, means "to knead, to rub, or soothe; to work in and out, as the paws of a contented cat. Lomilomi practitioners use the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones. It may be performed with or without emollient. Lomilomi practices varied by family, Ahupuaʻa (traditional region) and island.
Traditionally in ancient Hawaii lomilomi was practiced in four contexts:
1. As a healing practice of native healers -- kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau (healers) and kahuna hāhā (diagnosticians)
2. As a luxury and an aid to digestion, especially by the ruling chiefs (aliʻi)
3. As restorative massage within the family
4. By ʻōlohe lua (masters of the Hawaiian martial arts)
Lomi Lomi is an indigenous Hawaiian healing practice which usually includes massage – but not always. Many believe that 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.
Lomi Lomi encompasses many different ‘styles’ each unique to their geographical location and/or their family of origin. Lomi Lomi was practiced by the native healers (Kahuna lā’au lapa’au) and was used as a restorative health practice within families.