ABOUT - SCHOOL - INSTRUCTOR -HAWAII

CLASSES - LEVEL 1 - LEVEL 2 -LOMILOMI

CLINIC

CONTACT

My kumu (teacher) Maka'ala Yates is an indigenous Hawaiian elder, who began learning about Lomilomi in his childhood. He studied with the renowned master Aunty Margaret for many years, and now devotes his life to passing on this knowledge to others around the world.

True Lomilomi as it was practiced by the ancient Hawaiian kahunas and by a few today, is a multi-faceted approach to healing. It is an art and a science that takes a lifetime to master. It is also a traditional form of health care in Hawaii.

It incorporates:

• Bodywork/massage - broad strokes that sink deeply into the tissues. It stretches, softens and loosens muscles, calms the nervous system as it improves circulation, both blood and lymphatic. Joint mobilizations are incorporated to increase range of motion and flexibility, also it is felt that sometimes blocked energy resides in the joints that can be released through passive movements.

• Ho'oponopono - a counseling method used to clear a persons emotions. Loosely translated, it means to put to rights. The relationship between our emotions and physical ailments is clearly acknowledged by the Hawaiians. This method is used not only with clients, but also by the Lomilomi practitioner to clear their own issues. Aunty Margaret, the most famous, Lomilomi practitioner alive today says: "before the sun sets every day, you must empty your heart of jealousy and anger."
• Prayer - this is considered as perhaps the most important component in the mix. An acknowledgment that the divine presence working through us is the true healer. It is important to begin and end each session with a prayer (out loud or silently). Keeping a mindful presence throughout the treatment, asking for divine help.

• La'au lapa'au - herbal healing. A true Lomilomi healer is also well versed in the ancient science of healing with plants. Teas, salves, and poultices might be made and prescribed to the client. Because of their close spiritual relationship with the natural kingdom, ancient kahunas were able to divine the healing properties of leaves, roots, fruits, barks and flowers. Also oils, kukui nut and coconut might be infused with other ingredients much like we use aromatherapy today.
• Cleansing - directions on cleansing your colon might be the first instruction you receive when presenting with a physical ailment to a practitioner. This usually entails a process involving ingesting diluted saltwater, herbal preparations, rest, and Lomilomi massage focusing on the digestive system. The connection between our eliminatory organs and our health is clearly understood in the Lomilomi tradition.

If you are considering becoming a student of Lomilomi, the process begins by learning a fundamental massage routine, focusing on opening your heart to the client and using a loving touch. You will also learn some basics about Hawaiian history, traditions and chanting. It is important that you walk away with a 'feeling' about this work. It is about so much more than the techniques. If you feel drawn to learn more, there is more available, but many are content to incorporate what they learn in what they already know.

My background is in Medical Massage, which I feel created a strong foundation for me to build upon. At first Lomilomi seemed very simple (then I remembered something I always say, "life is simple, we just make it difficult"). As time went on, I was able to apply the medical principles I knew to the work, and began to glean a deeper understanding of the methodology. I found myself incorporating more and more Lomilomi techniques in my sessions. It feels really wonderful, and releases muscles and energy with ease for both the client and the therapist.

Learning Lomilomi is a healing journey, for you as a therapist and myself as the teacher. As we embark on this road together, my intention is to create a fun, educational, healing, relaxing, joyful experience for us all. Please consider joining me.

 

The workshop is held at the Pu'u Lokahi retreat hale at the
Ah-Paradise Bed & Breakfast.

 

Lomilomi 1 workshop includes:

• A fundamental, full body lomilomi massage
• Hawaiian chants
• Brief history of Lomilomi and Hawaii
• Group weaving of a Ti leaf lei (pending availability of materials)
• Potluck lunch