What is a session like?

It is important for me that the session is personalised at all times and no two sessions are identical. The music used during a session is not always specified either. Moreover, I like experimenting with music during my sessions, therefore, apart from the traditional Hawaiian songs and usual therapeutic soundtracks, I often use different styles as well, taken into consideration the clients’ current issue/life situation, and even what kind of music the client prefers. So the styles vary from pop, rock, through electro, trance, dubstep to classical music.

Before the massage starts, there is a brief introduction, aiming for the client to share his/her current emotions, life situation, topic that he/she is willing to work with during the session. This will be our focus throughout the massage. I always open and close the massage with a prayer. Through the massage I sometimes work in silence or usually with some kind of music/playlist. Lomilomi is done with oil (I use organic sesame seed oil) and limited draping is used (I cover the intimate parts), so that the long and continuous flowing, wave-like strokes can be delivered. I work mostly by using the forearms and palms, and the movements of the arms are accompanied by traditional Hula steps. The flowing movements are combined with rocking, lifts, and sometimes with gentle, sometimes with more dynamic work on the joints (stretches, rotations) which helps in letting go of any tension. Occasionally I use lava stones, too, and the elements of Kahi Loa (“The Four Elements” massage). One of the last steps of the session is a ritual “feet-wash”, rarely a ritual “full body-wash”. All these techniques and elements are used intuitively. The session ends with a brief conversation: we share and summarize our experiences.

The benefits of the Lomilomi massage:

• improves circulation
• boosts the immune system
• helps in the regeneration of the body
• increases the flexibility of the joints
• unlocks physical, emotional and mental tension, stress
• it is beneficial against headaches, depression, burnout
• helps regain our self-esteem and power
• helps let go of old (transgenerational) patterns and limitations
• helps relax and/or energize
• helps restore the harmony between body, mind and soul

The Lomilomi massage as a therapy is excellent for helping to cope with emotional traumas, e.g. loss, abuse. It can also be effective in helping with addictions and is brilliant for developing greater self-awareness and consciousness.