specialty treatments
Ancient Origins: The Roots of Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi, also known as Kahuna Bodywork or Temple Style Lomi, originates from the ancient Hawaiian healing traditions. More than just a massage, it was a sacred practice deeply intertwined with Hawaiian spirituality, community, and holistic well-being. The practice was performed in Hawaiian temples as a means of both physical healing and spiritual transformation. It was passed down through family lineages and practiced by the Kahunas, or master healers, who worked with energy (mana) and intention to restore balance within the individual.
Lomi Lomi was not just reserved for physical healing; it was also an integral part of rites of passage, spiritual purification, and even conflict resolution. Hawaiian royalty (Ali’i) received this work to maintain their connection with the divine, and warriors sought Lomi Lomi to prepare for battle or to recover afterward.
The temple style technique itself is characterized by flowing, rhythmic strokes applied with the hands and forearms, often in a continuous, wave-like motion. This movement mirrors the natural flow of the ocean, embodying the Hawaiian philosophy that everything in life moves in cycles and that healing comes from restoring flow—both in the body and in one’s emotional and energetic state. The movements are performed with chi (life force energy), resembling a Tai Chi-like flow that allows the recipient to enter a deeply meditative state.
Unlike Western massage modalities, which often focus on addressing specific pain points or muscular dysfunction, Lomi Lomi is performed with no rigid intent to "fix" the body. Instead, it creates a dynamic re-patterning process that allows the body's innate intelligence to realign itself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a dance, a meditation, and a transmission of healing energy all in one.
Cultural Suppression and the Quieting of Traditional Healing
With the arrival of Christian missionaries and Western influence in the 19th and early 20th centuries, many traditional Hawaiian practices—including Lomi Lomi—were discouraged, if not outright banned. Hawaiian spiritual and healing traditions were labeled as pagan or superstitious, forcing many practitioners underground. The cultural suppression led to a significant decline in the open practice of Lomi Lomi, with many Kahunas choosing to keep their knowledge within family circles.
For decades, this sacred bodywork was hidden from outsiders, preserved only by those dedicated to keeping the traditions alive. It was not until the mid-20th century, when Hawaiian cultural resurgence began to take hold, that Lomi Lomi re-emerged as a respected and sought-after healing modality.
Hawaiian Renaissance - A Renewed Interest in Cultural Practices and an Embrace of Hawaiian Healing
Language: Following a period of suppression, the 1970s saw a concerted effort to revive Hawaiian cultural practices and traditions, including the language. This movement led to the establishment of immersion schools and the incorporation of the language into public education. Restoration of Traditional Place Names: There was a movement to restore indigenous Hawaiian place names, reflecting a deeper respect for Hawaiian culture and history. This effort aimed to reclaim cultural identity and acknowledge the significance of these names. Promotion of Cultural Practices: The Hawaiian Renaissance brought renewed interest in traditional practices such as hula, navigation, and healing arts like Lomi Lomi. This period marked a broader embrace of Hawaiian cultural traditions.
Influence of Kahuna Abraham Kawai’i
Kahuna Abraham Kawai’i played a pivotal role in sharing Lomi Lomi beyond Hawaii. He introduced this healing art to a global audience through intensive training that combined physical movement, breathwork, and spiritual alignment. His teachings emphasized that Lomi Lomi was not just a technique but a way of being—integrating Hawaiian wisdom with deep personal transformation. His influence extended to places like Australia, Brazil, Ireland, and Germany, where practitioners continue to uphold these traditions.
Contributions of Aunty Margaret Machado
Aunty Margaret Machado was a renowned healer who was among the first to openly teach Lomi Lomi to non-Hawaiians. She emphasized compassion, prayer, and the belief that true healing begins with the heart. Her teachings made this sacred practice accessible to a broader audience, ensuring its preservation and growth.
Contemporary Hawaiian Cultural Practices: Today, authentic Hawaiian cultural practices, including Lomi Lomi, are found both within Hawaii and globally. While Hawaii remains a hub for these traditions, the commercialization of certain aspects for tourism means that authentic practices may sometimes be interwoven with tourist-oriented experiences. However, dedicated practitioners worldwide continue to honor and preserve the true essence of these cultural traditions.
The Emergence of Esalen
period, the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, was becoming a hub for intellectuals, self-exploration, and the human potential movement. Attracting thinkers, artists, and seekers from around the world, Esalen was known for its openness to alternative healing, communal living, and experimental approaches to psychology and spirituality. Nudity, marijuana, free thinking, communal hot tubs, and reciprocal, open-air massage were all common practices.
Esalen became the launching pad for many bodywork modalities that are widely practiced today. Techniques like Rolfing, Trager, Craniosacral Therapy (developed by John Upledger), and others found a fertile testing ground there, with practitioners challenging each other, refining their methods, and developing new approaches to touch and healing.
Esalen itself started to develop its own signature form of bodywork, one that, in my opinion, draws heavily from the long, flowing strokes of Lomi Lomi. Though there is no officially acknowledged connection between Esalen and Lomi Lomi, the geographical proximity of Esalen to Hawaii, coupled with the rising Western interest in alternative healing practices, suggests a likely influence. I like to call it “Lomi Lite.”
Esalen Massage was developed at the institute as a retreat-based healing practice that integrated elements of Swedish massage, breathwork, and Gestalt psychology, emphasizing an intuitive, deeply connected approach to touch. Rather than following a structured, clinical methodology, Esalen practitioners embraced a flowing, intuitive style that invited both giver and receiver into a state of presence. Like Lomi Lomi, it employs long, rhythmic strokes, an emphasis on breath, and a deep focus on connection.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Esalen Massage is its integration of mindfulness and body awareness. Sessions are often characterized by a sense of fluidity, as if the practitioner is "listening" to the body rather than imposing a technique upon it. This approach encourages deep relaxation, emotional release, and an enhanced sense of embodiment.
While Esalen Massage has historically been associated with nudity—both for the giver and receiver—this was largely a reflection of the institute’s early countercultural environment rather than an inherent requirement of the practice. In its formative years, Esalen embraced a philosophy of body acceptance and freedom, which often included clothing-optional settings. However, nudity has never been a fundamental aspect of Esalen Massage itself. Today, in professional settings, nudity is typically discouraged or subject to clear boundaries based on client preference and ethical considerations. The focus remains on creating a safe, therapeutic space where deep healing can occur through touch, breath, and mindful awareness.
A Shared Connection at Healing Hands
Though rooted in distinct traditions, Lomi Lomi and Esalen Massage share fundamental principles: fluidity of movement, mindful breathing, and an emphasis on deep connection—not only between the practitioner and client but also within the client’s own body and spirit.
Both approaches recognize that healing is not solely a physical process but also an emotional and energetic one. By inviting a state of profound relaxation and openness, they create the space for transformative shifts that extend far beyond the massage table.
Lomi Lomi carries the wisdom of an ancient culture and its spiritual practices, while Esalen Massage embodies the spirit of the human potential movement—open to exploration, growth, and self-discovery. In many ways, these two modalities are different expressions of the same core truth: that healing arises from within, nurtured through presence, connection, and a willingness to release what no longer serves us.
The Evolution and Modern Adaptations Today
Flōte
Today, both Lomi Lomi and Esalen Massage continue to evolve, carried forward by brave, dedicated practitioners who recognize the power of mindful, intentional touch.
As my own practice evolves, I’ve drawn from the best of these traditions and techniques, while also incorporating elements from my experiences teaching and practicing in Germany, where I developed a deep love and appreciation for their sauna culture (Saunakultur).
Water Lomi is a rare practice, as it requires a pool. However, inspired by the feeling of immersion in salt pools and the sensation of weightlessness, I’ve adapted this experience to the massage table, creating a feast for the senses. The addition of sauna elements, such as sauna honey (saunahong) and salt scrubs, enhances the experience, bringing a more complete spa dimension to the practice.