What Is Lomi Lomi Nui? A Hawaiian Massage for Presence and Connection

Lomi Lomi Nui is often described as a Hawaiian massage, but there is much more to it than a sequence of techniques.

For me, Lomi Lomi Nui is an experience of slowing down, receiving and reconnecting with the body.

The long, flowing movements, the rhythm of the massage and the quality of touch can create a feeling of being carried, almost like moving with ocean waves or being held in safe arms.

The roots of Lomi Lomi

Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian form of bodywork that developed within the cultural and spiritual traditions of Hawai'i.

Different practitioners and lineages have their own ways of understanding and practicing Lomi. Traditionally, it was part of healing practices and rituals.

The term "Lomi Lomi" is commonly translated as "“to knead, to rub, or soothe; to work in and out, as the paws of a contented cat", but the practice goes beyond a particular massage technique. It can involve touch, movement, breath, prayer, intention and presence.

Lomi Lomi Nui is sometimes described as a "Hawaiian temple massage". This description refers to particular traditions and lineages in which massage was connected with ritual and spiritual practice. It is important to remember that Hawaiian healing traditions are diverse, and Lomi Lomi should not be reduced to a single modern interpretation.

I honor the ritual roots of Lomi Lomi by chanting to open space and inviting you to set an intention for the session. Following the Huna principle of Makia: "Energy flows where attention goes. What you focus on expands and grows in your life." My wish is for the massage to nourish your life beyond the physical body.

What makes Lomi Lomi Nui different?

One of the most distinctive qualities of Lomi Lomi Nui is its flowing movement.

Instead of working on one small area for a long time, I use long strokes with the hands and forearms, creating a continuous rhythm across the body.

Warm oil allows the movements to flow smoothly so the massage can feel like one continuous movement surrounding your body.

You may feel as if you are being carried by waves.

The pressure can vary from very gentle to deeper, depending on what feels right for your body. The whole body can be included, while intimate areas remain covered.

The importance of presence

Presence is an important part of how I practice Lomi Lomi Nui.

This means being attentive to what is happening in the room, to your body language and breathing, and to the quality of the touch.

It also means inviting you to be present with your own experience.

You don't have to perform relaxation. You don't have to clear your mind or make anything happen.

You can simply notice sensations and the feeling of being taken care of and supported.

There is no right experience.

Can emotions come up during Lomi Lomi Nui?

Yes, sometimes they can.

Our bodies are closely connected with our emotions and thoughts. When we slow down and receive sustained, attentive touch, we may become aware of sensations or emotions that we usually ignore.

You might feel sadness, relief, joy, tenderness, vulnerability or nothing particularly emotional at all.

You might also experience silence and the chatter in your head quieting.

I don't approach Lomi Lomi with the expectation that you need to release something. If emotions arise, we make space for them.

This is also where my training in Somatic Experiencing influences my approach.

Lomi Lomi Nui and Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing is a body-based trauma healing method that helps us become more aware of sensations, emotions and nervous system responses.

While Lomi Lomi Nui and Somatic Experiencing are different practices, they can complement each other beautifully.

Both invite us to slow down and become more aware of what is happening in the body in a safe space of the session.

During Lomi, you might notice that your breathing changes, that an area of tension softens, or that you suddenly become aware of a sensation that you had not noticed before.

There is no need to analyse it.

You can notice what is happening and stay connected with your own experience.

For people who feel disconnected from their bodies, this can be a safe way of beginning to rebuild that relationship.

What about safe and conscious touch?

Touch can be deeply nourishing, but it can also feel complicated for some people.

Our relationship with touch is shaped by our personal history. Some people rarely experience non-sexual touch. Others have experienced touch that crossed their boundaries or did not feel safe.

This is why consent and boundaries are central to my practice.

You remain in control of your experience throughout the session.

We talk beforehand about anything that is important for me to know. You can ask for adjustments or you can pause or stop the massage whenever you want.

The massage can stretch you, but should never be painful or stressful.

Touch is never something you owe to the practitioner.

What can you expect from a Lomi Lomi Nui session?

We begin with a conversation about how you are feeling and what you would like from the session.

Then I leave you space to change into a pareo and lie down on the massage table.

I then open the space with a short chant.

During the massage, I use warm oil and long, flowing movements with my hands and forearms. The pressure and rhythm adapt to your body.

You may hear my breathing as I work. It is an invitation for you to connect with your own breath.

At the end, there is time to rest quietly before we talk about your experience and you return to the rest of your day.

What might Lomi Lomi Nui support?

People come for Lomi Lomi Nui for many different reasons.

You may be looking for deep relaxation and time away from everyday demands.

You may want to reconnect with your body again.

You may feel stressed, tense or overwhelmed and want space to slow down.

Or you may be curious about experiencing touch in a way that feels safe, respectful and nourishing.

People sometimes describe leaving a session with:

• a greater sense of relaxation

• more awareness of their body

• deeper breathing

• a feeling of grounding

• a quieter mind

• a sense of being cared for and nourished

  
  

The intention is not to promise a particular result, but to create a space where you can slow down, listen to yourself and receive.

Is Lomi Lomi Nui right for you?

You don't need to have a particular problem to receive Lomi Lomi Nui.

You can come because you are tired or just curious.

Because you want to reconnect with your body.

Because you miss being touched in a safe and respectful way.

Because you want two hours where you don't have to do anything.

If you are unsure whether Lomi Lomi Nui or another form of bodywork would be most supportive for you, we can talk about it before scheduling a session.

I invite you also to take a look at this blog post explaining the differences between types of bodywork I offer.

For booking and practical information click here