Lomi Lomi is a healing art traditionally practiced by native Hawaiian shamans. Hawaiian Temple Bodywork, or Ke Ala Hoku is called the ‘Pathways to the Stars’ and is a distinctive form of this ancient art. Deep inside the sacred temples, this rite of passage was designed to awaken and enlighten the being in the physical body: to help one become aware of his or her true calling in life and provide the space for them to receive visions and transformation. This bodywork would have been performed for hours or days with rotating practitioners working continually. Today, the practice has shifted but the intent remains the same.

I had been a practicing massage therapist for over a decade when I received my first session of Lomi Lomi. It was unlike any form of bodywork I had ever experienced. I was so moved by the flowing strokes, music and nurturing that I knew this was something I wanted to incorporate in my life. I left the table feeling beautiful, loved and centered. What a glorious way to allow sacred space into your life! Now, as a Lomi Lomi practitioner, I have seen clients moved to tears, receive insights and wisdom, and really be able to let go of stress.

What is Lomi Lomi?

by Kate Douds, CMT

The session is done in a heated room directly on the vinyl surface of the table. After the client is comfortably draped, the body is heavily oiled which allows the practitioner to move easily across the whole body in full strokes as well as facilitate both top and lower strokes at the same time. The forearm is used for most of the strokes in a fluid rhythmic motion like a tropical ocean breeze, each movement feeding into the next. These continuous movements combined with the dance-like foot and body movements of the practitioner create a beautiful and sensual experience that can help re-weave areas of the body back together and instill a feeling of deep peace and harmony.

Along with the movements, music is a strong component of the session, moving from beautiful traditional Hawaiian songs to intense, deep shamanic drumming patterns and back into soulful integrative music and sounds. This combination allows the recipient to move into deep states of meditation or relaxation, allowing the body to rest, heal and completely receive the energy. The aim for this work can be just a deeply relaxing massage or a deep healing experience when you take that intent with you into the session. The intent completely depends on how you want to direct the experience. A Lomi Lomi practitioner touches your body with total nonjudgement, compassion and love and a deep connection to ALL THAT IS lingers long after the session if complete. Aloha.

Kate Douds

Summer, 2004

Introducing the Practitioners

Kate Douds is a member of ABMP, graduate of Health Enrichment Center and has been practicing clinical, deep tissue and therapeutic massage for over ten years. Trained by Tom Cochran in Lomi Lomi, she finds this sacred work brings together her seasoned skills as a massage therapist and many years of spiritual studies. Kate can be reached at the Center for Yoga or 333-7271.

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