v., See LOMI. To rub; to squeeze and chafe the limbs of one who is weary or in pain; to shampoo except the bathing.
2. To mitigate or ease pain by so doing.
3. To mend letters in writing, that is, to draw the pen two or three times over the same line to improve its appearance.
4. To feel of a thing to ascertain its qualities; lomilomi iho la kuu lima i ua pohaku la, he paakiki la! my hand felt of that stone, it was hard.
5. To act upon, as the Spirit of God acts upon the heart; i na manawa a pau loa kona (ko ke Akua) lomilomi ana mai ia'u, at all times has he (God) acted upon me.
6. The servant whose business it was to take care of the spittle and excrements of the chief.
7. v., To rub out; blot out; to erase by massage.
8. v., To act under occult power, as in the influence of a god on the life.

SOURCE: https://kumukahi.org/units/na-kanaka/mauli-ola/lomilomi

Mai ka piko o ke poʻo a ka poli o ka wāwae, a laʻa ma nā kihi ʻehā o ke kino.
From the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, and the four corners of the body.
An expression used in prayers of healing.
— ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #2066

Hawaiian Massage and Its Healing Tradition

What is Lomilomi?

Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian form of massage that involves a variety of techniques using different parts of the practitioner's body. Practitioners may use their knuckles, palms, fingers, forearms, elbows, and feet to perform the massage. Stones and sticks may also be used as tools. Lomilomi can vary across different islands and families, reflecting diverse practices and techniques.

The Spiritual Aspect of Lomilomi

Beyond its physical benefits, lomilomi incorporates spiritual elements. Pule (prayer) is an integral part of the practice, performed before, during, and after the massage. Practitioners channel spiritual energy, or mana, from akua (gods) and ‘aumākua (ancestral spirits) to the recipient. This energy, combined with the recipient's own mana, facilitates healing.

Lomilomi is deeply rooted in the principle of aloha (love and compassion). Practitioners are encouraged to approach their work with genuine intention, removing negative thoughts and focusing on respect and honesty. Aunty Margaret Machado, a revered elder, emphasized that a practitioner’s gentle touch, clear mind, and loving heart are essential for effective healing, allowing the Great Spirit’s healing energy to flow through both the practitioner and the recipient.

Historical Use of Lomilomi

In early Hawaiian society, lomilomi was a widespread practice. It was used by various members of the community for different purposes:

Chiefs: Used lomilomi to aid digestion after meals.
Warriors: Applied lomilomi to alleviate muscle soreness from training.
Farmers: Found relief from the physical strain of their labor.

Families used lomilomi as a means to maintain and restore health. Newborns would receive lomilomi to strengthen their bodies, and as children grew, they would learn the practice to benefit others. Lomilomi was also used for athletic training, easing muscle tension, and alleviating cramps in older adults. Visitors to the islands often experienced lomilomi as well.

Training and Expertise

The practice of lomilomi was passed down through generations. Kūpuna (elders) taught their families and communities the techniques and spiritual aspects of the practice. Those who became experts, or kāhuna lomilomi, underwent extensive training, often lasting many years. These experts understood the interconnectedness of physical health, mental state, and spiritual alignment, and addressed all these aspects when treating patients.

Lomilomi Today

Contemporary practitioners continue to honor the traditions of lomilomi. They employ traditional methods and maintain the spiritual components of the practice, integrating mana and aloha into their work. Lomilomi remains a part of family life, with children and elders benefiting from the practice. It is also seen as a form of preventative care, promoting overall well-being by increasing blood flow, relaxing the body, and removing toxins.

Practitioners and recipients alike understand that health is a balance of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Lomilomi serves as a reminder to maintain pono (right) thoughts, feelings, and actions, helping to ensure a balanced and healthy life.