Lomi lomi is part of an ancient Hawaiian way of maintaining good health.

Healing of the body was done through Lomi Lomi massage, and Lau’au’lapa’au, the use of medicinal herbs and plants. Healing of the mind was done through Ho’oponopono, spiritually ‘erasing’ the negative occurrences of the past so that one could move on in his or her life, and through Hawaiian Values where you learn the skills needed to sustain yourself through times of stress and crisis. Spiritual healing was done through oli, chant, and pule, prayer.

In ancient times each person from kupuna, grandparent, to keiki, child, received Lomi Lomi every day to maintain good health. At the end of the day they would gather together to massage each other and to talk about what had happened that day. The little ones walked on their grandfather’s back as he lay on a lauhala mat on the floor. Everyone enjoyed the loving touch that relaxed their bodies. Lomi Lomi was important for the physical relief it brought, and because it brought them closer together as a family.

With the arrival of the Western culture, the ancient Hawaiian ways were banned. Huna, ancient Hawaiian practices, Hula, the arts, Lua, martial arts, Lomi Lomi, Lau’aulapa’au, and the Hawaiian language were forbidden. The families that had mastered these arts refused to let it go, and kept these practices alive secretly within their families. Because Lomi Lomi was hidden within different family groups, the Lomi Lomi styles were diverse. Each family preserved what was relevant and important to them. There is no one way to do Lomi Lomi; there is no ‘right’ way to do it. There are many ways. I always caution my students never to criticize the teachings of other Lomi Lomi teachers. We are all one, every person who practices Lomi Lomi shares a part of the knowledge passed down to us. We stand in the light and share this light with others.

There is no separation, there is only love.

• Kumu Karen Leialoha Carrol