Lomilomi Essay

I wanted to see more lomilomi techniques after witnessing Aunty Epo’s so I looked for videos. I was incredibly surprised to see numerous videos of lomilomi massage. There were many different techniques that were being shown on the internet for anyone to see. Some of these videos were used as teaching purposes and some were used as advertisement. There were a couple of lomilomi practitioners who were mesmerizing as they were skilled in making the massage into a beautiful dance. I saw many different styles of lomilomi that I could not keep track. I saw the use of leaves wrapped around stones placed on an individuals back. I saw someone using a lomi stick. There were many videos of people using their forearms to massage and others of people using salt as

Lomilomi is a sacred, ancient, healing art. Massage is only a part of this healing art. Spirituality seems to be the number one aspect that surrounds lomilomi. It is an art of caring and an art of harmony. It’s a part of Hawaiian culture. People have worked hard to make sure that it stays relevant in today’s world, which also means opening it up to other people so that they can learn. Whether that fact is good or bad is up to every person. I see both sides which was only made possible for me through my research and speaking with Jared and Aunty Epo. After pondering my research question, “How is the ancient practice of lomilomi used in today 's modern times?” I realized that the entirety of my research and overall experience learning about lomilomi could answer that question. It seems there are two sides of lomilomi that uncovered themselves in my research. The side that embodies the ancient traditions and spirituality that the healing art puts forth, and the side in which lomilomi is seen as a massage. Overall, when it comes to lomilomi, I know that I have only just begun learning what I need to know to truly understand what it offers to the