Lomi Lomi, also called Lomi Lomi Nui, is a traditional Hawaiian massage performed with long, flowing strokes of the hands and forearms. The strokes cover large areas of the body at once – often from the feet all the way up to the shoulders – and flow into one another without breaks, in a rhythm that resembles waves. The massage is done with plenty of warm oil, usually for 60–120 minutes. Its effect is above all relaxing: it helps you unwind and release tense muscles.
Below we explain where Lomi Lomi comes from, what a session looks like, how it differs from classic massage and how to learn the technique.
What does the name Lomi Lomi mean?
In Hawaiian, the word lomi means to knead, rub, press and massage. Doubling the word strengthens its meaning, and nui means “great”. Lomi Lomi Nui can therefore be loosely translated as “the great massage”.
Where does Lomi Lomi massage come from?
Lomi Lomi comes from old Hawaii, where it was part of traditional health care and was usually passed down within families. It became more widely known in the 20th century. One of the most important figures of this tradition was Margaret Machado (1916–2009), known as “Aunty Margaret” – the first native Hawaiian to receive a massage licence and a teacher of many lomilomi students. She described this massage as a loving touch that connects heart, hands and soul.
Lomi Lomi grows out of the Hawaiian philosophy of aloha – kindness and respect for another person. That is why there is so much talk about mindfulness in this massage, and about the therapist working with their whole self, not just their hands.
What does a Lomi Lomi massage look like, step by step?
- A short talk. The therapist asks how you feel, about any contraindications and what pressure you like.
- Getting ready. You lie down on a massage table or bed. The parts of the body that are not being massaged at a given moment are covered with a towel.
- Warm oil. Lomi Lomi needs more oil than classic massage, because it keeps the long strokes smooth and uninterrupted.
- Long forearm strokes. The therapist moves along the whole length of the body, linking the back, legs and arms into one sequence. They work with their body weight, move around the table, and their movement is often compared to a dance.
- Rhythm and breath. Gentle, slow touches alternate with deeper ones. The massage often takes place to calm music, and the therapist matches the pace to the breath.
- Calm. At the end you rest for a moment before getting up.
At our salon in Wola, Warsaw, a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage lasts 60, 90 or 120 minutes. We adjust the intensity to how you feel – from very gentle to deeper.
Lomi Lomi vs. classic massage – the differences
| Lomi Lomi | Classic massage | |
|---|---|---|
| Strokes | long and flowing, performed with the hands and forearms | five techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading, tapping, vibration |
| Coverage | large areas at once, the stroke flows from one part of the body to another | usually one area at a time, e.g. the back, then the legs |
| Rhythm | continuous, wave-like, without breaks | clear transitions between techniques |
| Oil | plenty of warm oil | a moderate amount |
| Goal | deep relaxation and calm | relaxation or work on specific muscles |
If your goal is to work on painful tension in your back and neck, a therapeutic massage will be a better choice.
Who is Lomi Lomi massage for?
Lomi Lomi is a good choice when you need a rest after a stressful period, feel tension throughout your body or simply want to try something other than classic massage. It is a relaxation massage and does not replace medical treatment – if you are dealing with pain or an injury, consult a doctor or physiotherapist first.
Contraindications to Lomi Lomi massage
Lomi Lomi has the same contraindications as other full-body massages. Skip the massage or ask your doctor first if you have:
- a fever, an infection or acute inflammation,
- a recent injury, a wound or a skin condition in the area to be massaged,
- thrombosis or severe varicose veins,
- cancer – massage only with your doctor’s approval,
- uncontrolled high blood pressure or serious heart disease,
- pregnancy – massage then requires consultation and an adapted technique.
Tell the therapist about any health issues before the session. This is standard in every professional studio.
How to learn Lomi Lomi massage
Lomi Lomi looks simple because it is so fluid, but it requires good technique: working with body weight instead of arm strength, smooth transitions and breath control. That is why it is best learned on an in-person course, with exercises in pairs and an instructor who corrects your movement.
On the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage course at Rose & Wine Massage Academy in Warsaw you will learn the characteristic techniques, how to work with breath and your own body weight, and how to link the movements into one flowing ritual. We teach in small groups, the course ends with a certificate, and prices start at 600 PLN. If you are still choosing your first technique, have a look at our guide which massage course to take.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Lomi Lomi massage last?
Usually 60 to 120 minutes. A longer session allows the whole body to be covered calmly and helps you relax more deeply.
Do I need to undress for a Lomi Lomi massage?
The massage is done directly on the skin with oil, so you take off your clothes. You usually keep your underwear on, often disposable, and the parts of the body that are not being massaged are covered with a towel.
Does Lomi Lomi massage hurt?
It should not. The pressure is adjusted to how you feel, and if something is too strong, just say so.
What is the difference between Lomi Lomi and Lomi Lomi Nui?
It is the same massage. “Nui” means “great” in Hawaiian, and both names are used interchangeably.
Sources
- Lomilomi massage – Wikipedia (meaning of the word, after the Ulukau Hawaiian dictionary)
- Massage Magazine – Lomilomi Massage: Discover Traditional Hawaiian Healing Techniques (technique, Margaret Machado)
