Lomi Lomi Massage History
To the native people of a Hawaii, the practice of lomi lomi, a spiritual healing art that is deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition and culture, has withstood the test of time--even enduring oppression by the governing political system. Though its practice was once banned, it has reemerged with fervent expansion, crossing the boundaries of Hawaiian tradition and into American, European and Asian societies where anyone who is sincere in the pursuit of its knowledge is welcomed.
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Lomi Lomi Genesis
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The emergence of the practice of lomi lomi dates back several thousand years. From its inception, lomi lomi was taught by elders ("kupuna") and shamanistic healers to those who were determined worthy to carry on the tradition during their childhood. Within each community, lomi lomi was taught and experienced by its members to achieve both spiritual and physical health. Lomi lomi's philosophical nature, or "huna," is based predominantly on spiritual connectedness and pure, sincere intention of love. The practice healed in such a profound manner that some visitors to the islands who observed the healing art firsthand were not only impressed, but frightened.
Denial of Liberty
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Early in the 18th century, a group of missionaries who, upon witnessing the healing practices and their profound effects, determined that lomi lomi had no place among the island's people. As political unrest escalated, changes were sought to ward out unhealthy practices by new government standards. In 1893, lomi lomi was banned along with all healing arts, as well as the study of the Hawaiian language and even hula dancing. Practitioners faced punishment for practicing lomi lomi techniques.
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Defiance
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Denying the native peoples of their freedom to practice their own cultural beliefs only forced them to perform lomi lomi massage on the sly, strictly practicing in their own circles. Passing down lomi lomi, their beloved connection to spirit, meant more than laws.
Liberation
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After nearly 70 years of continued effort on the part of the native peoples to disguise their true nature to avoid punishment, the laws were once again changed and the right to practice spiritual arts was reinstated. Reverence for the love of their ancient traditions could now be openly displayed, and as a result lomi lomi began to make a pronounced comeback. Elders were sought out for their knowledge and wisdom, while groups of people would gather together to share the once-arcane spiritual truths that mattered so much to them.
Margaret Machado
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One particular individual, honored for her passion for lomi lomi, stepped up to welcome and embrace any person, of any culture or origin who wanted to learn lomi lomi massage. Her name was Margaret Machado, but she was affectionately known as "Auntie Margaret." Today her teachings flourish, and have branched out beyond the borders of the Hawaiian islands into the United States as well as parts of Asia and Europe.
Although she is retired now, her daughter, Nerita, takes up where Auntie Margaret left off. The healing art of lomi lomi is still taught with love and reverence from the heart, and is widely available to anyone who seeks the knowledge.
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Comments
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makanachai
Apr 03, 2010
Mahalo - thank you - for posting about lomilomi. As the author of two books on lomilomi, I must make two corrections. First, I'm sorry to say that our lovely Aunty Margaret passed away in 2009. However, her daughter Nerita continues to teach as of this writing. Second, it is not true that the missionaries banned lomilomi. They enjoyed it! Lomilomi has had legal difficulties only since 1947, when a law was passed to regulate massage. Today, traditional practitioners who do not take the state massage board can be prosecuted for practicing without a license. It is a sad situation that we hope to remedy in the future. Until then, the kupuna and kumu listed in the directory in the book Hawaiian Massage Lomilomi: sacred touch of aloha can be contacted for a healing experience.
