What Is Lomi Massage and Why We Teach It?

Bethany & Tony • April 30, 2025

Lomi Massage, also known as Lomi Lomi, is a sacred healing art rooted in the traditions of Native Hawaiian culture. Far more than a technique for relieving tension, Lomi is a holistic approach to healing that embraces physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. At its core, it is a practice of connection between the practitioner and the client, between the individual and the natural world, and between the body and the spirit.


The word “Lomi” means “to knead, to rub, or to soothe,” and repeating it—“Lomi Lomi”—emphasizes both the depth and sacredness of the practice. This massage was traditionally passed down through family lineages or taught by respected elders known as kahuna. It was often part of ceremonies marking major life transitions, such as birth, adulthood, or healing after illness or emotional trauma. The intent behind every movement is to support the release of old energy and welcome in balance, clarity, and love.


What makes Lomi Massage distinctive is its flowing, wave-like strokes. Practitioners use their hands, forearms, and body weight in continuous motion, often moving around the table in a rhythmic dance. These movements are designed to mimic the natural elements, especially water, creating a deeply relaxing experience that allows the recipient to let go of stress, stored emotion, and physical pain. Breathwork, prayer (pule), and intention are often woven into the session, making it a spiritual as well as physical experience.


At Lomi Massage Amelia, we are honored to teach this profound work. We believe that healing happens not just through technique, but through presence, awareness, and genuine care. That’s why our workshops are immersive experiences, combining hands-on training with personal growth and cultural education. Students are invited to reconnect with their inner wisdom, develop their intuition, and understand the deeper meaning behind the movements.



Our classes are open to a wide range of participants: licensed massage therapists seeking continuing education, certified healthcare providers looking for integrative techniques, and even massage enthusiasts with a deep interest in healing arts. You don’t need a professional license to begin your journey with Lomi. What you do need is an open heart, a willingness to grow, and a desire to connect through sacred touch.


Teaching Lomi Massage ensures that this ancient tradition continues to thrive and evolve. It’s not just about preserving technique, it’s about honoring the spirit of Aloha that underpins all aspects of the work. That spirit is one of love, compassion, unity, and respect for all life.


In today’s world, where so many people feel disconnected and overwhelmed, Lomi Massage offers something truly meaningful, a way to come back to ourselves and to one another. By passing on this tradition, we’re helping to cultivate more healers, more peace, and more moments of genuine care in a world that needs it now more than ever.


By Tony Crawford March 29, 2025
Think of how you have met some of the most important and loving persons in your life. Very likely, the first word ever spoken between you was a simple word – Hello. It’s a simple little word that has been such an icebreaker throughout time. It has started conversations that have changed your life, as well as the lives of others.  Have you ever sat at a lunch counter having a bite to eat and some stranger is sitting next to you reading a newspaper or a book? We all have. Try saying hello and make a comment about what they are reading. I bet that will start a conversation. You will not know where that conversation will lead– a new friend, a new relationship, or even a new job. You just never know. In the small town where I live, everyone says hello. It is sort of an unwritten rule. You make eye contact with a stranger, you smile and say hello. I have also lived in one of the largest cities in the country and, believe it or not, it works just as well in a crowded metropolis as it does on the quaint streets of my town. I recently had the privilege of traveling abroad to a country where many people I encountered spoke little to no English. The trick to getting along was easy. I learned how to say ”hello” in their language. When you go into a store, shop, or speak to a local, start with “hello,” and the rest of the conversation will be simple. It is a simple word – Hello, but it is a powerful, life changing word.
By Tony Crawford March 29, 2025
Lomi Massage isn’t just about the physical runs on the body. Lomi encompasses the Aloha spirit. It is a blend of the physical work, as well as the intention and presence you bring to the table. So, what does the Eiffel Tower Have to do with Lomi Massage? One of the 7 Hawaiian Principles is Makia. “It is energy flows where intention goes.” It basically means if you set a goal or INTENTION, you must put the energy or work behind it in order to accomplish it. Many years ago, I set an intention to teach Lomi in Paris. I nurtured that intention by making lifelong friends with therapists in Paris. Those friendships manifested into working and teaching Lomi in France. I had the honor to work the La Parisienne, a ladies 5K race on the Champs de Mars which is in front of the Eiffel Tower. I have done corporate work as well as private teaching of Hawaiian Lomi. Had I not set that intention and put my energy towards making that happen, it never would have. Whatever you want to accomplish when you decide to set a goal for yourself, do the work. Put that energy behind it and no matter how many obstacles try to stop you, you will overcome them. You will achieve your goal. Throughout my career I have heard so many say, “The universe will support me.” I like to add 5 words to that… “If you do the work.” LOMI MASSAGE WORKSHOPS
By Tony Crawford March 29, 2025
Emotional Healing Through Laughter: The Transformative Power of Lomi Massage Embarking on a laughter-filled journey through Lomi massage, I’ve been privileged to witness profound emotional releases in clients spanning nearly two decades. Emotional healing through laughter is as powerful as a much needed, “good cry”. Lomi Massage has a transformative power. The Non-Sequential Dance of Lomi Massage Unlike traditional Swedish massages, Lomi doesn’t follow a linear sequence; it’s a dance around the body, guided by the practitioner’s intuition. As a Lomi practitioner, you trust your hands to lead the way, allowing clients to drift into their own space where thoughts and emotions surface naturally. Laughter as a Catalyst for Emotional Release Laughter often becomes a powerful catalyst for emotional release, offering a unique and often overlooked perspective in the realm of therapeutic massages. From tears of joy to moments of regret, the non-sequential nature of Lomi provides a canvas for clients to express and release pent-up emotions. Unexpected Laughter: A Profoundly Healing Experience Laughter, depending on the situation, emerges as a profoundly healing experience. Delving into personal anecdotes, including moments of laughter during funerals, and a session with a Russian client who laughed for 45 minutes, the narrative unfolds the therapeutic potential of laughter in unexpected scenarios. Challenging Conventions: The Power of Laughter in Emotional Release Acknowledging the diverse range of emotions that laughter can unlock, this article challenges the conventional wisdom that “a good cry” is the primary emotional release. It emphasizes the profound healing and cleansing power of laughter, positioning it as a therapeutic tool for shedding stored emotions.  Exploration of Emotional Healing Through Laughter You are invited to embrace the idea that “Emotional Healing Through Laughter” is a transformative force in Lomi massage, urging individuals to explore this unique avenue for emotional well-being.
By Tony Crawford L.M.T March 29, 2025
Our bodies are memory banks of past emotions and experiences. We hold these thoughts in our muscles, in our cells, and right down to our DNA. You have come to the right article to find the answer to, What is Lomi Lomi Massage? Tony Crawford reflects on Lomi Lomi Massage: Over my 20 years as an L.M.T., I have come across many therapists who aren’t familiar with the art of Lomi Lomi Massage. It is not a well known modality, and it is taught in very few schools throughout the country. I had never heard of it in my first ten years of practice. Then, I discovered a Lomi Lomi workshop. Other than having the courage to initially sign up for massage school, taking that workshop was the second most important career choice I have made. It was a true game changer. This work has changed the way I think about Massage. It has helped my client’s well-being tremendously. It has increased my business, and, more importantly, it has changed the way I think as I proceed with my life’s journey.  Lomi is performed using your forearms much more so than in Swedish Massage. It is using your body weight to your advantage. This allows long flowing motions that will relax both your body and your mind.