One of my teacher describes Lomi Lomi as following:


LOMI LOMI – HAWAIIAN TEMPLE BODYWORK

By Ku’uipo Latonio, October 2002

“Lomi”: Hawaiian word meaning: to rub, massage, to work in 
and out. There are many forms of lomi lomi in Hawaii, each 
form originating from individual families who developed, 
nurtured and passed down their form from generation to 
generation. Each family has its own form of healing/massage 
that primarily uses hands. Lomi stones and/or sticks, herbs 
(la’au lapa’ au), and prayer may also be used.

I received treatments with most of the above, as a child 
growing up in the islands. When I was being treated by the 
“Kahuna Lomi” (priest or priestess –“keepers of the secrets”) 
much of the massage took place in my “opu” or belly and then 
the practitioner would move the “energy” down and out through 
my hands and feet.

Now here is a brief history of this specialized form of lomi that 
I have studied and practiced for the past 10 years. Its modern 
name is “Hawaiian Temple Lomi”, its ancient name “Lomi 
Kapalele” is used exclusively by the only living Kahuna whose 
lineage originates this particular form of lomi. This form is 
quite different than what I had experienced as a child.

This style was developed in ancient temples thousands of 
years ago in old Polynesia and most often used as a nature 
based “Rite of Passage Ceremony” on three very specific 
occasions: 

1) For children moving into puberty, assisting them in letting 
go of  “parental strings” and becoming responsible young adults; 

2) For the “Ali’i (royalty) or anyone who was going to take on a 
position in the community, requiring maturity and lack of 
attachment  to “ego self”; and 

3) For those who had illness of the body, mind, emotions or 
spirit. This treatment was often combined with “Ho’oponopono” 
meaning “to make right.” Family, often including extended family, 
attended this part of ceremony in order to clear everyone’s 
minds and hearts of misunderstandings.

This “Lomi” is a dancing/martial art form. Its movement, as in 
most martial art forms, mimics an animal form. It specifically 
imitates the flight of the “iwa iwa” or frigate bird. The iwa iwa 
is known for its ability to fly great distances with very little food, 
water or rest. This dance came out of the Hawaiian martial art 
called “Lua.” The warriors used this activity to build strength, 
endurance, focus, and presence. It was a moving meditation 
that would put them into trance and connect them with the 
Gods or the Divine Ones. When the Kahuna integrated this 
movement with the lomi and combined with the “pule” or 
prayerful intention, it became a spiritual and transformational 
form of bodywork. It is meant to clear out old patterns that no 
longer serve the individual.

The ancient Hawaiians believed that this work actually 
rearranged the DNA and affected lineage, past, present 
and future. The modern day practitioner still goes through 
rigorous training and initiations in preparation to perform 
this art.

Some of the emphasis of this form has also to do with 
the harmony of  the space where the lomi is performed. 
Ancient people understood the importance of creating 
“sacred space” so that the practitioner, as well as the 
receiver, feels supported and aligned in order to experience 
this sacred work. This combination of sacred place and 
sacred ceremony allows both giver & receiver to be deeply 
connected to the creator, the life force within and one another.

Temple lomi works on all levels: mentally, emotionally, 
physically and spiritually. Physically, the entire body is 
massaged in mostly fluid movements, emanating from 
the elemental forces of wind and water. Sometimes the 
movement is fiery (explosive) or earthy (still and focused). 
This can be determined by the alchemy that is available to 
both initiate and facilitator/initiator. When the groundwork 
is laid and all are present for the journey ahead, the experience 
can be quiet and mystical or emotionally profound, but definitely 
“heart opening”. In ancient times a lomi session would take 
15 hours and could go on for many days. In these accelerated 
times, sessions can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, and can 
be tailored to the receiver’s desires. In present times, an
individual who decides to come for a session is often ready 
for a life shift and is usually willing to release old patterns and
welcome new thoughts and aspects!

There are many ways to describe the experience of a lomi 
session. As a practitioner and a receiver, I find this work 
extremely nurturing, loving, calming yet evocative, playfully 
sensual and delightful, opening, softening, creative and 
inspirational. It can also be physically and emotionally deep, 
depending on the needs of person receiving. Breath work 
is essential for both practitioner and receiver as the session 
can be considered a “birthing,” a time of renewal and unfolding.

My practice includes many other traditions and disciplines, 
as well as various massage techniques. In the ceremonial 
part of the session, the Four Directions and the “Elements” 
are honored since this is “nature based” work.

I treasure this work. I am grateful and honored to have this 
beautiful creative dance in my life. This practice and lifestyle 
have brought me into a greater awareness of myself as well 
as my connection to nature and my soul’s purpose. It has 
guided me deeply into my life’s journey. It has allowed me to 
continuously evolve and be present and open to experience 
life in new, exciting and wonderful ways. It constantly challenges 
me to be grounded in humility and healthy in my mind, body, 
emotions and spirit. It is not possible to perform this work 
without good health and vitality on all levels.

I also enjoy being a facilitator and witness to the numerous 
shifts in my clients lives. I invite you to join me in this very 
special adventure of Hawaiian Temple Bodywork and Life 
Ceremony to prepare you for the next part of your journey.

Ku’uipo is a native of Hawaii and has been involved in the 
healing arts for nearly twenty years. She has studied and 
practiced various forms of yoga, massage, sacred dance & 
martial art movement and chanting as well as nature 
awareness. She has taught “Sacred Dance” and conducted 
special Ceremonies & Workshops at the New York Open 
Center and other places in Manhattan. She specializes in 
an ancient  form of Hawaiian bodywork, called “Lomi Lomi 
or Hawaiian Temple Bodywork” which she teaches and 
performs in Hawaii, the East Coast  (NJ, NY, MA) as well 
as in California. Ku’uipo is also a priestess in the Wicca 
tradition and also in the “Ministry of Fun –Church of One”. 
Ku’uipo also involves herself in Improvisational Theater.

Written by Ku’uipo Latonio, Lomi Practitioner & Instructor 732 263-0204 

E-mail:          ku-uipo@juno.com

Websites:     www.templedance.com & 

                       www.hawaiianmassage.com