Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2015 - The Health & Wellness Issue | Page 16
Beauty
BALINESE MASSAGE
LOMI MASSAGE
Origin: Indonesia
Origin: Hawaii
The Lomi massage is a complete body and facial
massage, inspired by Hawaiian traditions. It is believed to have originated in the islands of Lomi.
This massage was born out of a ritual of passage
in which young boys were brought into manhood.
Receiving a Lomi massage was considered a great
honor in Hawaiian culture; a young person receiving a Lomi would often have a vision as to what
their place in the community would be.
Lomi means massaging, rubbing, squeezing,
caressing, and kneading. In Hawaiian, when
a word has multiple meanings, it adds intensity
and importance to the word. More than a moment
of relaxation and wellbeing, the Lomi massage
is a ceremony, purification—a healing of the body,
spirit, and mind.
This dynamic and deep therapeutic
type of massage releases muscle tension
and consequently physical and mental stress.
The ancient Hawaiian Shaman believed in a strong
mind-body connection and a deep correlation
between muscle tension and anxiety.
The technique of the Lomi massage encourages
great energy flow and is relaxing, invigorating,
purifying, nourishing, and harmonizing
at the same time. Long, flowing strokes that
go from head to toe in a continuous, rhythmic
movement move over a well-oiled body. Unlike
some other massages, where only one body part
is treated at a time, this massage is performed
on the entire body at once. During the Lomi
massage, the body is stretched, kneaded,
and stroked. Hands, forearms, fingertips, elbows,
and knuckles create the massage rhythm. Layer
by layer, new forms of oxygen and light energy
are brought back into the body.
This unique, sensual massage was like a dance,
a constant gracious movement. As Michelle
used her two forearms at all times to work
on my body, it felt absolutely heavenly, as though
I had two massage therapists!
14 WANDERLUST
Balinese
Massage
is an ideal
treatment
for those
with a
sports
injury.
The Balinese massage, although developed
in the Indonesian province of Bali, comes from
multiple origins. A blend of Asian massage
techniques, it is a full-body, deep tissue massage,
using gentle stretches, reflexology, and aromatherapy. A Balinese masseuse seeks to stimulate
the flow of blood, oxygen, and “qi,” or life force.
The Balinese massage brings a sense
of calm and deep relaxation. It creates
harmony between body and mind while
promoting optimism. Ideal for sports injuries,
this relaxing massage soothes damaged
tissue and treats strained muscles as well
as joint pain.
There are a variety of techniques included
in the Balinese massage, such as firm
and gentle stroking, kneading, flicking, skin
rolling, and pressure-point stimulation,
combined with the aroma of essential oils.
The Balinese massage was a journey
of the senses. This massage helped me feel
calm yet energized, as my circulation boosted
and knotted tissues—of which I have many
due to a dislocated shoulder injury—were
targeted. I felt all kinds of wonderful after this
massage: relaxed, refreshed and re-energized!
Whether it’s Thai, Indian, Balinese, or Hawaiian
style of massage, each therapy can bring
balance and wellness to your body. Try as many
different styles as you can until you figure
out which one brings you the most serenity.
For more information on any of
these treatments or to book an
appointment please send an email to
[email protected]
www.wanderlustmag.com