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