What is Heartworks Lomi Lomi Massage?

Written By Kathryn Wellby

Lomi​ Lomi is the traditional bodywork/massage of Hawaii. It has existed since ancient times and has been passed down through the generations by the Kahunas (masters) and healers of the Hawaiian islands. Lomi Lomi is a holistic healing modality, where the mind, body and soul are all nourished.

The Heart in Heartworks Lomi Lomi ~

In Heartworks Lomi Lomi there is a focus on opening up the heart space. The massage opens the heart space through the hands, breathing, rhythm and energy flow. The massage works from the heart of the practitioner, with their hands acting as an extension of the heart. The practitioner practices breathing into their heart and breathing out through the palms of their hands. The receiver is also invited to breath in to their heart and out through their hands at times throughout the massage. This helps to move energy - letting go of the old and make room for new energy.

Heartworks Lomi Lomi Massage Style ~

Heartworks Lomi Lomi strokes are inspired by the ocean waves. The use of long, full body strokes, which are highly effective in releasing blockages and getting energy flowing. This provides lymphatic drainage, promoting detoxification and releases stagnant energy. It also helps the receiver to drop into a deeply relaxed state. The sequence continues, addressing individual areas of the body, activating meridians, energy points and releasing energetic blocks. This massage technique uses a combination of applied pressure - lighter touch with the whole hands and deeper work using thumbs and the heel of the hand. Pressure is always adjusted to suit the receiver. Heartworks Lomi Lomi is a deeply relaxing massage, it calms the nervous system, melts away stress, promotes muscle relaxation, rejuvenates your energy, and leaves you feeling nurtured, uplifted, and renewed.

Heartworks Lomi Lomi Lineage ~

Heartworks Lomi Lomi was shared to the world by Sherman 'Raman Das' Du Doit, a Hawaiian native who was instructed to do so by his teacher, a powerful Kahuna (master). Sherman Du Doit was told by his grandmother that he was "born with a gift in his hands" and would one day be found by a Kahuna and taught in the old ways. He became known as "the Little Doctor" for his natural ability to help others feel better through touch. Sherman Du Doit trained Mette Sorensen in Hawaii in 1998 and gave her permission to teach Heartworks Lomi Lomi in Australia. In 2000, Mette Sorensen began training practitioners at the Mette Institute’s High Spirits Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland. I am truly grateful to have received the beautiful Heartworks Lomi Lomi Practitioner training, facilitated by a Mette Institute Instructor.

Benefits of Heartworks Lomi Lomi

  • Relieves muscular pain and tension

  • Improves blood circulation

  • Promotes toxin release

  • Increases nutrient flow to muscles

  • Removes lactic acid build-up

  • Breaks down calcium deposits

  • Stimulates the lymphatic system

  • Assists ligament and tendon healing after an injury

  • Restores vitality

  • Increases metabolic rate

  • Releases emotional buildup – during and after a session

  • Reduces anxiety, fear, worry, and negative thought patterns

  • Nervous system unwinding

  • Clears stagnation and improves energy flow in body

  • Instills a sense of wellbeing in the body, mind, and spirit

The Seven Principles Of Huna (Hawaiian for secret)

IKE – The world is what you think it is

KALA – There are no limits

MAKIA – Energy flows where attention goes

MANAWA – Now is the moment of power

ALOHA – To love is to be happy with

MANA – All power comes from within

PONO – Effectiveness is the measure of truth

The seven principles of Huna a taught to practitioners to incorporate into their lives and their treatments.

Aloha ~ a way of being

Aloha is not just a greeting - hello and goodbye or love, it is a way of being. A deeper meaning of the word, Aloha is expressed by Serge Kahili King as -

joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha ) in the present (alo).

“Aloha is that feeling of a smile so big it cracks your face from your heart, the fragrance and color of a beautiful flower, the sound of children laughing and playing, and the taste of ripe tropical fruit and their juices. Aloha is also the Spirit behind all creation. The Way of Aloha can be practiced and experienced anywhere, anytime and with anyone. It is a path of love, harmony and appreciation for the beauty in all things and people, and it's available only in this eternal moment of NOW!” Excerpt from “The Way of Aloha” by Wayne Kealohi Powell, Huna International 1998

Photos from a trip to Hawaii in August, 2024. The beauty and magic of the ocean and the land is something I am so grateful for experiencing and I look forward to returning.

Kathryn Wellby