Got questions? Check out this helpful list of frequently asked questions about the services provided by Lomi Life and how to get the most out of your experience.
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What is holistic bodywork?
A holistic Hawaiian massage (or bodywork) doesn’t just treats clients on a physical level. It has the potential to replenish and rejuvenate on a mental, emotional, energetic and even spiritual level. All the Hawaiian and blended options Lomi Life offers have a tailored approach to meet each individual’s needs on the day. You can read more about this on the Home page.
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How is Lomi Life’s bodywork different to standard massage therapy?
There are a number of unique features of Hawaiian bodywork.
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1. Heart-centred: The cornerstone of Hawaiian bodywork is its heart-centred focus – touch from the heart, not just from the mind. The practitioner has their focus on both their heart space and yours, with the specific goal of providing deeply compassionate, caring, supportive nurture. The result is that you feel not just worked on, but truly cared for.
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2. Flow: The unique flowing style involves dynamic, rhythmic, long full body strokes.This provides a powerful therapeutic effect and really gets you more into your body.
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3. Honouring: Another core element of this work that sets it apart is the sacred honouring aspect. The easiest way to describe this is if you’re familiar with the concept of greeting namaste… “the light in me honours the light in you”. Now imagine this sacred intention transferred into loving, honouring touch for an hour and a half!
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4. Presence: This focus means that rather than feeling like you’re on a massage assembly line, your practitioner is holding space and being fully present for you in a way that makes you feel truly supported and, well, held. All emotion is welcomed, as are the tears that can follow. (We keep the tissues well stocked)
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5. Time out: These long flowing strokes often have the seemingly paradoxical effect of both getting you more into your body (always a good thing) and also transporting you to another place – an utterly blissful and nourishing space where time seems to stand still and your mind takes a vacation while your soul is being replenished.
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6. Energy work: Another thing setting Hawaiian bodywork apart is the energetic healing aspect – helping you get stuck, stagnant energy moving again. This is done both through the strategic use of flowing strokes and also through reiki-like energetic healing techniques.
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7. Holding option: If it feels appropriate, a “holding option” may be gently offered in the session (completely optional), where the practitioner sits behind the client for a couple of minutes and literally holds them (wrapped in a sheet), with heart-focused energetic support. Clients have reported finding it incredibly emotionally nourishing and resilience-building.
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8. Appropriate pressure: The right pressure makes a big difference to your experience. Some people need moderately firm, reassuring pressure; some need lighter TLC type touch and/or some enlivening vigorous flow. Good holistic bodyworkers stay incredibly mindful to these needs.
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For those wanting the best of both worlds – muscle tension release and heartful nurture, Lomi Life offers a Remedial Hawaiian Signature Blend – the most popular option on the menu.
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How do I choose the best massage style for my needs?
If, after reading this FAQ and the services page, you are unsure about which style is best for you, keep in mind that you don’t need to choose! Simply book an initial consult, then you can make your final decision after chatting face to face with your massage therapist on the day.
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Can I specify exactly how much pressure I’d like?
I’ll likely provide all the pressure you need. I’ve actually received plenty of positive feedback from clients who’ve been unsatisfied with the amount of pressure other practitioners have provided. I can also just provide gentle, soothing, nourishing relaxation, rejuvenation and nurture, or a combination of light and heavy pressure! My services are fully tailored. I use a feedback system with clients so that they can let me know exactly how much pressure they want at any time (if they wish to).
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Can I claim my massage on private health insurance? How much?
If you can usually claim on remedial massage, then yes. The amount depends on your individual insurance provider and your level of cover, so you will need to ask them directly.
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What is lomi lomi bodywork?
Please see the Services page for details.
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What is ka huna bodywork?
Please see the Services page for details.
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What’s the difference between lomi lomi and ka huna?
Lomi lomi is slightly more appropriate for pure nurture. KaHuna can be a little more dynamic and vigorous in its flow. However, the best option is usually a combination of the two!
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Why do you do a minimum 1.5 hour massage therapy session?
The deep immersion, rejuvenation and rich nourishment that people experience in Hawaiian bodywork cannot be rushed. You simply can’t refill your cup in a holistically effective way in 60 minutes.
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How should I prepare for my massage?
There are many ways to prepare for a massage. Here are some basic tips:
- It’s important that your body is warm when you arrive
- Don’t eat just before your session otherwise you may experience discomfort from lying on your stomach or having your stomach (even lightly) massaged
- Take some time to stop and check in with yourself before the session about what your needs are today. They may be different from when you booked. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your practitioner know if you want to change the style of massage from your original booking.
- If it’s your first time, aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete the registration form
- Ensure your feet are clean and don’t smell (please don’t wear old closed shoes with no socks to your session)
- DON’T bother washing your hair before a massage. Do come prepared to get (coconut) oily!
- Read my post on “getting the best massage possible”.
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What draping (covering for the body) do you provide?
This is customised to your needs on the day. There is draping of the buttocks and groin at a minimum at all times, with chest draping draping options provided to meet your specific needs. Partial chest massage is an available option – with detailed explanation provided beforehand.
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How often should I get a massage?
Our regulars find holistic massage to be an invaluable tool for overall “life maintenance”, however, the frequency really depends on your individual needs. If you have specific issues you’re wanting addressed, you might want 4-6 sessions with shorter frequency (say 1-3 weeks apart), then lengthen the frequency as needed. Lomi Life’s regulars book anywhere from weekly to six weekly. Four week intervals are a popular option.
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What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Please see the Services page.
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Do you provide a sexual massage option?
No
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Do you do mobile massage therapy / home visits?
Not at the moment, sorry.
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Do you talk during the massage? Should I?
There is VERY minimal talk during sessions. Usually only to check in and see if you need anything.
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How is Lomi Life’s service different?
Please see the bodywork and benefits sections on the home page.
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What oil do you use for massage? Can I bring my own?
Organic coconut oil is generally used. It’s good for the skin! You can bring your own if you wish.
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Do you do lymphatic drainage massage?
This can be included as part of a session, however it’s not provided as a full service.
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Do you do reflexology?
Some elements of this can be integrated into a session if you wish, however it’s not provided as a full service.
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Do you do energy healing?
Yes. Healing, clearing and nourishing energies are called upon to support your wellness throughout the session, along with really helpful “flow & release” body techniques.
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Do you do couples massage?
Not at present, sorry. Some couples come for a session one after the other.
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Does it matter if I fall asleep during my massage?
It’s maybe not ideal, but it’s fine. Your physical, emotional and energetic bodies will benefit, even if your mental body isn’t quite having the direct experience 🙂
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What is a muscle knot? What causes muscle knots?
A muscle knot is simply a tightening/bundling of muscle fibres. This can be caused by many factors such as overuse, inappropriate use, poor posture, weakness and emotional stress.
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What pressure should I ask for?
Many people feel obligated to request deep pressure in order to maximise the treatment of muscle tension. Keep in mind however that while muscle tension is important, it isn’t everything. If you’re feeling emotionally sensitive, maybe your body doesn’t want to be elbowed! Maybe it just wants TLC via some lush, nurturing Hawaiian flow?
You can also request a combination, but really check in with yourself beforehand to be sure you’re asking for what you really need (or what you need most today).