ExclusiveVerified listingFreya Lindqvist
Clifton, Bristol
Holistic and shiatsu sessions, trained in somatic bodywork
Female TherapistsHolistic MassageShiatsu Massage+2
from £60Incall
Lomi Lomi Massage
Hawaiian bodywork with fluid, wave-like forearm strokes
Lomi lomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii, and the word itself means to knead or to work in and out, like the paws of a contented cat. The therapist uses the forearms as much as the hands, in long, continuous, flowing strokes that travel the length of the body and often work two areas at once — a leg and the back, say — so that the body is treated as a whole rather than in sections.
It is given with generous oil, a light covering rather than full towelling, and a rhythm that many therapists keep with their breathing or with music. The pressure ranges from light to deep within the same stroke, and the movement around the couch is part of the technique. The experience is closer to being moved by water than to being kneaded.
People come to lomi lomi for stress, for a sense of being held, and for release of tension that feels emotional as much as physical; it was traditionally a healing practice as well as a physical one. Sessions are 60 to 90 minutes and it is offered by therapists trained in the Hawaiian tradition, who usually say so on their profile.
Also known as: Hawaiian massage, lomi lomi nui, Hawaiian temple bodywork.
Therapists and venues offering lomi lomi massage
Frequently asked questions
What does lomi lomi feel like?
Long, rolling strokes with the forearms that flow from one part of the body to the next without stopping. It is often described as feeling like waves, and it is more rhythmic and less localised than Swedish massage.
How much of the body is covered during lomi lomi?
Traditional lomi lomi uses minimal draping so the strokes can run the full length of the body. Therapists in the UK adapt this to your comfort; say when you book if you would prefer full towelling.
How much does lomi lomi massage cost?
Between £55 and £95 for an hour, and £80 to £130 for ninety minutes, reflecting the specialist training. It is more often found in the larger cities.