Caring for Your Life Force as a Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage Practitioner In Hawaiian wisdom, mana  is the vital life force that flows through all things. It is not something we “have” in isolation, but something that moves, grows, diminishes, and renews itself through relationship — with ourselves, with others, with the land, and with Spirit. For those who walk the path of giving Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage, maintaining one’s mana  is not optional. It is found

In Hawaiian culture, the practice of Ho‘okupu —making offerings—is a beautiful expression of respect, gratitude, and connection. A ho‘okupu is more than just a gift; it is a tangible way of acknowledging the presence and power of the person, spirit, or deity to whom it is offered, while also honouring the land, or ‘āina , from which the offering comes. The Heart of Ho‘okupu Traditionally, ho‘okupu could take many forms: food, flowers, shells, stones, kapa (bark cloth) , or ot

Mahalo ke akua. Mahalo Nui to the āina of the sovereign kingdom of Hawaii. I am beyond grateful to have spent the past two months talking story & breathing in the powerful mana on Kauai, the Big Island, Maui & Oahu. Since returning to Naarm, Melbourne, I have often found I have no words for the intricate beauty of these phenomenal, powerful islands. Maybe some words about my own journey will have to do for now…  As a body worker who had learnt some foundations of Lomilomi

In Hawaiian wisdom, aloha  means far more than a simple greeting. It is often translated as “unconditional love,” but it also carries the sense of deep respect, compassion, and connection to life itself. To live in aloha is to live with an open heart — in relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the natural world. When we open our hearts in this way, we not only nourish our own wellbeing, but we also uplift those around us. Our presence, our words, and even our tou

In Hawaiian wisdom, aka  are the subtle energetic threads that weave everything in the universe together. You might imagine them like fine strands of light, connecting you to the people you love, the places you spend time, and even the thoughts and emotions you carry. Though invisible to the eye, they are deeply felt by the heart and spirit. Through these threads, energy is always moving - between your body, mind, emotions, spirit, and the world around you. Just as rivers car

There is a Hawaiian saying: “ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi.” All knowledge is not taught in one school. We honour this wisdom deeply. Every Lomilomi school and every teacher carries their own unique gifts. Each one contributes to the weaving of healing into the world, and we bow in respect to them all. So, why walk this path with us? Rooted in Experience & Lineage Charlie Snow, founder of The Institute of Living Aloha , has been walking the path of Lomilomi since 20

Aloha. When I give a lomilomi session time as I normally experience it slows down. Linear time always alludes me - I always feel that I...

LOMI LOMI MASSAGE IS MORE THAN A BODY TREATMENT -it is a traditional Hawaiian healing art that cradles body, mind and spirit in gentle, flowing rhythm. If you've never experienced it before, you might wonder what truly happens in a session, and how it might feel to receive such care. Whether you are seeking deep rest, emotional release , or a new way to nurture yourself, this massage offers a restorative experience unlike any other - an invitation to return to your body,

Safety begins the moment you arrive. From the greeting at the door  to the first shared breath , each interaction is an invitation to pause, settle, and feel seen. Before hands meet skin, we pause. We breathe together. We listen  — to your body and the spaces between. Safety begins here.  Every moment of this trauma informed massage  is guided by presence and care. You are invited to move, stretch, or simply be  — trusting that your boundaries are honoured and held with gentl

EXPLORING LOMILOMI'S ROLE IN NERVOUS SYSTEM HEALING, EMOTIONAL REGULATION, AND CULTURAL WISDOM In this blog, I explore how Lomilomi – a traditional Hawaiian bodywork practice supports deep nervous system regulation and emotional healing. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory, family systems, and Indigenous wisdom.   Much of the wisdom of Lomilomi is passed through oral tradition, family lineages, and cultural transmission. I write with humility and deep respect for the Kanaka Maoli (N

Last week I assisted on a Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage course recently with my wonderful teacher Charlie Snow from The Institute of Living Aloha. It was a profound week full of teachings, if I could take away only one, it would be this. Creating a safe space for someone to receive is THE most important piece. When the receiver feels safe, they can rest, heal, let go, and receive. The words 'Safe Space' get thrown around a lot, and we can’t simply say to someone 'this i

Featured in Living Now , October 24, 2018 by The Institute of Living Aloha It’s a pretty interesting time to be alive in our human history. As the world around us becomes increasingly chaotic and polarised, more and more people are searching for answers to big questions. Questions relating to their purpose in life, and the way forward for us as a whole. In this age of information there’s no shortage of extraordinary teachers and teachings that can help us to explore the ma