The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow, following the concept that an idea or belief can block the energy flow as much as muscle tension can. The massage helps release the blockages, whilst at the same time giving the energy a new direction. This type of massage is not just a physical experience, it also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well.



This massage usually commences with a stillness between the practitioner and client, often with the practitioners hands gently resting on the clients back. In this stillness the practitioner will quietly say a blessing or prayer asking for whatever healing is needed to take place during the massage.

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The massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time, for example one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the opposite hip. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as it is extremely difficult for the brain to focus on the two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.

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Gentle stretches of the body and gentle rotations of the joints are also incorporated to assist the release of tensions and assist the flow of energy, once again not forcing, but feeling the level of the client's resistance or comfort.

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Because the masseur works intuitively, a massage may be slow and very relaxing or at times it may be a little faster and therefore more invigorating and enlivening to the body. Sometimes the recipient may experience an emotional release as the massage can release and shift negative emotions and beliefs, with the healing effects of the massage continuing long after the massage is over.