The therapists recognize that suffering individuals need more than just physical relief. One's emotions, mind, and spirit are also soothed and stimulated for relaxation, peace and healing, said David Lewis, lomilomi massage therapist at the Hale Lomi Ola clinic. It's an opportunity to integrate mind, body, and spirit. It's prayer- centered. Responses to treatment vary, says Lewis.
Patients can face the world differently than when they come in.
Blood's flowing better, muscles are relaxed. They feel more grounded and more in touch with who they are. More conventional massage therapy techniques include European massage, the basis of common Swedish and Russian styles. Using long strokes, kneading, vibration, friction and percussion techniques, it can be applied for general relaxation, sports massage, injury recovery and rehabilitation. Massage and bodywork forms of Asian origin include amma, acupressure and shiatsu.