Lomi Lomi Recipe

Set up

Warm the room to a comfortable temperature (around 24–27°C / 75–80°F). Prepare and warm linens and the massage table. Position bolsters for knee/ankle support and have a blanket nearby for client modesty and warmth.

Sanitize

Wash hands thoroughly, ensure forearms are clean, and have warmed coconut oil ready in a warmed container or bowl. Practitioner should perform a light 5-minute shoulder/forearm warm-up to reduce strain.

Intake & Consent

Conduct a brief intake: ask about medical history, pain areas, pressure preference, and areas to avoid. Explain the flow-focused, rhythmic nature of Lomi Lomi and obtain consent. Ask the client to remove clothing as comfortable and lie on the table, draped appropriately.

Begin with connection and flow

Apply a small amount (10–15 ml) of warmed coconut oil to hands and forearms. Start by using long, continuous flowing strokes with forearms and palms along the client's back from sacrum to shoulders, matching your breathing and maintaining a steady rhythm. Use whole-arm movements rather than isolated wrist moves to create a wave-like continuity.

Establish full-body rhythm

Continue with alternating forearm and hand flows working up and down the back in long strokes, moving laterally to cover the sides and then transitioning to the posterior legs. Keep transitions seamless; never stop abruptly. Maintain even pressure — medium to deep depending on client's feedback and tolerance.

Address muscle groups with intention

Use the palms, thumbs, and forearms to gently work the shoulders, trapezius, and neck base with sweeping, circular forearm presses combined with long strokes. For glutes and hamstrings, use broad forearm glides and occasional sustained compression to encourage circulation and lymph flow. Always return to flowing strokes after a focused release to maintain rhythm.

Front of body & torso

Ask for consent to have the client turn over. Drape for modesty. Continue warm oil application as needed. Use long flowing strokes along the legs, then work the anterior torso with broad, gentle forearm sweeps over the chest (avoiding breasts unless specifically consented), abdomen (gentle, clockwise direction), and intercostal spaces using light, rhythmic movement to encourage breath and relaxation.

Arms and hands

Flow down each arm from shoulder to wrist using the whole forearm and hand in long rhythmic strokes. Use gentle kneading on the forearms and palms and light traction on fingers to release tension, concluding each arm with several calming long strokes.

Prepare scalp oil

Mix 5 drops of optional essential oil into 10–15 ml of warmed coconut oil in your palm, if client has no sensitivities. Rub hands to warm and emulsify the oil.

Scalp application and massage

Have the client lie supine or remain prone with head turned comfortably. Using fingertips and light to medium pressure, apply the warmed oil to the scalp. Use slow, circular motions across the scalp, then employ rhythmic alternating fingertip strokes along the temples, occiput, and hairline. Include gentle traction on hair and light kneading of the scalp for 3–5 minutes. Maintain slow breath-synced rhythm to reinforce relaxation.

Conclude and transition

Remove any excess oil from the face and neck if needed with a warm towel. Allow the client 2–3 minutes to rest in stillness. Offer water and discuss any aftercare: hydrate, avoid heavy activity immediately, and note any areas of soreness to report.

Clean and launder used linens, sanitize the table and equipment, and perform a brief self-care stretch and hydration routine to restore shoulders and forearms.