FAQ
The answers you need.
THIS IS MY FIRST VISIT TO THE LOMI ROOM
If you can, for your first visit arrive a couple of minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out a form and answer some questions before treatment starts. You can expect to be asked things like: What intention have you set for yourself for this visit? If you're visiting due to an issue, how long has the issue been going for. What would a successful result look like for you? At the end of your session, suggestions may be offered to continue with self-care at home.
HOW DOES LOMI LOMI DIFFER FROM OTHER MASSAGE?
Key aspects of lomi lomi include: 1) it is an indigenous healing art and is holistic, so considers a person's physical, energetic and spiritual health. 2) It applies long, sweeping strokes to the body and while you relax the practitioner moves your limbs to access multiple points around the joints.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE/AFTER A LOMI?
It's recommended that you arrive well-hydrated and with neither a hungry or full stomach. Your body temperature can fluctuate so bring a warm layer to put on afterwards, and try to keep some clear time after your appointment to allow a gentle transition back to your day. Your energy level can also fluctuate so try to listen to what your body wants, and give it what it needs. Sometimes a gentle walk outside or short nap is helpful.
I CAN'T FIND YOUR ADDRESS
The full address will be given to you when you book your appointment. There is a sign next to the letterbox confirming you are at the correct location. You can call 021 434 300 if you are due at The Lomi Room and need more help.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU TAKE?
You can pay the following ways:
By card when booking online
By card at The Lomi Room through an app provided.
Direct bank transfer to 12-3192-0318673-37 using your name as reference.
Cash
WHAT DOES "LOMI" IN THE LOMI ROOM MEAN?
The Hawaiian word lomi means to squeeze, knead, press, rub or massage. This word is often associated with preparing food. Lomi lomi is known to specifically relate to massaging a person.
WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?
There is currently no requirement to be vaccinated or wear a face mask to visit The Lomi Room. Naomi will also not be wearing a face mask. We appreciate that there are varying health needs and levels of anxiety when venturing out so if you prefer a "masked visit" please communicate your needs beforehand and Naomi will do everything she can to help you.
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Because of the physical closeness during sessions, it's important to not visit The Lomi Room if you have Covid-19. Please continue to communicate with us if you feel unwell (even if you're testing negative) because contracting any virus can impact our ability to see other clients.
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It is recommended that you do not receive a lomi lomi the day of any vaccination.
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If you're unsure about what to do, please contact Naomi to chat about it.
I'VE HAD A LOMI LOMI BEFORE AND IT WASN'T LIKE THAT
It is fairly recently that lomi lomi has been taught to non-Hawaiians. Before that, it was traditionally handed along the generations of a family line. Each family line, over time, developed their own unique style of lomi lomi - some are very firm, others are feather-light to the touch. Teachers of lomi lomi are from many different families and so it's natural that the styles they teach are different. If in doubt, please ask for more information about what The Lomi Room offers.
WHAT ABOUT UNDRESSING FOR LOMI LOMI?
You're invited to undress the same as most other massage styles - everything (including bra) off and leave underpants on. Also you're asked to remove jewellery, particularly necklaces, watches and bracelets because they can cause discomfort. If you prefer to leave certain garments on that's okay - it's about what feels most comfortable for you.
WHAT IS KAHUNA OR TEMPLE STYLE MASSAGE?
Temple/kahuna-style massage is where you're completely undressed and only covered with a small towel. The room is heated and a lot of oil is used. Our current cultural context often leads to an assumption that temple/kahuna style is sexual in nature.
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It seems that temple/kahuna is the most common style practised outside Hawaii. It was originally taught by a Hawaiian man who grew up in Hawaiian culture, but what he taught wasn't from knowledge handed through the family lines. It also seems that people have learned temple/kahuna style and changed it, creating something that can no longer be considered "Hawaiian". It is important to understand the origins of these practices and cultural context. Personally, naming the massage style "temple" or "kahuna" makes me nervous because these things are sacred in Hawaiian culture and I doubt that this is an appropriate way to use these words.
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There can be some confusion because it's also called lomi lomi, but it's distinctly different to traditional Hawaiian massage.
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While I've heard positive reports from people who've received temple/kahuna massage, this style is not what I offer.
DO YOU OFFER 'SENSUAL' MASSAGE?
No. The services at The Lomi Room are strictly therapeutic and are not sexual in any way.