Lomilomi—Hawaiian for "rub rub"—is described by teacher Aunty Margaret Machado as “the loving touch—a connection between heart, hand, and soul with the source of all life.” This system of massage utilizes very large, broad movements. Two-handed, forearm, and elbow application of strokes, which cover a broad area, is characteristic of lomilomi. Oils are used in the application of cross-fiber friction techniques.

Although it is similar to Swedish massage in many ways, lomilomi also uses prayer and the acknowledgment of the existence of a higher power as an integral part of the technique.

Aunty Margaret was the first to teach lomilomi in a formal, classroom situation; previously the training was passed on within families by kahunas or shamans. Click here to find a lomilomi massage practitioner.