This weekend I had the opportunity to take a 27 training in a practice called, Mana Lomi with Barbara Heard.    You may have heard of Lomi Lomi, a Hawaiia modality that is often described as a dance of rhythmic waves along the body.   Mana Lomi was developed by Dr. Maka’ala Yates D.C. who studied with Auntie Margaret, one of the pioneers of teaching this ancient art to contemporary practitioners, and further developed this art form into a deep massage modality.

The Mana Lomi technique is based on Hawaiian concepts of working with the”mana” of the body, mind, and soul of the individual(that’s you).     This holistic approach is what I really identify with, and more importantly the aspect of body awareness.    In both my yoga teaching and my massage practice, I try to get clients in tune with themselves.  Whether its an awareness of breathing patterns, eating habits, or even thought processes, awareness is key to getting to the root of things and initiating healthy change.

I am so glad that I found this modality and cannot wait to share it with massage clients.    A typical session is about an hour and a half, using both massage and motion to achieve a truly deep massage experience.   The massage client is key to the process so proper draping and pressure that suits the client is followed at all times.

Some massage therapists add to their oil themselves, or use blends that come from good sources.    When making blends, a massage therapist can put anything from arnica to wheat germ oil.    The blend is typically based on client goals.   Often lavender and bergamot are used for soothing and stress relief while arnica and peppermint are good for sports massage.   Peppermint?  Yes, peppermint has great qualities and while on it’s own peppermint essential oil can be a bit much for the skin to handle, a few drops in a carrier oil can help the muscles.(Click the sports massage link for a great blend.)    Be warned though, while essential oils are the essence of natural botanicals, this concentration makes them extremely potent and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

The intent behind massage oil is two-fold, assisting the massage therapist in their work and assisting the massage client in feeling great.

However, I do find that massage can be very meditative for both the massage therapist and the massage client.   For some, it’s the only time and space where there is no requirement to talk.  I often tell clients, “Your only job on the table is to breathe.”    Often, their amazement at this statement brings me such great joy.   We are all so busy these days, and checking in and talking and discussing, texting, many people find themselves tethered to communication devices (ie phones, smartphones, computers) that being allowed space and even invited not to communicate brings relief.

The mind is allowed to wander, as in savasana, a yoga practice that is a favorite of many yogis.  In savasana you lie on the floor, ankles about mat width apart (yoga mat of course, about two feet),palms turned up toward the ceiling with hands a few inches from the hips.     This is to relax all muscles after class, and also serves as a time where the mind and body are allowed tobe separate.

Let Go during your massage.  Give yourself the space to relax and be open to what the mind brings.  Feel free to share with your massage therapist, we hear quite a lot.   I tell my massage clients, “It’s you, me and the four walls.”   The massage therapist is there to give you space.   Allow yourself that space and see what happens.

If you do encounter a massage therapist that seemingly demands conversation when you want quiet or chants and sings without telling you it’s part of their practice.   Let your next massage therapist know about your experience.   Massage is as individual to the practitioner as it is to the receiver.

Take it easy on yourself at first.  That great swing you once knew, is still there,hopefully, you found some form of exercise over the winter.

For those who have no idea what a Neti Pot is it’s a small teapot shape device that you fill with a saline solution,  you can get pre-mixes but really it’s about1/2 salt: 6oz warm water.     That’s it.   Oh, the catch is you put the teapot spout in one nostril and let the water drain out the other.   This is where most people lose there love affair with the Neti. However, if you’re patient with yourself you can learn to do it pretty easily.     Always use a salt water solution as plain water will certainly not feel right, and if it’s too hot or too cold, forget it.

It really is simple, and because it’s a natural solution you can repeat as many times as you like.   Once or twice a day is good for most, three times when there is a bug going around.    Brush teeth, shave, Neti, it’s really a simple routine.

• sleep better
• have better focus and concentration
• are more creative
• your mood is better
• FEEL GREAT!

Me, My clients and the ones I love reap the benefits I receive from massage. So should you and your loved ones.