Self-Lomilomi

TECHNIQUE — Inspired by lomilomi, use warm hands and slow, flowing movements to gently massage your shoulders, jaw and back of the neck while breathing comfortably.

THE SCIENCE — Massage has been associated with reductions in perceived stress and muscle tension, with research also examining changes in heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol and heart-rate variability.

Lomilomi itself is a traditional Hawaiian healing practice with cultural and spiritual meaning far beyond massage, so this simple self-massage is inspired by its tradition of nurturing, flowing touch rather than being presented as traditional lomilomi.