What Is Shamanic Bodywork and How Does It Release Trauma

Hawaiian bodywork, specifically Lomi Lomi massage, is a sacred practice that touches the very essence of who we are. It's not just a form of bodywork; it’s an invitation to restore wholeness. It is through this healing that we remember: we are more than just our physical bodies. We are beings of spirit, mind, and energy.

When people ask me, “What makes Hawaiian bodywork different?” I tell them, simply, it’s a spiritual practice.

Lomi Lomi massage is not merely about relaxing muscles. It's about returning to balance — mind, body, soul, and the very energy that connects us all. In this work, we view the body as an interconnected whole, not just as separate parts. You have your physical body, yes, but you also carry your emotional body, your mental body, your volitional body (the body of action), and your soul. All these are entwined, all are affected by life’s experiences, all are seeking healing.

As a practitioner, my job is to listen — to hear what’s being said and what’s not. I feel, on a deep, intuitive level, where the blockages are. Often, clients come to me thinking they have a physical issue — but what I know is that beneath the surface, there’s much more going on. The body is a reflection of the mind, the emotions, the spirit.

We hold so much in our bodies, especially the trauma we’ve experienced. And this trauma doesn’t just disappear. It gets lodged, tucked away in places we don’t always know how to access or release. But here’s the beauty of Lomi Lomi and shamanic bodywork: it helps us open those places, release that tension, and clear what’s been stuck — sometimes for generations.

A lot of this work revolves around what we call Ho'oponopono — the sacred practice of forgiveness. It’s not just about forgiving others; it’s about forgiving ourselves. And it’s about letting go of the things we’ve been holding onto, things that are no longer serving us but are keeping us small and fragmented. These “cherished wounds,” as I call them, are often the places we don’t want anyone to touch because they hurt too much. But if we never go there, we remain stuck.

Lomi Lomi massage offers a space for people to be vulnerable, to release these long-held tensions, and to allow themselves to heal. It’s a beautiful process, one that requires compassion, patience, and a willingness to meet whatever comes up — whether that’s tears, laughter, or deep silence. When we begin to let go of these trauma patterns, we give ourselves the gift of wholeness.

But, as always, healing isn’t something the practitioner does for you. It’s something we create together. Shamanic bodywork and Lomi Lomi massage are ways to facilitate the return to balance, but the real power of healing is within you. We’re here to hold the space and guide you back to yourself — to the truth of who you are.

Healing is a journey, and it’s often not about fixing what’s broken but rather releasing what’s been held too tightly for too long. The way we experience life, the way we hold ourselves, the way we respond to others — it all comes from the stories we carry in our bodies. Through Ho'oponopono, we address those stories. We clear the old energy. We forgive, and in that act of forgiveness, we find freedom.

In Hawaiian healing, we understand that the body holds memory — not just of this lifetime, but of those that came before. Your ancestors are with you, in your bones, your blood, your DNA. And in their energy, you may carry wounds that need to be addressed. These aren’t just personal experiences; they’re generational, woven into the fabric of your being.

But here’s the truth: we can release them. Lomi Lomi massage, coupled with Ho'oponopono, is a pathway to break free from the chains of these ancestral burdens. It’s about helping you release that stored trauma that’s been passed down, generation after generation. It’s about embracing the fullness of who you are and the freedom that comes with it.

In the healing process, love is the greatest medicine. It’s not human love, but divine love — the love that comes from spirit, from the heart of the universe. It is this love that facilitates healing. It is this love that allows us to release our pain, to let go of our suffering, and to return to our true, innocent state.

True healing is the unfolding of the soul, not just the mind or the body. And in this practice, we help people reconnect with their divinity, with the essence of who they are, and with the infinite possibilities that lie before them. This is the heart of shamanic bodywork and Lomi Lomi massage.

If you’re a healer, a bodyworker, or anyone working in trauma therapy, I invite you to embrace the sacredness of this work. Take the time to listen, to be present, and to create space for your clients to release what no longer serves them. Your hands can be the conduit for profound transformation — but it’s the love you bring that makes all the difference.

We’re all here, evolving together. When we can release what’s buried, we begin to walk the path of wholeness. I hope that this message resonates with you, and I welcome you to continue exploring the depths of this sacred practice. If you feel called to dive deeper, join me on this journey — for we all go home together.

Aloha, Namaste, and blessings on your path.