Nancy's inspiration came from the Hawaiian Islands and the elders she studied with since 1983.
During that time, she archived hundreds of hours of video footage on healing, Hawaiian lomilomi, sovereignty, herbs and hydrotherapy, massage with salt water and small hot stones, ho'oponopono, Hawaiian spirituality and music, and sacred places. She is now writing a book on her sacred teachings, due out in 2021.
Above: Original artwork by Sonya Vogel commissioned for Nancy's book in 2000.
Below: Nancy welcoming a lomi student with a 'honi'.
Nancy's teachers and friends ...
Some of the Hawaiian elders, healers and practitioners that strongly influenced her life are featured in her book, Hawaiian Lomilomi: Big Island Massage. Sadly, many of them have since 'walked the rainbow' into spirit.
A bit of history ...
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In 2012 Nancy released a DVD set with step-by-step instructions for a full lomilomi routine and many interviews with her Hawaiian teachers and friends. They also include interviews and insights as to what makes lomi lomi so unique and effective ... Things like the HA Breath of Life, the use of hot stones and pule, the mana and intentions behind the work, and Hawaiian cultural gems from the many elders I've worked along side of for over 14 years.
What is Hawaiian Lomilomi? Although every teacher's style is different, all traditional
kumu (teachers) are humble, light-hearted, and believe in and practice certain things:
1. Pule &Oli (prayer and chants)
2. Loving Touch (unconditional love and aloha)
3. Ho'oponopono (forgiveness; alignment; correcting old beliefs)
4. La'au Lapa'au (medicinal plants for cleansing & rejuvenation)
5. Taking full responsibility for one's own actions and choices
6. Internal cleansing (of bloodstream and colon, as well as beliefs).
In addition, some may use lomi sticks, lava stones, salt water,
special foods, and other tools in the lomi treatment. Romiromi is popular in the South Pacific, and mirimiri gatherings are common in New Zealand.
Other forms of Hawaiian bodywork found today include various lineages practiced within halaus (schools) or by local practitioners who are both traditionally and professionally trained. Another style is the sensual "temple" bodywork and rituals from Kauai, or 'Kahuna massage' common in Australia.
Lomi traditionally was done with pure Aloha within the family and community for health or healing purposes. As is true throughout Polynesia, it was originally done on the floor, with the hands or feet. Today we have the luxury of padded tables and sheets for draping.
Throughout the world, lomilomi has earned a reputation of being an effective tool for restoring harmony in the body, mind, and spirit.