The depth of true lomilomi was virtually limitless in terms of its ability to offer potential for healing to each patient; however, the government of the time had to label it" and put in a category, which is not the Hawaiian way," says Yates. "It is correct to say that lomilomi encompasses a massage, but it is not limited to it. Native Hawaiians say the true definition of lomilomi is reconnecting with spirit."

"Recipients of a lomilomi treatment often experience freedom from anxiety, worry, fear and a host of other negative thought patterns."While lomilomi is often referred to as a spiritual massage, the technique is also practical and specific. It is, for example, effective in breaking up calcium deposits and lactic acid build-up.

This is accomplished by a variety of movements, such as circular thumb strokes that are done in a one-two-three rhythm directly over the area. Knuckle strokes are used on larger, denser muscles in the same rhythm, followed by soothing forearm strokes and hacking. According to Auntie Margaret, lomilomi has a profound effect on the health and development of the muscles, and the activity of the blood and nerves associated with them.

It dilates blood vessels, thus improving circulation and helping to prevent strokes. It relieves muscle spasms and increases the rate of nutrients brought to the muscles by the blood, with out increasing lactic acid production. It stimulates the lymphatic system to release waste products, and is useful after injury to ligaments and tendons by dispersing edema. It also restores vitality and heightens metabolism.

"True lomilomi in the right hands gives immediate and long-term results," Yates says.

In addition to lomilomi's physical benefits are the emotional releases felt during and after a session. Recipients of a lomilomi treatment often experience freedom from anxiety, worry, fear and a host of other negative thought patterns. This freedom comes only when the practitioner is aware of their responsibility to the client."It is a process that allows the patient to meet the practitioner mid-way in their crisis so healing can take place." Yates says."

It is the lomilomi practitioner's responsibility to guide and treat each patient with right intentions using the correct protocol of treatment based on his/her feelings. The purpose of lomilomi is to bring alignment back to the individual in body, mind and spirit."

During a genuine lomilomi session, the therapist is aligned with divine energy, and keeps his or her heart and mind clear for Spirit to move through them as a conduit for healing energy. Proper breathing and pure thoughts are important. According to the Hawaiians, thoughts contain mana, or energy. When thoughts are combined with touch and breath they are transferred to the receiver. Therefore the therapist's thoughts must be focused on love and healing.

If something has occurred which interferes with the therapist's ability to control their thoughts, then ho'oponopono is practiced. Ho'oponopono is a prayer of forgiveness and of making things right. It must be done if we have harmed another person or ourselves in though, word or deed. According to Mary Golden, a lomilomi instructor in Colorado, ho'oponopono "is a spiritual practice of making things right with yourself and all others before God.

One who truly practices ho'oponopono is one who takes a daily inventory of his or her thoughts. Any intent to harm, any conscious or unconscious attitudes of malice, jealousy, or hatred must be rooted out and replaced with aloha. Aloha is recognizing the divine nature in every living thing."

"If you want to change anything in yourself you must change the process of thought that affects the materialization of consciousness into different forms of matter and action."According to Dane Silva, D.O., a native Hawaiian healing arts practitioner, Ho'oponopono is also used when someone has suffered a serious loss, causing emotional trauma that runs deep into the internal organs.

This affects the spirit, and leads to internal imbalance and systemic dysfunction. Unless it is corrected and made right again, a person's thought, feeling and behavior may be negatively affected. Ho'oponopono restores balance and function within the individual, within the family, within the community and within the environment (aina).

Based on traditional cultural values and concepts, ho'oponopono has been adapted to work within the fabric of modern society, with each participant observing a specific protocol. By opening one's heart and mind in a supportive group, led by a respected family elder or local practitioner, the practice of healing from within begins.