Learn Professional Massage Therapy skills right here in Mankato!
Traditional Style Lomilomi Basics & Introduction to Hawaiian Cultural Concepts — 46 CE Hours
Spring 2027: May 2nd- 7th, 9-11, 13-14th
Fall 2027: October 3rd- 8th, 10-12th, 14-15
Traditional Style LomiLomi is a combination of 3 traditions of Lomilomi from Aunty Margaret Machado, Papa K Kepilino, and Kahu Sam Lomo as passed down from Aunty Suzi Kawaioni‘okekai Kaiona‘okaláni Ko.
Traditional Style Lomilomi is more than a collection of massage techniques—it is a healing practice deeply connected to Hawaiian culture, history, lineage, movement, intention, and relationship.
This immersive 46-hour course introduces students to the foundations of Traditional Style Lomilomi while providing the cultural context necessary to approach the work with respect and integrity. Students explore Hawaiian history and traditional healing practices, cultural appreciation and responsibility, Lomilomi lineage, protocol and pule, hula, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), meditation, mana, energetic awareness, grounding, and the foundational principles of Lomilomi.
Hands-on instruction introduces foundational Traditional Style Lomilomi strokes for both the anterior and posterior body, with an emphasis on flowing movement, practitioner body mechanics, intention, observation, and developing an intuitive approach to bodywork.
This course approaches Lomilomi as a living tradition rather than simply a massage modality. Students are encouraged to explore not only how the work is performed, but where it comes from, why cultural context and lineage matter, and what responsibility we carry when practicing healing traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next.
The course is taught by Olivia Hageman, who has studied with Kumu Suzi Kawaioni‘okekai Kaiona‘okalāni Ko for nearly two decades. Kumu Suzi has specifically prepared Olivia to teach and help perpetuate this work, with Olivia serving as a bridge between Hawaiian cultural concepts and the Western learning environment.
Introduction to Hawaiian Cultural Concepts- 16 hours
The cultural portion of the course provides students with context for understanding where Lomilomi comes from and the responsibility that comes with practicing a healing tradition from another culture.
Students will explore Hawaiian history and the development of traditional healing practices; Hoʻōla and the role of Lomilomi within the broader Hawaiian healing arts; the effects of colonization and cultural suppression; cultural revival and preservation; cultural appreciation versus appropriation; lineage and the traditional relationship between kumu and student; protocol and pule; hula and its relationship to healing and bodywork; introductory ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi; kaona and the importance of language and intention; meditation; mana; energetic awareness; grounding; and the relationship between practitioner, community, land, and the healing work.
Rather than presenting Hawaiian culture as an accessory to massage technique, this portion of the course asks students to consider how history, lineage, cultural context, intention, and personal responsibility influence the way Lomilomi is learned and practiced.
In person lecture, bring a lunch, and supplies for note taking. We will take an hour break for lunch.
Traditional Style Lomilomi Bodywork- 30 hours
The hands-on portion of the course introduces students to the foundational principles, strokes, movement patterns, and body mechanics of Traditional Style Lomilomi.
Students learn foundational techniques for working with both the posterior and anterior body, with particular attention to the characteristic use of the forearms, fluid movement, practitioner body mechanics, rhythm, observation, intention, and continuity of touch.
Students will practice individual techniques before integrating them into a complete foundational bodywork sequence. Throughout the hands-on training, the cultural concepts introduced earlier in the course are brought into the treatment room, encouraging students to develop not only technical proficiency but also presence, awareness, respect, and an increasingly intuitive approach to their work.
Deep yet gentle, TSLomi course teaches you to work with what you find, using long, rhythmic strokes, coming from foot/hip work that reflects the steps of the hula.
Each day we will break for lunch for 30-45 min. Plan for light meals, nothing large and heavy.
This course will give you the skills to work professionally in the massage therapy field. IF that is your goal, the state of MN does not currently have licensing requirements for massage therapists.
However, anatomy, physiology, and ethics are necessities for working professionals. Please contact Olivia to find out how to complete your training in those areas of study.
Tuition Costs : $1350
Registration Fee: (non refundable) $50
Materials Fee: $20
Total: $1370
Checks can be mailed to: 121 E Cherry St, Mankato, MN 56001
Made out to: Menari Body Works