FAQ

Who is this type of bodywork for?

Kahuna Bodywork is for you if…..

… need deep rest and a nervous system reset.

…you need to shift stuck patterns in your body, and thus improve your physical and mental state.

…you want to experience more flow in your body, your movement and your mind.

…you are fatigued, overwhelmed or in a state of anxiety and want to feel calm, connected and more peaceful.

…you are already on a journey of wellbeing and need a supportive bodywork practice to support and assist your process.

…you want to embark on a transformational journey that will support life changes and transitions, and assist to create new healthier movement patterns in your body and mind.

…you feel something is missing, and want to feel more connected to yourself and your body.

…you need realignment in body, mind and spirit.

…you want to feel joyful and alive again.

…you want to celebrate yourself or something wonderful in your life.

… you are pregnant and need deep nurturing and body preparation for the birth.

… you have had a mastectomy or breast surgery and need nurturing rehabilitation massage to
support the healing process.

Can I keep my clothes on for the session?

Yes, you always get to choose how much or how little you want to undress.

When you make a booking, you will have the option to choose between a ‘fully clothed” massage or an oil massage.
If you want to change your mind on the day, just let me know.

Your comfort is my priority.

What’s the difference between ‘fully clothed’ massage and “full body oil” massage?

I am a trained Kahuna Massage therapist. Traditionally, Kahuna massage is performed with oil, which means that the recipient is undressed to receive the massage. This allows for the effective flow of the traditional strokes of Kahuna massage that go up and down the body from foot to head and back again, without restriction.
(Note: the pelvic area ALWAYS remains securely covered.)

Part of my training includes the Polynesian Floor Treatment. This is like ‘assisted yoga on the floor’, where the recipient is fully clothed to allow for easy joint rotations and twisting of the body.
I was trained to use this treatment on the massage table as well as on the floor.

In my ten years of experience, I have found that the ‘fully clothed’ on-the-table version has been very effective in helping people who are experiencing pain, extreme fatigue , trauma, adrenal burnout or recovering from surgery.

What I believe to be true is that only when we feel very safe, can we really let go into deep rest and healing.

In my massage space, that feeling of safety is created by offering a deeply nurturing space, whether you are fully clothed or not.

Keeping your clothes on creates an even greater sense of safety – allowing for deeper relaxation.

The techniques that I use for the fully clothed massage include gentle pressure, squeezing and stretching, as well as limb rotations to help the joints release. A bit of ‘bone-washing’ is also included to release tension at the muscle attachment sites. This is EXTREMELY relaxing for the recipient and will take you into a very deep rest state.



That said, the full body oil massage can be just as relaxing and deeply healing. It all depends on where you are at, and what you are needing in the moment.

Both treatments induce deep rest and effective release of tension and pain.

It is a matter of choice, preference, and also, the state in which you arrive in my massage space.

So, whichever one you book for, we can change it on the day, in the moment.

We will always discuss which one is best for you before we begin the session.

***

If you purchase a package and want to embark on a journey and a series of massages, depending on your goals and where you are when you begin, we can start the journey with fully clothed massage and move on to the full body oil treatment when your body is ready for it.

How do I book a ‘fully clothed’ massage session?

Go to the booking page, choose which massage you want, and you will be given an option to select ‘fully clothed’.
(Note: The Bonewashing/ Skeletal massage is a fully clothed, stand-alone treatment.)

What about draping (covering the body) during a traditional Kahuna Oil Massage?

It is a priority that both you and I feel comfortable and relaxed during the session.

Traditionally, Kahuna oil Massage (Temple Style Lomi) drapes the body with less covering than the normal western massage styles. What makes Kahuna Massage unique, and very effective, is the long, flowing strokes that treat the muscles of your neck, back, arms, hips, glutes, legs and feet and toes as one integrated group of muscles. The strokes flow up and down the body in a wave-like motion. A cloth (sarong) is usually used as a modesty covering (instead of a sheet), with the pubic and buttock areas always covered.

Safety and comfort is a legal requirement, and always the priority.

Type of Drape: Traditionally for the Kahuna massage, you will lie directly on top of an impermeable, clean massage table cover, and be covered with a sarong (cloth). There is no sheet under your body. This is so that I can work under your body with ease. This is another unique aspect that makes Kahuna massage so effective. The rationale is that the body weight of the person provides the perfect depth, and the warmth of a hand under the body is very soothing for the nervous system. It feels very nurturing for the body. If you prefer: We can use full sheets on both the bottom and the top, as in most western massage modalities, if that makes you feel more at ease.
Let me know what’s best for you. 

What are the benefits of chest/breast massage?

These ‘vulnerable areas’ are often ignored in traditional massage settings in mainstream settings, but working in these areas is profoundly healing.

Traditionally in Lomi lomi and Kahuna massage, breast and chest work is often used to soften the intercostal muscles and facilitate deeper breathing, and to open up energy blocks in the heart area. This can be done covered, or not. It will be used intuitively, and in line with the written, signed consent you give me at each session.

Are you trained and licensed to practice chest/breast massage?

Yes.
Washington State requires massage therapists to have a minimum of 16 hours training in breast and chest massage and that a client give written consent to receive massage in these areas. I have the necessary license.

Kahuna massage is a full body treatment that brings release to the front of the body, as well as the back of the body, so I was trained in and practiced chest/breast massage and belly work for 8 years before I moved to the USA.

By law, you will be required to give written, signed consent each time you come for a session.

You are always in charge of your choices regarding these areas. Read more here…

What if I’m not comfortable with chest/breast/belly massage?

It is not required that you have chest/ breast massage during your massage – you will still receive the benefits of the massage without it.

We will always discuss your choices before your massage starts. Just let me know.

At Aloha Flow, you will be required to give written, signed consent each time you come for a session.

You are always in charge of your choices regarding these areas. Read more here…

Is chest / breast massage good for anyone who has had breast augmentation / reduction / mastectomy / surgery of any kind?

Yes.

Chest and breast massage is excellent in facilitating healing in these areas if you have had any surgery there. The tissue must be healed before massage can take place. Please discuss with your doctor and get written permission or talk to me before booking your appointment.

At Aloha Flow, you will be required to give written, signed consent each time you come for a session.

You are always in charge of your choices regarding these areas. Read more here…

Are Covid Safety Protocols in place at Aloha Flow?

Yes, we are adhering to the Covid safety protocols that are required for Massage Therapists in Washington.

Please wear your mask, clean your hands when you enter my space.

What about after the massage session?

Kahuna bodywork is a commitment to your wellbeing. It is a powerful journey of healing through release and restoration. The massage affects each person differently, and each time you receive a massage, your body may respond differently. During the session and in the days following a massage, you might experience a range of emotions and physical sensations. Simply observe your emotions without getting caught up in them and let them flow. This is your space to let go, so that you can restore balance and get deep rest after release. The healing/cleansing effects and re-balancing of the body-mind can be felt for weeks after the treatment.

It is important to drink plenty of water after a massage, and an Epsom salt bath is highly recommended. 

Is this energy work?

All massage is essentially energy work, because all therapists are trained to work intuitively with the intention of facilitating movement and flow in the body.

It is widely proven that energy gets stuck in the tissues of the body and causes dis-ease and discomfort – or pain.

In any massage session, energy gets moved as the therapist works the tissues to make changes.

Energy is always part of any massage session because there are two people (the therapist and the recipient) working together with a loving intention for the best outcome for the good of all.

Kahuna massage brings the added benefit of specifically working with the energy of Aloha, and therapists are highly trained to work intuitively, watching the body for signs of strain, stagnation or release, and to facilitate release in a unique way.

All Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage incorporates an aspect of ‘pule’ (prayer or intention) into the session so that intentions are clear and the spirit of aloha (respect, honor, sacredness and loving awareness) is present.