Alternative Therapies Archives

November, 2009 - VOL. 15, NO. 6		November, 2009
Lomi Lomi as a Massage With Movements: A Conceptual Synthesis?
Pawel Lizis, PhD; Paul Posadzki, PhD; Toby O. Smith, MSc
This article narratively reviews the evidence of 2 therapeutic modalities, massage and passive movement. The authors suggest that these 2 treatment techniques may be combined as 1 treatment to be used in a variety of clinical settings. We present the rationale through which the concept of massage with movement (MWM) has been developed and constructed from the principles of passive movements with gentle massage during Lomi Lomi massage. It is hypothesized that through further investigation and empirical studies, this concept may allow bodywork and movement therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to combine the positive effects of passive movements with those of massage for patients’ health benefits, most notably through enhanced relaxation.
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