What is Hawaiian massage?
Hawaiian massage, otherwise known as lomi lomi, is a form of manual therapy in which the therapist applies gentle pressure to muscles, tendons and joints using their hands, wrists, forearms and elbows. Hawaiian massages are non-invasive and beneficial for releasing toxins, increasing range of motion and reducing pain.
Hawaiian massage is fast gaining popularity among people with a wide range of ailments. It is safe to perform on people of all ages, ranging from children to the elderly. A Hawaiian massage therapist kneads deeply into the muscles to relieve tension, promote relaxation and improve emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well. Hawaiian massage has several benefits, including:
- Relieves chronic pain
- Reduces tiredness and improves sleep patterns
- Increases flexibility in the body's joints
- Treats neck, shoulder and back pain
- Reduces muscle tension or stiffness
- Improves blood circulation which aids in muscle recovery
- Develops a positive perception of oneself
- Alleviates anxiety, depression and other mental health issues
- Reduces stress levels
- Improves blood pressure levels
- Loosens up tension around the chest in people with asthma
The following are the peak professional bodies in Melbourne where Hawaiian massage practitioners can get support, stay informed of industry trends, and boost their credentials:
- Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
- Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA)
Should you study Hawaiian massage?
A Hawaiian massage course provides students with all the information they need about various Hawaiian massage techniques as well as their theoretical framework, which allows them to perform the massage effortlessly on others. A good Hawaiian massage therapist should be:
- Patient and compassionate in order to understand the underlying cause of the client's health issue and be able to provide tailored treatment.
- A good listener who takes the time to note down the client's issues and what might have contributed to them.
- An excellent communicator who can explain in detail the treatment procedure and the dos and don'ts following a Hawaiian massage.
If you possess these qualities, then you are destined to succeed as a Hawaiian massage therapist without a shadow of a doubt. Continue reading to discover your study options in Melbourne.
What are the course and study options for Hawaiian massage in Melbourne?
Hawaiian massage courses teach students everything they need to know before performing Hawaiian massage on potential clients. The programs include both theory and practical applications of the massage, techniques relevant to the condition being treated, Hawaiian oil application and more.
You can become a qualified Hawaiian massage practitioner in Melbourne in two different ways. You can attend workshops or retreats that cover six days of training. In addition to the manipulative techniques used in Hawaiian massage, you will also learn its spiritual principles.
The Hawaiian massage technique is also taught as part of a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice, which is a more extensive program that also includes other forms of massage. Depending on whether you study this part-time or full-time, you can complete the course in six months or a year.
If you're all set to begin a career as a Hawaiian massage therapist, head over to the top of the page to find a comprehensive list of schools and courses in Melbourne that will provide you with the academic qualifications to practise Hawaiian massage.
What happens after you complete your Hawaiian massage course?
Hawaiian massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including sports clubs, resort spas, or massage clinics. As massage therapy is a self-regulated practice in Australia, practitioners in Melbourne are expected to comply with the following statutory codes of the state of Victoria:
- Health Records Act 2001
- Health Complaints Act 2016
- Working with Children Act 2005
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
- Code of Conduct for General Health Services
Moreover, practitioners of Hawaiian massage can choose to be self-employed or run their own private practice. As a sole proprietor, you can set your own massage rates, work hours and clientele. The Natural Therapy Pages practitioner listing page is a great way to be found by people looking for Hawaiian massage services in Melbourne.
Since massage therapy is an ongoing cycle of learning and success, you might want to continue your education and refine your skills. Here are some courses you might want to consider:
- Remedial Massage
- Kinesiology
- Myopractic
- Acupressure