Kahuna Bodywork

Kahuna Bodywork is a full-body treatment that is often thought of as a type of massage. However, it is a broader holistic healing tradition originating from Hawaii, which is designed to harmonize the body, mind and spirit, while releasing physical, emotional, and energetic tension. As such, Kahuna Bodywork isn't only about working the tension out of your muscles or eliciting deep states of relaxation. It is considered a "return to yourself", to your natural, unburdened state of being and a way to "make right" the relationship between your physical self and your higher self. 

In terms of the technique used by Kahuna practitioners, think of this bodywork as a dynamic, fluid dance performed on the client's body to the rhythm of vibrant and moving music. The practitioner uses forearms, elbows and hands in long, deep, flowing strokes that mimic the ebb and flow of the ocean across the length of the body. The bodywork itself can be experienced subjectively in a variety of different ways: subtle, nurturing, compassionate, comforting, grounding, emotive, energetic, transcendent and even transformative. Each session can evoke its own unique experience and deeper healing with each new session.

Types of Kahuna Bodywork offered:

1. Kahuna Bodywork 

As described above and with additional information on exactly what to expect detailed below (please scroll down to "What to expect"). 

2. Kahuna Pregnancy Massage

Kahuna Pregnancy Massage is one of the most nurturing experiences available during pregnancy. It takes the signature "ocean wave" flow of Kahuna Bodywork and adapts it to support the unique physical and emotional shifts of pregnancy. You can find more in-depth information on the Kahuna Pregnancy Massage here. 

3. Polynesian Floor Treatment

Polynesian Floor Treatment is a fully clothed, floor-based bodywork therapy derived from Kahuna Bodywork principles. It combines therapeutic deep stretching, deep tissue pressure and gentle rocking and is particularly effective at easing tension in the lower back, hips and shoulders. While the massage table work of Kahuna Bodywork feels like being cradled by the ocean, the floor treatment of Polynesian Floor Treatment feels like being integrated into the earth. 

Polynesian Floor Treatment takes place on a comfortable, padded mat on the floor. Being on the floor allows for much larger "yoga-like" stretches. The practitioner can use her own body as a fulcrum to move your limbs through a full range of motion and can use gravity to her advantage. She may even use her feet or her entire body weight to apply pressure. You can find out why people choose the Polynesian Floor Treatment here. 

What to expect from a Kahuna Bodywork session

The following information applies specifically to Kahuna Bodywork and Kahuna Pregnancy Massage. Information on what to expect from the Polynesian Floor Treatment is available here.

A sacred space

The Kahuna Bodywork session often begins with a moment of stillness or your practitioner singing a Hawaiian blessing over you to set her intention for your bodywork. She may place her hands on your back or head to establish a healing connection. Unlike a clinical massage, there is a distinct sense that you are entering a "sacred space."

Generously applied oil

Expect to feel a lot more oil than used during other types of massage. Because this treatment uses a lot of oil and can result in some of the oil getting into your hair please be mindful of what clothing you will be changing into after the treatment. 

Modesty

Expect much less draping to cover your exposed body. The use of draping is modified to expose more of the body to allow for your Kahuna practitioner's long, sweeping movements that trace the entire length of your body from head to toe. However, modesty and dignity is subtly preserved with the skillful placement of sarongs. Clients are encouraged to communicate their comfort level at all times. 

Continuous, Dynamic Movement

Unlike other styles of massage where the therapist stands relatively still, a Kahuna practitioner moves continuously and dynamically around the massage table in a style akin to a flowing dance or martial arts. This movement starts at the beginning of the bodywork with a Kahuna dance called "flying" and this Ka’alele au ("flight of the ibis.") continues throughout the therapeutic session. While it may look like a beautiful dance, it is actually a functional martial art form. The practitioner isn't just moving for aesthetics; she is using her entire body as a pendulum to generate the momentum needed for those long, deep strokes across your body without straining her own muscles.

Using audible breath sounds

You will sometimes hear your Kahuna practitioner making a soft "Haaa" sound that sounds like a deep sigh. In Kahuna Bodywork, the sounds a practitioner makes are not random noises. They are tools used to move energy and maintain the high-vibration environment required for the work. When your Kahuna practitioner vocalizes "Haaa" it also serves as a subconscious invitation for you to join her in a state of release. It signals to your nervous system that it is safe to let go of the "breath-holding" we often do when we are stressed.

You may also occasionally hear your practitioner making a brisk "Sshhh" sound. This is used to "clear the air" around the body. If your practitioner feels a lot of "heavy" energy being released from your muscles or fascia, she may incorporate the "Sshhh" sound to "brush" that energy away from the massage table.

The singing, humming therapist

In addition to hearing your practitioner's occasional breath sounds you may sometimes hear her humming or singing along to the music. When a Kahuna practitioner begins to hum or sing, she isn't just "enjoying the music"—she is utilizing a tool called vibrational resonance. By humming or singing, the practitioner creates a stable, harmonious vibration to compliment the healing work. In addition to this, it is worth noting that Kahuna Bodywork is physically demanding and requires the practitioner to maintain a deeply connected and energetically engaged state for 60 to 90 minutes. Humming and singing helps her to maintain a continuous "flow state", as well as a consistent, steady breath to regulate her energy. 

Breaking the "Armour" (Physical Release)

From a Kahuna perspective, muscles aren't just tissue; they are containers for memory. When a practitioner uses long, sweeping strokes, she isn't just rubbing a muscle; she is "washing" the body. By releasing chronic tension in the fascia and joints, the body is encouraged to let go of the physical "holding patterns" that keep you stuck in the past. As the tension leaves, the "real you" has more room to breathe.

Bypassing the Intellectual Mind

Because the movements used in Kahuna Bodywork are rhythmic and continuous, the brain often can't keep track of where the practitioner's hands are. In a standard massage, you might think, "Now they are on my left calf." In Kahuna, the strokes are so long and encompasses so much of the body at once that the analytical mind eventually gives up trying to track it. This "mental surrender" has the potential to drop you into a meditative state where you can connect with your intuition rather than your to-do list.

Rates

For information on our rates for all our Kahuna Bodywork interventions click here.