Voyage to Wellness

Starlines

Specific areas of the body, and body sculpting techniques from the Hawaiian tradition of lomilomi, are symbolized by the names and use of 4 starlines. These navigational aids also correlate to hula movements, canoe parts, and other daily activities and structures in the Hawaiian lifestyle.

These starlines are used by voyagers to navigate their canoes during the night:
1. Ke Ka o Makali’i
2. Ka Iwikuamo’o
3. Manaiakalani
4. Ka Lupe O Kawelo.

Ke Ka o Makali’i
The shape of this starline is like a large letter C in the sky; it resembles the scoop used to bail water out of the canoe. It symbolizes the scooping motions used to massage or lomi the body. It also represents the cleansing of the na’au or internal organs, through the use of herbal medicine, lomilomi and through balanced meals or nutrition.

On the land, a stone structure that resembles the letter C is used for foundation of the canoe halau. This halau represents shelter for the extended family or ohana.

In self-care movements, the arms are held down alongside the trunk of the body. The knees and ankles are bent; the back is relatively erect or straight. The elbows are extended slightly to the rear; the shoulder blades are drawn in slightly. this posture is known as ‘ai ha’a. It is used in hula ki’i.

This starline is represented in the body by the head.

Ka Iwikuamo’o

The shape of this starline is like a line across the sky.

The backbone of the body runs from the head to the tail. It is a vital link to all of the body organs and tissues. The three piko are found in the head, chest and abdomen. These areas also correspond to the brain, heart and lungs, internal and reproductive organs. The curvature of the spine is evaluated and restored with combined self-care and multi-purpose lomilomi movements. The body is placed in a kneeling position for palpation of the head, spine and hips. Lomilomi to balance the symmetry and function of the spinal curves may be applied regularly to correct deficiencies, irregularities or postural habits. Careful attention is provided during evaluation and care to assure safety and comfort of the backbone of the body during lomilomi.

Like the movement of the mo’o or water dragon, the spine is moved like the waves of the ocean with the focussed intention of the trained lomilomi provider. The care of this important structural component of the body by each person is the key to a long, and healthy life. The backbone is an essential source of mana or spiritual power.

The bottom of the canoe running fore to aft is called the iwikuamo’o. It is the foundation for the canoe. It represents the generations of the canoe families, from the ancient past to the present day. It symbolizes the family.

This starline is represented in the body by the spine.

Manaiakalani

The distinctive part of this starline is the image of a large fish hook in the sky. It also features the Navigator’s Triangle.

Huki is the term used to pull. It is used to describe the pulling motion of the lines on the voyaging canoe. For example, lifting the boom up alongside the mast is done by pulling the line or stay. Pulling in the mooring lines is done by coordinated actions of the crew.

The movement of the body and hands while pulling up the fish from the deep ocean is the key to this lomilomi technology. The intricate posture of each hand may mirror each other, while rolling in circles in the air. Like lifting and pulling in the fish, these lomilomi techniques are powerful in their actions on the four corners (shoulders; hips; organs).

One style of this technique is used to redirect stagnant energy or fluid from a blocked part of the body back into circulation. This technique can also be used to handle hot stones for lomilomi on the back or front of the body. It is also used during lomi wai ola or water healing with lomilomi on the floating person. This is a versatile technique, that can be focussed in a small area of the body, or used to stimulate large areas of the body.

Another visualization of this movement is the strong stroke of the canoe paddler. Like the paddle pulling the water alongside the canoe, the hands of the lomilomi provider can move the skin and underlying tissues smoothly and carefully. A surfer paddles his hands through the water alongside his or her surfboard. The swimmer pulls themself through the water with long, fluid strokes alongside their own body. The lomilomi provider glides their hands carefully and accurately across the soft and hard contours of the body, sensing the innate vibrations of the life force within the tissues.

In self-care movements, this technique resembles the ‘ale ‘ale gestures of hula. The range of motion of the wrists, elbows and shoulders are maintained with slow and fast, rhythmic movements. This movement represents the rolling motion of energies, in the wind, in the waves and in the sounds of life.

This starline is represented in the person by the upper body, including the arms and hands, heart and lungs.

Ka Lupe O Kawelo

This starline features a large box in the sky. The beautiful form of the iwa bird, called Iwakeli’i is also featured.

The four corners of the body are symbolized by the kite of Kawelo. Using circular movements around the joints of the shoulder and the hips, along with compression and traction and rotational techniques, improved range of motion may coincide with pain relief and corrected posture. The strength and coordination of the upper and the lower extremities depend on the care and health of the major joints. The shoulders and hips are the links between the core or trunk of the body, and the extremities. Lomilomi movements in these vital areas is important for the continued health of the arms and hands, legs and feet.

The square shape represents the foundation and root. The lower body, from hips to feet also represent the foundation and root.

The rib cage encloses the vital organs above, and shelters the organs below. This area of the body below the ribs can be palpated for localization of structural or functional disorders of the na’au or internal organs. A pregnant mother would be delicately touched to determine the position of the fetus. Inflammatory disorders can also be sensed through the touch of the hands.

Correct movement of a displaced organ may help to prevent chronic inflammation and cancer. Lomilomi provides both diagnostic information and therapeutic procedures for the improved health of both the chest and abdominal regions.

This starline is represented in the body by the shoulders, and hips, and all the vital areas enclosed between and within those major joints.