WellSpring Practice Guides

Kahuna

Kahuna is a healing art originating in Hawaii. There are different forms and until recently, Kahuna was only passed down through oral tradition from one generation in a family to the next.

The word Kahuna has many meanings, the most frequent definition is "loving hands" and "breaking into small pieces". Traditionally, Kahuna was carried out on three consecutive days and often received on special ceremonial days by Hawaiian royalty. Each day was aimed at restoring balance and harmony to the client, the first being the physical level, the second day relating to the emotional self and the last day working at the 'bone level' which is seen as an opportunity for new growth and spiritual aspects.

Today, the average session lasts approximately two hours.Kahuna is a deep and rhythmical massage. The rhythm is very relaxing and works gently but deeply into the muscles using continuous flowing strokes. Kahuna's energy comes from the use of this rhythm and movement, creating a continuous ebb and flow between the practitioner and the client. The practitioner uses the forearm, fingers, heel and palm of the hand in long, flowing movements over the body that bring fresh oxygen to every cell. Various massage techniques are used to relax the muscles, increase circulation and break down adhesions and to increase the vibrational rate of the cells of the body.

Acupressure points may also be used, plus warm stone therapy, breathing techniques, chanting, music, visualisations, herbs and aromas depending on the lineage of the practitioner. A main principle of Kahuna is to encourage clients to know themselves better by inwardly listening to their own bodies and experiences and aims to help clients accept their own body and love themselves. Whilst the technique is an important part of the massage and associated healing, the practitioner works in harmony with the client with love and compassion to connect to one's own self-love which is believed to strengthen the ability to recognise the beauty in our life and surroundings. One of the tenets of Kahuna is everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love.

Principles associated with Kahuna:
THE FOUR SELVES:

THE HIGHER SELF (KANE, AUMAKUA) has the function of creativity, is motivated by harmony, and uses energy.
 
THE CONSCIOUS SELF (LONO) has the function of reasoning, is motivated by power, and uses imagination.
 
THE SUBCONSCIOUS SELF (KU) has the function of memory, is motivated by happiness, and uses sensation.
 
THE CORE SELF (KANALOA) has the function of will, is motivated by experience, and uses confidence.
 
THE SECRET OF HUNA is that all of life (ha) is an interplay between active energy (hu) and passive energy (na) influenced by thought (una) to change experience (hua).

 
THE SEVEN POWERFUL PRINCIPLES.

IKE The world is what you think it is.
KALA There are no limits.
MAKIA Energy flows where attention goes.
MANAWA Now is the moment of power.
ALOHA To love is to be happy with. (Someone or something).
MANA All power comes from within.
PONO Effectiveness is the measure of truth.