Heart-Centered Healing Modalities
JOIN US for a life-changing opportunity to study Lomilomi in Hawaii and experience the environment and culture that created it! We will be on the Big Island in the remote and magical Waipio Valley. This is a truly special place to be invited to. Waipio Valley is not easily accessible​ and is therefore removed from most tourist activity. If you look at the picture above, you can see the road carving down the far side of the valley. We will be driven down that road and across multiple rivers, until we reach our beautiful retreat center destination, Waipi'o Gardens. We will explore the lush environment, fruit orchards and nearby Nanaue Waterfall. A walk through the jungle will bring us out onto the nearly-private black-sand beach pictured above! It will be a truly magical experience for us to engage in the physical, emotional and spiritual work of Lomilomi, while being nourished by the spirit of the land, the food, and the family bonds we create while doing this work together.​​​​​​​​​​​​
ABOUT LOMILOMI
Lomilomi is the traditional massage style of Hawaii. Each island has unique lineages of Lomi that have been passed down since ancient times. Families had their own specialties, and communities also had kahunas (masters) who passed their lineages down through generations. Although there are many technical differences between the lineages, all Lomi practitioners are trained to work with the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the receiver. Its movements are inspired by the ocean, with emphasis on rhythm and flow and a strong focus on the breath to move energy.
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Lomi is much more than "just a massage". While it is indeed highly effective at releasing pain and tension, increasing circulation and energy flow, calming the nervous system, and promoting integration between the different areas of the body, it also helps us release old beliefs and traumas we've held onto for years or even lifetimes, and brings us back into a sense of alignment with our higher purpose. Lomilomi is about bringing all parts of the receiver into harmony with themself.​
ABOUT THE TRAINING
​This course will be hands-on experiential learning as we dive into the practice of Lomi. Each training session will begin with a demonstration of new techniques followed by extensive hands-on practice. You will give and receive Lomi each day, so it can be an opportunity for profound inner healing as well as an educational experience.
Your days will include daily yoga/movement classes, meditation, breathwork, and energy work practices. You will receive 3 delicious nourishing meals and have free time to explore the jungle, fruit orchards, black sand beach, and waterfalls. It will be an opportunity to really immerse yourself in the magic of the land, which will elevate your Lomi practice to another level! The first time I came to Hawaii is when I felt the work I had learned settle into my body and I am excited to share this experience with you!
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You will learn 2 full routines in this training. The first is based off the Heartworks lineage from Maui. It uses long wave-like strokes to bring the receiver into a state of deep relaxation. Primarily using the palms of the hands, we connect with our heart centers in this deeply meditative work. The 2nd routine is based off the Temple-Style Lomi of Kahu Abraham Kauai. This routine uses rhythmic fluid forearm stokes that dance spontaneously across the body to integrate body and mind. It also incorporates stretches and twists to make space in the body.
In the final class, students will trade 3 hour sessions, and integrate all the new skills! Upon completion you will receive a certificate from Vermont Holistic Bodywork. This class is also eligible for 32 Continuing Ed Credits from the NCBTMB.
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This training is open to people of all experience levels, from beginners to long-time practitioners. The work you will learn can be the foundation of a new massage practice or a wonderful addition to an existing practice.
GUEST TEACHER: HARRY UHANE JIM
One of the highlights of the retreat is the chance to spend 3 days learning from renowned Kahuna, healer, and teacher - Harry Uhane Jim. Uncle Harry grew up in Hawaii and will provide us with a direct connection to ancient ways. He has a very down-to-earth, grassroots style of teaching that focuses on bringing out the innate wisdom we all carry. He brings decades of wisdom, insight, humor, and an enormous laugh to all his classes. He will share his own style of Lomi which includes:
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Bonewashing: Clear stuck energy from the bones
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Creating Space: Open the body to receive more energy
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Lomi Ha: Transformational Breathwork
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Lau Lima: Hawaiian-Style Energy Work
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Ho'oponopono: Letting go of the past
...and much more​
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Harry's presence and teachings will make an unforgettable impression on you and your work.​​​​
SCHEDULE​​
April 9: You will be picked up at Kona Airport and transported to Waipio Valley
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April 10-12: Lomilomi Training with Benj
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April 13-15: Training with Uncle Harry
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April 16: Full-day excursion to see other parts of the island
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April 17-20: Lomilomi Training with Benj.
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April 21: Give and receive full sessions
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April 22: Closing Circle and Morning Departure. You will be returned to Kona Airport.
You will be on your own at this point, but if you choose to stay on the island longer, you are invited to join us at Uncle Robert's Awa Bar in Pahoa for their Wednesday night festivities...live music, food, and dancing!​​
STAFF​​
​Benj Spound: Founder of VHB and Main Instructor
Benj has been practicing Lomilomi and facilitating trainings since 2016. He has had the great fortune to study several lineages of Lomi with a number of excellent teachers. He loves witnessing the transformation that happens on the table during sessions and Loves sharing this profound modality with other practitioners to help spread this potent medicine to all who can benefit from its magic!
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Ashley Gallagher: Assistant Teacher and Yoga Instructor
Ashley has been a massage therapist since 2010. Over the years She has studied many modalities of massage as well as reiki. She is also a certified yoga instructor and Holistic Nutritionist. She completed Lomilomi training with VHB in 2021, and has been an excellent assistant teacher at many of these trainings.​
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Seann Cram: Master Chef
Seann has been cooking his entire life and loves nourishing people with his delicious culinary creations. He has been the cook for all VHB retreats since 2021 where he shares his endless store of knowledge and wisdom along with the food.
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Guest Teacher: Harry Uhane Jim​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Harry is the founder of Halau Uhane Lomilomi Lapa'au....(Roughly translated as (Uhane Mystery School of Lomilomi Touch Medicine.) Uncle Harry studied healing arts with many kahunas and healers since childhood and is recognized as a modern-day Kahuna (master of a body of work). Harry has traveled the world teaching Lomilomi and spreading the Aloha spirit for decades. His message: LOVE PREVAILS ALL TRAUMA.​
Seann, Benj, & Ashley
Uncle Harry
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition includes on-site accommodation, 3 meals/day, and transportation to and from Waipio Valley. Flights to Hawaii must be purchased individually.
Early Bird Tuition: $4100 (Available until Feb 1st)
Regular Tuition: $4500
A non-refundable deposit of $800 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance must be paid by March 1st unless we have another agreement in place.
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If cost is an obstacle for you, please contact Benj to discuss financial aid options including payment plans.
VSAC GRANTS: Vermonters can apply for VSAC non-degree grants which can cover the cost for qualifying Vermont Residents. Contact Benj for more info about applying for VSAC aid.
If you have any questions, you can reach Benj at vermontholisticbodywork@gmail.com or 802.793.5764.
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Please read our Cancellation Policy before registering.
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