<P> The early Polynesian settlers brought their own form of massage and it evolved to become something uniquely Hawaiian . It was practiced by everyone, from child to chief . As an indigenous practice that evolved over hundreds of years in isolated valleys throughout the island chain, there are many different "schools" of lomilomi with different approaches and techniques . </P> <P> After American missionaries arrived in 1820 and converted many in the Kingdom of Hawaii to Christianity, various laws prohibited "heathen" worship and any related Native Hawaiian healing practices . Lomilomi as part of medical practice went underground . But lomilomi as restorative massage remained popular not only among the Hawaiians, but among foreign residents and visitors as well . Charles Wilkes describes it being offered after his ascent of Mokuaweoweo in 1841 on the United States Exploring Expedition . For Robert Louis Stevenson it was "disagreeable", but English adventurer Isabella Bird found it delightful . Not only did non-Hawaiians receive lomilomi, they also gave it . According to William Brigham the first Director of the Bishop Museum, writing in 1908, one of the most skilled practitioners was Sanford Dole, one of the leaders of the overthrow of the Kingdom . </P> <P> Although the Legislature of the Kingdom of Hawai ʻi banned curing through "superstitious methods" in 1886, massage was not subject to legislation until 1945 . In 1947, the Board of Massage was established to regulate lomilomi and massage . The law required practitioners to pass a written test on anatomy, physiology and massage theory . Many renowned native healers were unable or unwilling to pass the test, and thus lomilomi as restorative massage was forced underground . In 2001, the Legislature passed Act 304, amending HRS section 453, allowing native practitioners to be certified by the Hawaiian medical board, Papa Ola Lōkahi, or by the various community health centers . This law is controversial among some native practitioners, but those who are certified (but not licensed) can provide lomilomi without fear of prosecution under Hawaii state law . </P> <P> Many traditionally taught lomilomi practitioners find it virtually impossible to offer authentic lomilomi in a spa setting and are unwilling to work in most spas or massage offices . They prefer to treat selected clients quietly and privately, often in home settings . Lomilomi practitioners may also ask their clients to pray, meditate, change their diets, or take other action as part of their health improvement process . </P>

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