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, across multiple rivers, until we reach our beautiful retreat center destination, Waipio Gardens. We will have access to explore the jungle, fruit orchards and nearby Nanue Waterfall. A walk through the jungle will bring us out onto the nearly-private black-sand beach pictured above. There is no feeling quite like jumping in the ocean after a Lomi session! Waipio is considered to be a very ancient and spiritual part of the island, and was once the "Valley of Kings". It will be a truly magical environment for us to engage in the physical, emotional and spiritual work of Lomilomi.​​​​​​​​​​​​
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. Although there are many technical differences between the lineages, each share the common underlying belief that humans are more than a physical body. Lomi practitioners work with the receiver on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels to enhance their overall wellbeing. This approach makes Lomi highly effective at releasing tension, calming the nervous system, promoting integration between the different areas of the body, and bringing people back into a sense of alignment. Its movements are inspired by the ocean, with emphasis on rhythm and flow. There is also a heavy focus on using the breath as a tool to move stuck energy. In modern times, Lomi has become popular around the world. Receivers love the way the massage feels and often have powerful experiences while receiving this work.
ABOUT THE TRAINING
​In this training, you will learn a full-body Lomilomi routine that incorporates techniques from 3 unique lineages.
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This course will be hands-on experiential learning. Days will include yoga classes, meditation, breathwork, and energy work practices, 3 delicious nourishing meals, time to explore the jungle, fruit orchards, black sand beach, and waterfalls, in addition to a full Lomilomi training. 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. In the final class, students will trade full sessions.
Upon completion you will receive a certificate from Vermont Holistic Bodywork and, for those that want them, 32 Continuing Ed Credits from the NCBTMB.
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This class is open to people of all experience levels, from beginners to long-time practitioners. The routine you will learn can be the foundation of a new massage practice or a wonderful addition to an existing practice.
Material covered will include:
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Cascading wave-like strokes from the heart-centered, meditative tradition of Sherman Dudoit and the Kahunas of Maui
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​Rhythmic forearm and elbow strokes, deep stretches, twists, and hip openers from the lineage of Kahu Abraham Kawai’i.
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Creating space in-between the vertebrae and joints by ​pulling, rotating, and shaking from modern-day Kahuna Harry Uhane Jim.
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The meditation techniques and philosophical tenets of Lomi​
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:
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Bonewashing
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Creating Space:
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Lomi Ha: Transformational Breathwork
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Kala'e: Clearing the Rivers
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Lau Lima: Hawaiian Style Energy Work
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Ho'oponopono
...and much more​
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Harry's presence and teachings will make an unforgettable impression on you and your work.​​​​
SCHEDULE​​
April 10: Arrive at Kona Airport. You will be picked up and transported to Waipio Valley
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April 11-14: Lomilomi Training with Benj. Learn the entitre back of the body routine, along with time for swimming in the ocean, meditation, and daily yoga.
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April 15-17: Training with Uncle Harry Jim
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April 18: Full day excursion to visit the town of Hilo, a white sand beach, and stunning Aka'aka Falls.
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April 19-20: Resume Lomilomi Training. Learn the entire front of the body routine.
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April 21: Give and receive full 3 hour sessions
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April 22: Closing Circle and Morning Departure. You will be returned to Kona Airport.​​
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 Teachers: Harry Uhane Jim and Sila Lehua Bray Jim​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Harry and Sila are the creators of Halau Uhane Lomilomi Lapa'au....(Roughly translated as (Uhane Mystery School of Lomilomi Touch Medicine.) Harry and Sila have traveled the world teaching Lomilomi and spreading the Aloha spirit for decades. Their main message: LOVE PREVAILS ALL TRAUMA. 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).
While Harry does most of the talking and teaching, Sila is no doubt the grounding force behind the operation. She is the granddaughter of renowned Kahuna David Bray and is a master hula dancer as well as Lomi practitioner.
Seann, Benj, & Ashley
Sila & Harry
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition includes on-site accommodation, 3 meals daily, transportation to and from Kona Airport, and a day excursion to Hilo area. Flights to Hawaii must be purchased individually.
Early Bird Tuition: $3800 (Available until Feb 1st)
Regular Tuition: $4200
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 up to $3000 of 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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