Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage

History records that while on Tahiti, Cook declined an invitation on shore because he was "much out of order." As he returned to his boat, the king's mother, three sisters and eight other women accompanied him. Cook wrote: "When we arrived at the ship, they told me, they intended passing the night on board, for the express purpose of undertaking the cure of the disorder I complained of; which was a pain of the rheumatic kind, extending from hip to foot. I accepted the friendly offer, had a bed spread for them upon the cabin floor, and submitted myself to their directions. I was desired to lay myself out amongst them. Then, as many of them as could get round me, began to squeeze me with both hands, from head to foot, but more particularly on the parts where the pain was lodged, till they made my bones crack, and my flesh became a perfect mummy. In short, after undergoing this discipline about a quarter of an hour, I was glad to get away from them. However, the operation gave me immediate relief, which encouraged me to submit to another rubbing down before I went to bed; and it was so effectual, that I found myself pretty easy all the night after." After two similar treatments, Cook "found the pains entirely removed." He says they call the process romee. (Cook, Vol. II, pp. 63-64) [first edition; event occurred about August, 1777]

This is the first mention of Romee(Lomi) by Capt. James Cook in 1777, the method he describes is very similar to traditional physiotherapy in Polynesia and Hawaii.

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