What you will learn here includes what Polynesian Floor Treatment is, why people choose it and what to expect from your Polynesian Floor Treatment.
What is Polynesian Floor Treatment?
Polynesian Floor Treatment is a fully clothed, floor-based bodywork therapy derived from Kahuna Bodywork principles, combining therapeutic deep stretching, deep tissue pressure and gentle rocking. It is particularly effective as a myofascial release intervention and for easing tension in the lower back, hips and shoulders.
While the massage table work of Kahuna Bodywork feels like being cradled by the ocean, the floor approach of the Polynesian Floor Treatment feels like being integrated into the earth.
Why do people choose the Polynesian Floor Treatment?
While Kahuna Bodywork and Polynesian Floor Treatment are both part of the Kahuna system, the floor treatment is often chosen for specific reasons:
Fully Clothed & No Oil:
Unlike Kahuna Bodywork that takes place on a massage table, lavishly applies oil to the body and requires significant physical exposure, Polynesian Floor Treatment is performed on a floor mat while you remain fully clothed (wearing comfortable, loose clothing - bring your own). This makes it ideal for people who prefer not to remove any clothing due to modesty and for those who prefer not to use oils. There are many reasons why avoiding generous amounts of oil may be desirable. This is particularly convenient for people who want to benefit from a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience in the middle of a work day and need to return to work or other responsibilities directly afterwards.
Greater Structural Impact:
If you have deep-seated postural challenges, shoulder issues or very tight hips, hamstrings or lower back, the floor allows for the leverage needed to "unlock" those areas.
Your body needs a GOOD stretch:
Polynesian Floor Treatment has been referred to as the "lazy person's yoga". Your practitioner will move and hold your body in all the appropriate stretches. If your body is craving or needing a thorough top to toe stretch, then Polynesian Floor Treatment is your ultimate go to.
Feeling "Grounded":
The physical proximity to the earth encountered during the Polynesian Floor Treatment can feel very stabilizing and grounding, which can be particularly soothing for people experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional upheaval.
Somatic Trauma Release and grief processing:
Recovering from grief and trauma requires time, patience and individualised support along the journey. Various somatic therapies (bodywork) focus on the mind-body connection in this regard and assist the affect person to gently release the challenging emotional pain from the body. The Polynesian Floor Treatment creates a safe and deeply comforting space for this process. You can learn more about our approach to facilitating trauma and grief processing here.
What to expect from a Polynesian Floor Treatment
Polynesian Floor Treatment takes place on a comfortable, padded mat on the floor with you fully clothed in comfortable clothing. Please come wearing comfortable clothing or bring comfortable clothing to change into. Being on the floor allows for large "yoga-like" stretches. The practitioner will use her own body as a fulcrum to move your limbs through a full range of motion and she can use gravity to her advantage. She may even use her feet or her entire body weight to apply pressure. You’ll be moved into various positions (onto your side, onto your back and onto your stomach) during the session. For the most sublime experience of being held and safe (something we rarely experience as adults), you will be encouraged to surrender completely.
A sacred space
The Polynesian Floor Treatment often begins with a moment of stillness or your practitioner singing a blessing over you to set her intention for your bodywork. She may place her hands on your back or head to establish a healing connection. There is a distinct sense that you are entering a "sacred space."
Using audible breath sounds
You will sometimes hear your practitioner making a soft "Haaa" sound that sounds like a deep sigh. In Polynesian Floor Treatment, the sounds a practitioner makes are not random noises. They are tools used to move energy and maintain the high-vibration environment required for the work. When your practitioner vocalizes "Haaa" it also serves as a subconscious invitation for you to join her in a state of release. It signals to your nervous system that it is safe to let go of the "breath-holding" we often do when we are stressed.
You may also occasionally hear your practitioner making a brisk "Sshhh" sound. This is used to "clear the air" around your body. If your practitioner feels a lot of "heavy" energy being released from your muscles or fascia, she may incorporate the "Sshhh" sound to "brush" that energy away from the the space.
The singing, humming therapist
In addition to hearing your practitioner's occasional breath sounds you may sometimes hear her humming or singing along to the music. When your practitioner begins to hum or sing, she isn't just enjoying the music—she is utilizing a tool called vibrational resonance. By humming or singing, she creates a stable, harmonious vibration to compliment the healing work. In addition to this, it is worth noting that Polynesian Floor Treatment requires the practitioner to maintain a deeply connected and energetically engaged state for 75 minutes. Humming and singing helps her to maintain a continuous "flow state", as well as a consistent, steady breath to regulate her energy.
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