Mohala’ means to open. Together we are creating space.
This therapy session was unlike any I have experienced before. I’ll start at the end when I say – you really need to experience this.
Mohala Floor Bodywork is a technique that stems from Kahuna Massage, developed in Hawaii. The therapist uses their hands, forearms, elbows, feet, knees and body weight to move your body. This stimulates the energy in the body and encourages it to flow freely. Stress, tension, and physical and emotional trauma can all cause energy to become stuck in the body, which contributes to joint and muscular pain and immobility. Mohala Bodywork creates the space in the body that it needs for optimal function.
Jo is a very calm, relaxed person and I felt immediately connected to her and her space. She had me lie down fully clothed on a large, comfortable mat on the floor, surrounded by cushions. She then began the most amazing combination of techniques that included long, rhythmic and flowing movements, rocking, stretching, rotating joints, limb leverage, back walking, and massage of feet, shoulders, face and head. Some of the movement was accompanied by breathwork. It felt like the joints in my body that were all rusty and tight were restored to new. I suffer from ongoing pain in my neck and back, and the work she did on my neck has made me feel more relaxed, loose and free of pain than I have felt in a long time.
This therapy would benefit anyone who is feeling fatigued, overwhelmed and discomfort, or just keen to try something new. Jo is a very experienced massage therapist and offers several other therapies as well which you can check out on her website. But Mohala Bodywork is truly unique – you really need to experience this!
Q&A with Jo
What services do you offer?
A fusion of services, including one on one constructive rest and hot stone massage.
Why is this work so important to you?
Knowledge is key, awareness of body can help us to see the importance of health and wellness. When we are aware of our body the mind will follow.
Could you tell us about how your interest in holistic wellbeing began?
I stumbled into this work after realizing I didn’t know much about the body. Now there is always something new, “if there’s no change then there’s no evolution”.
What obstacles did you face to get to where you are now and how did you overcome them?
After moving from a successful practice in Whitianga there were some challenges, but immersing yourself in community and allowing the now to be, things are starting to align.
Who should seek Mohala Floor Bodywork as a holistic wellness technique?
Anybody who is interested in a wholistic approach to keeping your body and mind free of tension and stress.
Could you share a wellbeing tip with the community?
My one tip to the community, “before you rise from your bed every morning stretch like a cat, releasing held tensions from the fuzz” – yep it’s a real thing.
If you could tell your younger self one thing what would it be?
If I could share one thing with my younger self it would be don’t be in such a rush to grow up!
– Experience and Interview by Ronja Skandera
