Ancient Hawaiians considered the body, mind and spirit as one, a belief that has shaped many aspects of Hawaiian culture. So any exploration of Hawaiian beauty secretsshould include the traditions and practices that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Hawaiian fruits and flowers
Whether they’re putting them in their bodies or on their skin, Hawaiians understand the beautifying benefits of Hawaiian fruits like coconut, pineapple, papaya, strawberries and bananas. pikake and plumeria, both popular Hawaiian flowers for leis, are also valued for their moisturizing, nourishing affects on the skin.
Hawaiian volcanic mud
The Hawaiian islands were formed millions of years ago by lava that erupted from the earth and up through the water. As Hawaiians have discovered, the mineral-rich Hawaiian volcanic mud that exists in Hawaii today is a nourishing skin application.
Laau lapaau (medicinal herbs) Laau lapaau are medicinal herbs used by kapuna (masters) to diagnose and treat ailments. Thousands of herbs are used in laau lapaau, which helps cleanse the body of toxins, making laau lapaau an ideal way of beautifying the body inside and out. Some of the most common herbs used for Hawaiian remedies include Aalii (Hopseed Bush), Awa (Kava), Awapuhi, Kalo (Taro), Ko (Sugarcane), Mamaki, Noni (Indian Mulberry), Ohia Lehua and Pia (Polynesian Arrowroot).
Lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) Lomiloni is a healing, restorative Hawaiian massage given with the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, stones and even sticks. Originally brought to the Hawaiian islands by Polynesian settlers, lomilomi was traditionally used by native healers, ruling chiefs, masters of the Hawaiian martial arts and within families. Today, lomilomi massage is popular all over the world for the healing, restorative power of this Hawaiian holistic tradition.
Hooponopono (art of conflict resolution) Hooponopono means "to make right, rectify, correct." Hawaiians have been using the Hooponopono art of conflict resolution since Polynesians first settled the islands. These ancient Hawaiians used Hooponopono as their daily "therapy," a practice that continues to this day. Hooponopono is based on the concept that the entire family or group is affected by one member's problem or illness, meaning the entire family or group needs to be involved in its resolution. In other words, only by considering the problem from everyone's perspective can it be solved.
Whether you choose to learn more about each of these Hawaiian beauty secrets in particular, or simply embrace the concepts into your life, the most important thing to remember is this - your body can only be as beautiful as you feel within.