Bringing back Samoan traditional fofo is Theresa Finau, the owner of TEPA i TUA Samoa. 

This traditional form of massage was passed down from her ancestors and for Ms. Finau, opening Fofo Samoa is part of her desire to connect people to their traditional roots. 

Ms. Finau said she does not use any manufactured medication, but traditional herbs passed down by her ancestors. 

According to Ms. Finau, most health issues stem from one’s abdomen and this is where she focuses her massage. 

She said her customer base increases every week and people often return because of the service they offer. 

New Zealand based Samoan band, Punialava’a also had a chance to visit Samoa Fofo on Thursday. 

Band member, Nanai Viellani said he has never felt such fofo for a long time and it brought back memories of his grandmother who used to massage them when they were kids.

“It brings back memories of the loomakua fofo,” he said. 

“The fofo is an hour but I get to enjoy my sleep and work up like almost two hours later and my whole body from head to toe was covered with green leaves and the whole spa was a mess with all launonu and lauti and the aroma of the mosooii uu on my body is so good.”

Punialavaa Lale Peteru added: “I am the baby of the family and I always get the massage all the time because I’m always sick and my brother Nanai would chase me and bring me to my grandmother and she would perform the fofo Samoa.

“Samoa Fofo is the best fofo I ever had since my childhood and it really feels good after my two-hour sleep.” 

Customer, Tagaloa Dawn was pleased with Fofo Samoa that in her statement she wrote: “While most medications have side effects and may bring us health issues, this traditional Fofo Samoa is the remedy I longed for.

“It’s a relaxing full body massage from head to toe, front and back using lauki and laugogu leaves and u’usamoa. The scent and feel of this combination on my body is a real treat.” 

Established three weeks ago, Fofo Samoa is located at Vaitele Fou Reserve, Maali Street across from Le Amosa School of the late Professor Faanaafi and is open every day, except for Sunday and public holidays.