Once upon a time, many moons ago, women around the Earth practiced healing techniques and rituals that nourished and supported sexual vitality, fertility, life transitions, visionary dreaming and intuitive channeling. Womb health was valued and taught to each generation so that women could tune into the rhythms and wisdom of their body on the journey from menarche to menopause and beyond.
Specifically and still practiced today, Maya shamans and midwives throughout Latin America would use hands on healing of the womb, body and the spirit to support and heal fertility, transitions, pathologies, pain and traumas.
What fascinates me most is their intuition concerning the position of the uterus, and other abdominal organs, in relation to mental, spiritual, physical and hormonal discomfort and imbalance (they had no “medical” training). They understood that the uterus, an organ that can move, stretch and grow during childbirth and menstruation is susceptible to moving or tipping into a position that is sub-optimal at any time.
The last known Maya Shaman in Belize, Don Elijio Panti, would always say “when a woman’s womb is out of place, her life is out of place”.
These healing rights have been passed down into the hands of gifted practitioners throughout the world for decades now. The techniques have been successful in many modern pelvic and abdominal imbalances.
I remember the first time I had a Maya abdominal massage. I felt a beam of energy rise up through my belly and for the first time in my life I felt my womb- the next day I bled. I learned that my uterus was retroverted and there was congestion through my inguinal lymph nodes. At the end of the session I was taught invaluable hands on self-care for a life of connection and deep listening to my body.
Like so many of my clients I just wished I had found this work and felt my body in this way 10-20 years ago. How did I not know this about my own body? How is this not taught to every woman everywhere? The grief and anger I was holding from losing my rites of passage and learning around my body- this female vessel of miraculous creative potentials- have been clearing ever since I began this journey as teacher and recipient. And, not only has my pelvic health been restored but I am continuing to see ancestral patterns heal and my intuitive senses awaken to visionary states.
Why I say EVERY woman should receive Maya abdominal massage?
- I have seen in almost every client I work with, regardless of pathology or imbalance, that the emotional release alone can put into motion a long awaited healing.
- These sessions are your rites of passage.
- You want your uterus in place don’t you?
- You will actually understand how your hormones and female parts work- maybe for the first time ever.
- I consider it necessary female hygiene and self-care.
- Your body will reveal amazing messages and guidance for you.
- You WILL feel better
- You will learn these techniques for a lifetime of self-care that you will hopefully share with other women you love.
As you begin your journey into your pelvic bowl with a practitioner, I highly recommend an initial investment of 4 sessions over 6-8 weeks so that the tissues remember and hold the work, the new positioning and so the nervous system can integrate the deep emotional and spiritual healing. Also, as energies rise and release it is wise to have someone to communicate with along your journey.
You cannot heal your body, follow your heart and sing your soul if you are disconnected from your womb. No matter which phase you are in life, your womb is the compass that will guide you back home to yourself and a life of fertility.
As women we hold the stories, dreams and mysteries of life in our womb space.
~Maya Abdominal Therapy: The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™, (ATMAT) for the reproductive and digestive systems is an external, non-invasive, massage that repositions and decongests the abdominal organs to improve the positive flow of blood, lymph, oxygen, nerve and chi. The work is most well known for addressing female reproductive and fertility issues by addressing malposition of the uterus. The techniques are also very successful for men in addressing prostate health.
Abdominal massage for the reproductive and digestive system is a therapeutic treatment that has been known and practiced by healers for thousands of years throughout Latin America and many parts of Asia, but discarded by modern medicine in this century. The Arvigo Techniques represent an unbroken chain of knowledge handed down from generation to generation of midwives, healers and shamans. Following the current model of holistic healing, the Arvigo teachings follow the truth that the body has an inherent ability to be self- regulating, self- healing and self- regenerating.
The symptoms and imbalances below can be greatly alleviated through these techniques. I have personally witnessed profound healing in my life and the live’s of my clients and their families. Healing extends beyond just us…
All
- Reproductive/ Fertility Challenges
- Digestive Issues
- Sexual repression and trauma
- Chronic low back, pelvic and hip pain and/or tightness,
- Emotional trauma
- Abdominal surgery (adhesions, scar tissue, inflammation)
Women
General
- Uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis
- Irregular and painful menses (Dysmenorrhea)
- Absent menses (Amenorrhea)
- IVF/IUI preparation
- Organ prolapse, malpositioned uterus
- Trauma support (emotional and physical)
Pre Natal
- Maintain positive flow of vital fluids (blood, lymph, oxygen and chi)
- Establish the “love through touch” connection in utero
- Ease Digestive distress
- Maintain proper uterine position, setting the stage for easy delivery
- Ease discomfort from stretching and straining ligaments
- Reduce chances of varicose veins
Post Partum
- Re establish integrity of the pelvic bowl (ligament strength, organ prolapse, pelvic pain, incontinence)
- Nourish a new connection with the beauty of your post baby belly
- Maintain balanced hormonal transition
- Reduce possible scar tissue build up and adhesions post c-section
- Ease digestive distress
- Learn simple belly massage for you and baby! (great for colic)
Men
- Incomplete urination, urge to urinate frequently and painful urination
- BPH
- Immobile sperm
- Impotence (ED)
Session FAQs
What happens in a session? It depends on your individual needs. Abdominal/womb massage and supportive healing techniques of the entire body will address structure and function for optimal healing. The first session includes learning self- care massage which is reviewed each session. Guided breath work and shamanic healing will be incorporated as I am called to address emotional patterns and traumas. Prayer and intention sets a safe and sacred container for your healing.
Are there any side effects? Most clients experience embodiment, relaxation, opening and healing after one session. But, there can often be side effects due to the body going into a physical and emotional “detox” reaction- or healing crisis. Some clients experience nausea or soreness. Menses may become heavier or change for a few cycles. Urine may become strong and dark. You may have vivid dreams and intense emotions. We discuss all of this in the sessions. All of these reaction are normal, will pass and are considered a very good sign that a shift is taking place. Just observe and let your body do what it is designed to- heal.
Does abdominal massage hurt? The abdomen is sensitive and vulnerable which is why this work is so powerful. When there are muscular contractions of the organs, adhesions, scar tissue and emotional tension there can be some discomfort as the nervous system begins to unwind and adapt to the positive effects of the massage. Sessions only go as deep as the client’s body will allow. With time the belly will soften and open. The majority of clients report immediate feelings of connection and calmness after one session.
How many sessions do I need? True healing takes team work. The severity of your symptoms, how you incorporate self care and make necessary lifestyle changes will determine how quickly you transform. Typically we (my amazing ATMAT colleagues worldwide) see changes in 4 sessions and suggest that as a minimum.
Is it safe during pregnancy? YES! I love guiding expecting mamas through their journey into motherhood. Many clients work with me from week 1 and we simply incorporate “warm hands” on the belly with gentle relaxing massage throughout the body. Some clients prefer to wait until the 2nd trimester when they are feeling a bit more rooted with baby. I am here to answer all questions and work with your doctors, midwives and doulas.
What are the contraindications? I do not work during your menses (leave the girl alone). I do not work with the presence of ANY infection or fever in the body. No active hernias please. Presence of an IUD (however upper abdominal/digestive care can be done). Cancer. You must wait at least 6 weeks post abdominal surgery unless you have a doctor’s script for specific work.
No Uterus? This is always a fascinating topic to discuss with women. I call it “phantom Uterus”. I have seen enough women post hysterectomy to know that even though the Uterus is gone her presence and energy still remain and long for attention. Also, the probability of abdominal organ prolapse into the vacant space is likely and the sessions help lift, tone and remove congestion. I find this to be the same for post menopausal women. Even though the reproductive function has withered the presence and creative center has not.