What is Maya Abdominal Therapy?

Maya Abdominal Therapy is an ancient technique that has been known and practiced by healers for thousands of years. It represents an unbroken chain of knowledge handed down from generation to generation of midwives, healers and shamans. My teacher, Dr. Rosita Arvigo, developed this technique after studying extensively with her mentor, Don Elijio Panti, a Maya Shaman from Belize and Miss Hortence Robinson, a Belizian midwife. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ combine modern science with traditional healing wisdom to produce a holistic path to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is a treatment like and why does it work?

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ (ATMAT) is an external massage focused on the abdomen and on the back from the shoulders down to the tailbone. It brings homeostasis (balance) and hemodynamics (flow) to the body. This work guides internal abdominal organs into their proper position (with a focus on aligning the uterus) for optimum health and well-being. Maya massage also improves organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion from the abdomen. This improves the flow of chi and fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems to prevent symptoms and chronic disease. The uterus is like a pear in a hammock. As a result of stress, injury, surgery, poor alignment and other factors, the uterus can tip forward, back, to the side or sink down in the pelvic bowl. Not only can this put pressure on other organs but it can congest the flow of blood, nerves, lymph and chi. This shifting of the uterus can create problems ranging from menstrual problems and infertility to constipation, bladder problems and more. This work is unique in addressing these imbalances — your uterus and the rest of your body will thank you!

What can Maya Abdominal Therapy treat?

• Painful or irregular menses
• Back pain and/or sacrum pain
• Dark, thick fluids at the beginning and end of menses
• Amenorrhea (no menstruation at all)
• Headaches/ dizziness with menses
• Varicose veins
• Tired legs, numb feet/ sore heels
• Fertility challenges
• Endometriosis/Endometritis
• Uterine polyps, cysts or fibroids
• Painful intercourse
• PMS
• Uterine infections
• Frequent urination
• Ovarian cysts
• Vaginitis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Weak newborn infants
• Difficult pregnancy and delivery
• Postpartum recovery
• Difficult menopause

What can I expect in an ATMAT session?

Your session will begin with a detailed intake including your history and your goals for treatment. I will briefly introduce/review pelvic and abdominal anatomy and then you will receive abdominal, hip and back massage focused on aligning your pelvis and abdominal organs. During the first session, I will teach you abdominal self massage so you can continue your healing work at home. Additionally, I may recommend herbal remedies and other supportive treatments to enhance the effect of your treatment.

What effects will I notice following an ATMAT session?

Many women report immediate relief from symptoms following a session including deeper breathing, reduced pain and a sense of feeling at home in the body. For others, it may take a longer time for their bodies to integrate the changes. I will work with you to create a personal plan of care that will support your body’s journey to wellness and help achieve long-lasting effects.

How can ATMAT help with Fertility?

ATMAT for fertility is not just a belly rub- it is an entire program individualized for you which may include abdominal massage, diet and lifestyle modifications, herbal tonics, faja (support belt), vaginal herbal steams, relaxation techniques including meditation and more. Abdominal Massage helps to free & diminish old adhesions from invasive treatments or traumas to the pelvic and abdominal area, including fibroid tumors, endometriosis, cesarean delivery, abdominal surgery, infection or trauma. It corrects uterine malposition and promotes ligament healing, improves the blood flow to the pelvic organs and can improve the uterine lining. The ancient therapy of Maya Abdominal therapy focuses on root causes, both emotional & physical to allow the body to heal itself and optimize fertility.

I’ve had a hysterectomy – how does ATMAT help?

Women who have had hysterectomies also benefit greatly from ATMAT.  The techniques improve circulation in and around scars and assists proper flow of lymph, which often becomes blocked after surgery and results in swelling, burning, and deep aching pain in the pelvis.  By utilizing uterine massage techniques on a regular basis, scar tissue can be prevented from forming in the pelvis after surgery.  Ligaments and other remaining organs also benefit from improving circulatory flow to the pelvis.

I’m pregnant – can I receive ATMAT?

Yes! The midwives in Central America recommend Maya Abdominal Therapy frequently after 20 weeks of pregnancy to support your growing baby and your body. As your uterus grows, the techniques change to align your uterus within your pelvic bowl to alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy and decrease pregnancy complications. In fact, Maya Abdominal Therapy can even help babies turn into their proper position for a smooth, comfortable childbirth! After only 1 or 2 treatments, most babies will turn in response to the improved alignment of the uterus and pelvis as well as the increased blood and nerve flow. After pregnancy, Maya Abdominal Therapy and supportive therapies are recommended as soon after birth as possible to help the uterus return to her optimal position and support the body’s recovery from such a transformational experience.

Are there any contraindications?

• If you have an IUD, you can receive the whole treatment except the massage of the uterus/lower abdomen. You can, however, receive energy work over your uterus and lower abdomen and the rest of the treatment will still benefit alignment and flow.
• During menses, you can you can receive the whole treatment except the massage of the uterus/lower abdomen. You can, however, receive energy work over your uterus and lower abdomen and the rest of the treatment still benefits alignment and flow and will support your process of going within.
• Within 6 weeks after abdominal surgery. After 6-8 weeks, ATMAT is great for assisting with your healing process.
• If an active infection or cancer is present in the abdominal or pelvic region. If you are recovering from cancer, a note from a physician clearing you for massage is requested.