All About the Abdomen
One of the first questions I am asked when I meet new clients is what in the world is Mayan Abdominal Massage? Well, I thought for this post I would talk a little about the abdomen and how abdominal massage can help treat a variety of health issues. First and foremost, abdominal massage is not just for women! Both men and women can benefit from this modality; although there is a gynecological specialty associated with the Arvigo Techniques.
The abdomen is our center, both metaphorically and literally. In eastern health traditions it is a place for cultivating strength. In the west we often refer to our "gut instinct", placing importance on the intuitive nature of the abdomen. Physiologically there is a lot happening in the abdomen. We have our vital organs (Spleen, Liver, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Pancreas, Gallbladder etc.) all of which are in constant flux and motion, processing the body's blood, nutrients, and waste.
The abdomen contains a delicate and streamlined ecosystem that can be easily impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices: stress, poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise (to name a few). I frequently see patients suffering from IBS, constipation, nausea, and Crohn's disease. These patients are always intrigued and excited when they learn of, and feel the benefits of abdominal massage.
For women, Mayan Abdominal Massage is a unique reproductive health modality, that can treat a variety of gynecological issues, including:
Menstrual Disorders (painful/irregular periods)
Pre-Conception through Postpartum
Discomforts of Pregnancy; Birth Preparation
C-section/hysterectomy surgery recovery
Menopause
Pelvic Organ Congestion (endometriosis, cysts, fibroids)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Chronic bladder/yeast infections
Pelvic organ prolapse
There are many healing traditions that utilize abdominal massage; at Rakuda Health, I practice the Arvigo Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Massage.
The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy are founded on an ancient Maya technique of abdominal massage. This technique is performed externally by gently guiding and supporting organs back into their optimal position, allowing for improved functioning for optimal health and wellness.
Arvigo Therapy is best known for addressing misalignment or congestion in the reproductive organs of both men and women, as well as many common digestive disorders. The techniques effectively alleviate tissue congestion and organ constriction to improve the vital flows of energy, blood, lymph and nerves in the abdomen. It addresses and can release emotional and energetic tension from the abdomen. This assists to prevent the progression of chronic disease symptomatology while improving the body’s ability to SELF REPAIR AND BALANCE.
When our center, or the core of our body is out of balance, it is very hard to live healthy and fully nourished lives. Another beautiful attribute of the Arvigo Techniques is that when you come in for a session, you will be given an extensive self care protocol that you can bring home. It is a beautiful thing to be able to take healing into your own hands!
Here are a couple of my favorite abdominal herbs:
Ginger (warming, stimulating, anti-nausea)
Licorice (moistening and neutralizing)
Spearmint (refreshing and opening)
Linden Flower (anti-inflammatory)
Yellow Dock (constipation, and healing the large intestine)
Burdock (moistening and soothing)
Marshmallow (soothing)