Maya Abdominal Massage

Maya Abdominal Massage (MAM) is a technique based on the ancient Mayan understanding of the importance of the positioning of the reproductive and digestive organs for pelvic and abdominal health. It is a non-invasive external massage technique for women and men, which improves organ function by relieving congestion, enhancing blood supply, increasing lymphatic drainage and aiding nerve supply to the pelvic and reproductive organs.

The treatment involves abdominal and lower back massage, focusing on aligning reproductive and abdominal organs. There is also instruction on ‘self-care’ techniques that individuals can apply at home, as well as recommendations for herbal remedies and naturopathic techniques to improve treatment outcome.

MAM is best known for the correction of the prolapsed, fallen, or tilted uterus and for the prevention and treatment of benign prostate enlargement in men, and for relief of many common digestive disorders. At the core of this technique for women, is the emphasis on the positioning of the uterus, which can lead to a wide range of gynaecological disorders.

MAM also aids relaxation and can help to achieve a more emotional and spiritual connection to the reproductive area, by helping women to connect with their femininity.

The technique has also been found helpful for chronic stomach problems such as indigestion and constipation. Other conditions that Maya Abdominal Massage can help with are: Difficult menopause, Displaced or prolapsed uterus, Endometriosis, Frequent urination, Headaches / dizziness with menses & PMS, Infertility, Long or difficult labour, Lower backache, Painful intercourse, Painful or irregular menses, Prostate problems i.e. Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia (BPH), Tired legs & numbness and Varicose veins

More info

The technique is based on the teachings of Don Elijio Panty, one of the last traditional healers in Belize. He had an incredible understanding of the importance of the positioning of the uterus. His manipulation technique was well known throughout Belize and neighbouring countries, and was initially known as womb massage. The technique practiced today was developed by Rosita Arvigo, who apprenticed with Don Elijio for more than 20 years. Rosita herself is a great intuitive healer who has worked with many other traditional healers in Central America to put this massage technique together. She is still practicing today after more than 30 years, and teaching the massage technique throughout the USA.

How does it differ from other massage techniques?

At the core of the technique is the positioning of the uterus. The ancient Maya believed that the position of the uterus is vital to pelvic health. If it is out of position, women can experience problems such as pelvic and menstrual pain, frequent urination, bladder problems, painful intercourse, adhesions, chronic cystitis, and gynaecological issues.

How does the uterus become misplaced?

Normally the uterus leans slightly over the bladder in the centre of the pelvis, about one and a half inches above the pubic bone. It is held in this position by muscles, the vaginal wall and ligaments that attach it to the back, front, and sides of the pelvis. Uterine ligaments are made to stretch to accommodate a growing foetus inside, and to move freely when the bladder or bowel is full.

The ligaments and muscles can weaken and loosen, causing the uterus to fall downward, forward, backward or to either side. Injury to the sacrum from a fall, car accidents, high-impact exercise, running on cement surfaces, high heels, high impact aerobics and lifting & carrying heavy objects before or during menstruation and too soon after childbirth, can all be causes of a misplaced uterus.

A uterus in any of these positions is called tilted or prolapsed. Modern medicine has little or nothing to offer women with this problem; options may include using the birth control pill, muscle relaxants, or surgery. Women experience numerous physical and emotional symptoms that can be addressed and prevented with Maya Abdominal Massage techniques.

The emphasis is on helping the body to heal itself and to empower the client. The client becomes actively involved in their healing process by being shown how to perform their self care, this helps create a closer connection with the body.