Massage Pathology Chronicles

While I do not include abdominal massage during my routine, I do recall from our classroom time that abdominal massage is good for gastrointestinal issues.  I have not had any clients who have had gastrointestinal issues, but if I did have such a client I would inquire if they need something special from the session and I would inquire if my client would like some abdominal massage.

Original Post

June 2, 2010

Title: Maya Abdominal massage

According to the Arvigo Massage Center: Maya Abdominal Massage is a non-invasive external massage technique to the abdomen and pelvis that helps to guide to the internal reproductive organs into their proper position, and relieve tension in the diaphragm. The massage improves organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion, thereby helping to re-establish health in the pelvic region. Maya abdominal massage for the reproductive and digestive systems has been known and practiced for thousands of years, the technique having been passed down through an unbroken chain of midwives, healers and shaman, generation after generation, all over the world from Central America to Africa, Egypt and China. This knowledge has largely been forgotten or suppressed in this century. The technique, as practiced today, was developed by Dr Rosita Arvigo. Rosita moved to Belize from America in 1981 and set up a naprapathic (a branch of chiropractic) clinic with her husband. Two years later, she met and befriended one of the last of the traditional Maya shaman, Don Elijio Panti. After some persuasion, he agreed to take her on as his apprentice and over the next 10 years, imparted to her his wisdom of the healing plants of the rainforest, traditional massage, including the abdominal techniques and spiritual healing. Don Elijio passed away in 1996, aged 103. Since this time Rosita has taken the knowledge she learned from him, and combined it with her Western naprapathic and herbal training to form the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage. Some of the common symptoms, which can be helped by Maya Abdominal Massage and may indicate a displaced uterus, tight diaphragm or twisted pelvis include the following: Painful or irregular periods and ovulation – Dark, thick fluids at the beginning & end of menses – Amenorrhoea/Dismenorrhoea – Headaches/ Dizziness with menses – PMS – Endometriosis/Endometritis – Uterine polyps – Ovarian cysts/Fibroids – Vaginitis – Uterine infections – Hormonal imbalances – Difficult menopause – Painful intercourse – Infertility – Difficult pregnancy & delivery – Premature deliveries – Weak newborn infants – Lower back ache – Tired legs, numb feet/ Sore heals – Varicose veins – Chronic indigestion/Heartburn – Chronic constipation – Gastritis – Frequent or painful urination – Bladder infections

Personally interesting to me to read about colon problems since having had surgery for diverticulitis. I must get more fiber in my diet! Abdominal massage should be considered and performed with light/medium pressure if comfortable to client or not at all if client is experiencing pain.