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What is Maya Abdominal Massage?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Maya Abdominal Massage™ is a massage technique developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo in the 1980s. This gentle massage technique is designed to noninvasively manipulate the internal organs. According to Arvigo, Maya Abdominal Massage™ can be used to address some gynecological problems, especially infertility and prolapsed uterus, and it can also be used to treat gastrointestinal problems along with an assortment of other conditions. Typically, sessions also include counseling which may encompass the use of traditional herbal medicines, steam baths, and other alternative medical treatments.

Although the modern form of Maya Abdominal Massage™ is relatively new, it is based in an ancient massage tradition. Many cultures have some tradition of abdominal massage, the Mayans among them, and abdominal massage is an important part of some traditional methods of health care. Massaging the abdomen is supposed to bring the organs into proper alignment while stimulating the flow of blood and lymph in the body. Some people also believe that Maya Abdominal Massage™ frees blockages of energy which may be contributing to health problems or emotional unrest.

Maya Abdominal Massage works to manipulate the organs to treat digestive, fertility and other problems.
Maya Abdominal Massage works to manipulate the organs to treat digestive, fertility and other problems.

In a typical session of Maya Abdominal Massage™, the client remains fully clothed throughout the session, and lies on a massage table. The massage therapist usually starts with a seated interview, discussing the client's particular issues and medical conditions, and he or she may also work on the client's back, performing spinal manipulations before moving on to the abdomen.

A Maya Abdominal Massage is believed to alleviate menstrual cramping, but should not be given to women while they are menstruating.
A Maya Abdominal Massage is believed to alleviate menstrual cramping, but should not be given to women while they are menstruating.

Maya Abdominal Massage™ is contraindicated for women in the first trimester of pregnancy, women who are actively menstruating or using an intrauterine device, and people who have recently experienced abdominal surgery. There may be other conditions for which Maya Abdominal Massage™ is not recommended, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of a doctor before receiving treatment.

It may be a good idea to seek advice from a doctor before receiving a Maya Abdominal Massage.
It may be a good idea to seek advice from a doctor before receiving a Maya Abdominal Massage.

This style of massage is sometimes recommended for women who experience gynecological problems such as difficulty conceiving, painful cramps during menstruation, painful pregnancy, and so forth. Maya Abdominal Massage™ can also sometimes be used to adjust the position of a tipped, displaced, or prolapsed uterus, depending on the client's individual case. In addition to being suitable for women, Maya Abdominal Massage™ can also be used by men.

A Maya Abdominal Massage may be recommended for a woman experiencing a painful pregnancy.
A Maya Abdominal Massage may be recommended for a woman experiencing a painful pregnancy.

As with any type of massage therapy, it is a good idea to consult the qualifications of the individual therapist before booking an appointment. A reputable therapist should be happy to tell potential clients where he or she trained, and for how long. Clients may also want to be aware that giving nutritional and medical advice without medical training is not allowed in some countries.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Maya Abdominal Massage works to manipulate the organs to treat digestive, fertility and other problems.
      By: procy_ab
      Maya Abdominal Massage works to manipulate the organs to treat digestive, fertility and other problems.
    • A Maya Abdominal Massage is believed to alleviate menstrual cramping, but should not be given to women while they are menstruating.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      A Maya Abdominal Massage is believed to alleviate menstrual cramping, but should not be given to women while they are menstruating.
    • It may be a good idea to seek advice from a doctor before receiving a Maya Abdominal Massage.
      By: michaeljung
      It may be a good idea to seek advice from a doctor before receiving a Maya Abdominal Massage.
    • A Maya Abdominal Massage may be recommended for a woman experiencing a painful pregnancy.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      A Maya Abdominal Massage may be recommended for a woman experiencing a painful pregnancy.
    • Painful abdominal cramps during menstruation may be treated with a Maya Abdominal Massage.
      By: sframe
      Painful abdominal cramps during menstruation may be treated with a Maya Abdominal Massage.
    • Maya abdominal massage often includes spinal manipulation.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Maya abdominal massage often includes spinal manipulation.
    • Maya Abdominal Massage may be used to address infertility.
      By: Monkey Business
      Maya Abdominal Massage may be used to address infertility.