Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy

Tul’ix Indigenous Arts is an evolution of what was formerly known as the Arvigo® Institute.  I offer bodywork and spiritual healing trainings in the tradition of Don Elijio Panti of Belize as passed down by Dr. Rosita Arvigo.  

Tul’ix Therapies bring together bodywork, traditional remedies, herbal knowledge and spiritual healing to support the restoration of the body and being to a state of wholeness, where the chu’lel (a Yucatec Maya word for life force energy) can flow freely.  

On the level of the body, this work restores biochemical balance by rectifying biomechanical integrity.  In this way it can be supportive to many reproductive, digestive and structural concerns - including infertility, menstrual conditions, fibroids, endometriosis, GERD, IBS, Crohn’s disease, adhesions, scarring, constipation, chronic fatigue, migraines and recurrent pain.  It can be a potent ally on fertility journeys, working in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies.  Spiritual healing in this tradition supports embodiment, integration of lived experience and the release of all manner of trauma. 

Malpositioned pelvic organs are coaxed into correct position by using your hands. This helps to enhance blood and lymph flow to relieve symptoms. This technique aims to relieve stagnation, blockages of blood, lymph, chi and nerve conduction. Examples of this type of stagnation would be low back pain, menstrual cramps, fibroids, prostate and other maladies. It is non-invasive and is taught to clients so they can do self care at home. This therapy is equally beneficial for men as it is for women.

How does it work for women?

This external massage gently lifts and guides the uterus into its optimal position in the lower pelvis. The uterus is held in position by over 10 ligaments. Ligaments, when stressed or strained cause the uterus to become mal-positioned. If the uterus is mal-positioned, women experience a multitude of symptoms.

What could cause a displaced uterus?

– High Impact exercise, running on cement surfaces, high impact aerobics, etc
– Injury to the sacrum or tailbone from a fall, car accidents, etc.
– Pelvic ligaments that have weakened due to overstretching during pregnancy and birth
– Lifting & carrying heavy objects before or during menstruation and too soon after childbirth
– Time and gravity
– Past surgeries
– Weak pelvic floor muscles
– Chronic muscle spasm around the low back and sacrum
– Emotional armoring from abuse at anytime in life     

What are the symptoms of a displaced uterus?

– Painful or irregular periods; painful or irregular ovulation
– Dark or brown blood at the onset and at the end of menstruation
– Headache or migraine with period
– Varicose veins of the legs and/or tired, weak or numb legs
– Low backache; back pain with period
– More serious imbalances including: Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids and Uterine Polyps
– PMS/ depression
– Frequent urination; bladder infections, incontinence
– Recurrent vaginal infections
– Chronic miscarriages
– Difficulty getting pregnant/Infertility
– Painful intercourse
– Chronic constipation
– Difficult menopause      

How quickly should I expect a change?

Depending on the severity of the problem, it may take as little as one session and as long as many months for the uterine position to be corrected and for the ligaments to gain enough strength and elasticity for it to stay in place. 3 sessions are usually the minimum.

Women often report a rapid improvement in symptoms and sense of well-being when self-care is performed regularly.

Is uterine massage recommended for all women?

Almost every woman, even those who have had hysterectomies can benefit greatly from uterine massage through improved circulation, lymphatic drainage, and a decrease in the formation of scar tissue.

Uterine massage is not performed: 1) during menstral bleeding; 2) within the first 6 weeks following a normal vaginal delivery or the first 3 months after a c-section; 3) for a woman using an IUD for birth control; 4) if cancer is present or suspected anywhere in the pelvis, or the client is undergoing chemotherapy for this condition; 5) during the first trimester of pregnancy; or 6) hiatal hernia – gentle touch only.       

How is this massage helpful for men?

The massage is done the same way for men. The prostate is a glandular organ that rests behind the bladder it has no ligaments to speak of for support. The prostate gland can become congested resulting in early stages of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), impotence (depending on the cause), decrease sperm count, etc. By applying the massage to the abdomen it supports healthy organ function and relieves congestion.

Does uterine massage support fertility?

It has been estimated that approx 30 % of woman who have been unsuccessful in conceiving eventually conceive after a succession of MAM treatments. Treatments generally consist of massage, diet and lifestyle modifications, herbal therapies to enhance fertility.

Once the uterus is in its optimal position, there is improved hemo dynamics and homeostasis to support and enhance fertility. When including the partner in the process, we find fertility is increased! After all, men need this work as much as women do.

I’ve had a hysterectomy – how does uterine massage help?

Women who have had hysterectomies benefit greatly as well. The technique improves circulation in and around the area of the scar and allows for proper flow of the lymph, which often becomes blocked after surgery, resulting in swelling, burning and deep aching pains in the pelvis. By using uterine massage techniques on a regular basis, scar tissue will be prevented from forming in the pelvis after surgery. Ligaments and other remaining organs are benefited from improving circulatory flow to the pelvis.

How does the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® help with digestion?

Many anxieties and emotions through life are stored in our body’s tissues and organs. A very common place is in the organs of the digestive system. Those so called “butterflies in your stomach” can lead to constipation, indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, and eventually to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gasto Esophageal Reflux (GERD), Crohn’s and more.

Stresses and emotions cause the small intestine and colon to be “twisted or kinked” leading the blockages in the flow of peristalsis. Surrounding fascia creates adhesions that mal-position organs and impede proper blood flow and enzyme secretions. Maya Abdominal Massage helps to break down facial adhesions, scar tissue and removes any “kinks” in the digestive tract. Often there is a dramatic improvement after just one session when combined with proper diet and self-care.