Once considered a luxury, massage is quickly becoming a necessity in the mainstream. Not only does massage help promote optimal physical and mental health, it is frequently used as a supplement to various treatment paths for numerous physical and emotional conditions. In fact, studies show that massage relieves stress and anxiety by relaxing the muscles and calming the body.
Studies also show that massage has the power to relieve nerve pain, headaches, body aches, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and pain associated with sports injuries. Depending on the technique, massage also has the power to help treat a number of troublesome digestive disorders. One massage technique, called “Maya Abdominal Massage,” offers all of the physical benefits of other massage techniques and it helps alleviate:
- Gastritis
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Lack of appetite
- Feeling of tightness in the stomach
Alleviating these conditions can lead to better digestive health, and not just during the spring months when detox diets and juicing are all the rage, but year round.
What is Maya Abdominal Massage?
Abdominal massage has been practiced for thousands of years in the lands of the Maya, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. In her book, Rainforest Home Remedies The Maya Way to Heal Your Body & Replenish Your Soul, Dr. Rosita Arvigo writes:
The abdominal massage involves the abdomen above and around the belly button. It reopens blocked energy paths and releases negative ch’ulel that has accumulated owing to unexpressed emotions.
In this way, Maya Abdominal Massage also offers all of the mental benefits of other massage techniques. While MAM is considered an excellent massage technique for women because it addresses common issues such as painful periods, PMS, and even infertility, it is also ideal for men. In addition promoting better digestive health, this massage technique can alleviate prostate swelling, frequent urination, and some impotency problems.
Further, Arvigo says, because the anatomy of men and women is the same in the abdomen above and around the belly button, the instructions for abdominal massage (Self Care) are the same for both sexes.
Finding a Certified Maya Abdominal Massage Practitioner
The best place to find a certified Maya Abdominal Massage practitioner (called Certified Arvigo Practitioner) is The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy website. In addition to listings for CAPs in your area, you will find:
Arvigo Practitioner (AP)
These health care professionals have completed initial training to prepare them to apply the Arvigo Techniques in their work with clients. They are authorized to present themselves as Arvigo practitioners while working toward certified status.
Arvigo Advanced Pregnancy (AAP)
These Arvigo practitioners have attended the Supporting Pregnancy from Pre-Conception to Postpartum Training.
Arvigo Spiritual Healing Practitioners (ASHP)
These practitioners have attended training in the techniques of Maya Spiritual Healing as taught by Dr. Rosita Arvigo.
Arvigo Community Educator (ACE)
These Certified Arvigo Practitioners are authorized to schedule and present the Arvigo Hands on Healing the Maya Way one day introductory course.
Arvigo Certified Self Care Teacher (ACSCT)
These Certified Arvigo Practitioners are authorized to schedule and present the Arvigo Self Care course and the Hands on Health the Maya Way one day introductory course.
To learn more about Maya Abdominal Massage, pick up a copy of Rainforest Home Remedies The Maya Way to Heal Your Body & Replenish Your Soul by Dr. Rosita Arvigo & Nadine Epstein or visit the official The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy website.