The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® 
A practitioner’s overview

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® were introduced to me quite early on in my studies of holistic health.  During a year long training in Western Herbalism, my fellow students and I were exposed to other modalities that complimented our herbalism studies through guest teachers giving weekend workshops.  One of these workshops was focused on the Arvigo® self-care massage practice.  Having already completed professional training and received my first certification in bodywork, I was fascinated to learn about changes in pelvic and digestive health that can be achieved simply through massaging the lower belly and the sacrum.   

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® are founded on an ancient Maya technique which is an external, non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs that have shifted out of alignment, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi. This modality was developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, who studied with many traditional healers including Don Elijio Panti, and incorporates a holistic approach to wellness involving herbology, nutrition, massage, and spiritual healing in order to achieve optimal health.

While studying different modalities of massage I was often mystified by the omission of abdominal work in many bodywork forms. Having been briefly introduced to Arvigo® massage, and taken an initial course in Visceral Manipulation, which is also focused on the organs, I decided I wanted to continue my studies in the Arvigo® therapies.  The work spoke to me on many levels.  I was deeply moved by the experience of learning a form of bodywork that is capable of correctly aligning the womb, the organ responsible for creating life itself, and whose health is a huge component in the level of a woman’s fertility.  When the uterus is aligned and receiving good circulation, most menstrual and premenstrual symptoms disappear or are vastly reduced.  Arvigo® massage addresses many pelvic health issues and greatly enhances digestive function, making it beneficial for both women and men.  There is a protocol available for a couple trying to conceive that can improve the reproductive capability of both man and woman and sometimes does result in conception.  As a trained herbalist, I was overjoyed to find a modality that stresses the importance of good nutrition and utilizes the healing power of herbs.  As a massage therapist, I understood that working on the internal organs themselves can have tremendous impact on the nervous system, the spine, and patterns of muscular tension that spiral out from the subtle or not so subtle ways that we hold tension in our pelvis and abdomen. Being a Westerner who comes from a relatively young culture, I was touched by Dr. Rosita Arvigo’s connection with the healing lineage of an ancient culture and her dedication to preserving that lineage.  Addressing emotional and spiritual health is also part of the work, which encourages relating to our experiences and physical symptoms as being connected to many different aspects of our selves and our lives. 

There is quite a long list of reasons that someone might seek out an Arvigo® treatment.  As I mentioned before, it is very beneficial for couples that are trying to conceive.  Women come because they want help with painful periods, severe PMS, prolapsed uterus, uterine fibroids, ongoing and troublesome vaginal infections, or endometriosis.  Maybe they have recently given birth, and want to help their bodies and organs recover.  Men come for help with BPH, or problems with frequent urination.  Many discover the work because they are suffering from severe digestive issues, or IBS.  The list of reasons to come for an Arvigo® session goes on, and regardless of the reason people first seek a session there are the additional benefits of freeing up the breath, soothing the nervous system, and clearing both energetic and physical stagnation from the pelvis.    

The Arvigo® methods emphasize the client’s responsibility for their own health and healing.  A typical first session includes an extensive health history, an Arvigo® massage, nutritional counseling, and herbal recommendations.  At the end of the treatment, there is instruction given for a basic self-massage technique that can sustain and continue any changes that occurred in the first massage.  The self-care massage is a shortened version of the abdominal work, and is wonderfully relaxing.  As I began to study the work, and work on myself, I was struck by how large the impact of the work was on my menstrual cycle, digestive system, breathing, and sense of being energetically centered and strong.  Massages from a practitioner combined with ongoing self-care, good nutrition, and herbal supplementation can result in extensive and lasting improvement in health. As a way to honor our bodies and the deeper messages they carry,  this ancient modality is a powerful ally on the road towards greater vitality, empowerment, and self-connection.

Samantha Keller, CMT, CSH, CWH, CYT is a local practitioner of Arvigo® therapies.  She is passionate about the body, yoga, holistic health, and truly enjoys working with people as an ally on their journey towards vital health.  Cert. # 60995

You can learn more about her and the sessions she offers at www.samanthakellermassage.com

To read more about the Arvigo® work, please visit www.arvigotherapy.com