Maya Abdominal Massage is a technique from Belize, Central America that has evolved over the centuries. It specifically addresses the position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. Mayan Abdominal Massage also utilizes various Tummy Temple herbal remedies to cleanse the uterus and male reproductive system, enhance digestion, and soothe stress and insomnia.
For Women
For women, this work is best known for the correction of the prolapsed, fallen, or tilted uterus and bladder. This condition will sometimes express as various symptoms including painful ovulation and menses, irregular menstrual patterns, infertility, ovarian cysts and polyps, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
The normal position of the uterus is behind and slightly leaning over the bladder in the center of the pelvis, about one and a half inches above the pubic bone. The uterus is held in this position by smooth muscle, the vaginal wall and ligaments that attach it to the back, front, and sides of the pelvis. These uterine ligaments are designed to stretch in order to accommodate an enlarged uterus during menses, a growing fetus, and to move freely when the bladder or bowel is full. These ligaments and muscles can weaken or become over stretched due to sudden impact such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident, or pregnancy and labor. When the supporting ligaments and muscles loosen or become over stretched, the uterus can tip or fall downward, forward, backward or to either side. This is called a prolapse.
In fact, this can happen to any of the hollow organs in the abdominal which are all supported by ligaments and other connective tissues. Generally, modern western medicine has little to offer women with this problem except for surgery. The good news is that a laundry list of physical and emotional symptoms can be addressed and prevented with these simple, non-invasive massage techniques.
When reproductive organs shift, they constrict the normal flow of blood and lymph, disrupt nerve connections and the normal communications of hormones throughout the body. Just a few extra ounces of pressure (such as right before menstruation) sitting on blood and lymph vessels can cause havoc throughout different systems in the body. By shifting the uterus back into place, homeostasis – the natural balance of the body – is restored in the pelvic region and surrounding organs. Toxins are flushed away and nutrients that help to tone tissue and balance hormones are restored to normal order. This is essential for a healthy menstrual cycle, pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Old adhesions from traumatic pelvic and abdominal conditions, including surgery, chronic inflammation, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and cesarean delivery are softened when addressed with this work. In addition, digestive and urinary and system problems can also be helped with this work.
This work is always done externally through the belly wall with gentle but firm lifting and gliding strokes. Other manual therapy aspects of this work will address the upper abdomen, spine and hip complex to further enhance blood and lymph circulation and nerve root adhesions due to muscular holding patterns and poor posture.
WARNING: If you are using an IUD you should not receive this technique, it is contraindicated.
For Men
For men, this work is most commonly used for the prevention and treatment of benign prostate enlargement.
It also helps to increase blood and lymph flow to the pelvic region. Conditions such as benign prostate enlargement, increased frequency of urination especially at night, and erectile dysfunction can be treated with this work.
This work is always done externally through the belly wall with gentle but firm lifting and gliding strokes. Other manual therapy aspects of this work will address the upper abdomen, spine and hip complex to further enhance blood and lymph circulation and nerve root adhesions due to muscular holding patterns and poor posture.
Mayan Abdominal Massage is currently only offered by Jamie Lashbrook, LMP.
