Meet Ix Chel, the Maya Goddess of Healing! We have asked her image to grace our pages. The snake on her head, similar to the snake in the caduceus, represents healing wisdom. The flower in her hand represents the healing tools given to us from the earth.
Abdominal Massage Therapy combines modern science with traditional healing and wisdom to produce a holistic path to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN, has lived and practiced in Central America for over 30 years. She developed these techniques after apprenticing with Don Elijio Panti, one of the last of the Traditional Maya Shaman in Central America. Don Elijio was Rosita’s friend and mentor and he gave her his blessing to teach this work. Dr. Kirsten Kern, PhD has studied with Dr. Arvigo and continues the lineage of this work.
Your treatment will be a combination of modern bodywork and traditional healing techniques to address common abdominal, digestive, and reproductive challenges. The technique reduces congestion and breaksdown scar tissue to improve the flow of energy and the fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. Improved flow helps prevent the progression of chronic disease symptoms.
Abdominal Therapy, belying its name, addresses both the abdomen and the back. The massage guides abdominal organs into their optimum positions, thereby enhancing abdominal organ function.
Perhaps, for the first time, your abdomen will receive the much needed attention it deserves. Allow yourself at least 2 to 2.5 hours of time for the initial session. Subsequent sessions last about 1.5 hours.
You will receive instruction in massage that you will do yourself. We call it YAM: Your Abdominal Massage. YAM is practiced at home to enhance the benefits of the treatment provided by Dr. Kern
Your abdomen, lower back, sacrum, and legs are treated thoroughly during the course of the massage. Additionally, Rainforest Herbal Remedies and other natural products are available that may enhance the effects of the treatment and may be indicated based on your intake interview and treatment.
Follow-up care depends on individual goals and the treatment results. You and Dr. Kern will work together to ensure that your needs are met through the Abdominal Therapy techniques. Or, when necessary you will be referral to an appropriate health care provider.
The massage can be performed either with loose clothing, or with little or no clothing. Depending on your comfort level, the abdomen may be treated with a drape (sheet) over the skin.
The massage is offered as a supportive modality to enhance wellness. The techniques are not meant as an entire approach to health care. If you have any serious medical conditions, please consult your health care provider before proceeding with this massage and its suportive modalities.
This treatment will need to be modified for women during menses, where an IUD is present, immediately after abdominal surgery, or where an active infection or cancer is present in the pelvic region. A modified treatment can be performed if an IUD is present.
Practitioners and clients report these techniques alleviate many symptoms associated with reproductive and digestive health. The massage can help with issues of fertility, PMS, menopause, prostate health, and IBS.
The following list contains the most common symptoms improved by incorporating this holistic modality into one’s health care. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, then you may need abdominal care to support and maintain the health of these systems.
- Displaced or prolapsed uterus and/or bladder
- Painful menstrual cycles
- Painful ovulation
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Irregular ovulation
- Dark thick blood at beginning and end of menses
- Chronic miscarriages
- Difficult pregnancy and delivery
- Premature deliveries
- Frequent, difficult, and/or incomplete urination
- Fertility challenges
- PMS/Depression
- Uterine and/or bladder infections
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Blood clots during menstruation
- Excessive bleeding during menstruation
- Painful intercourse
- Challenging menopausal symptoms
- Pelvic congestion and pain
- Early stages of prostate swelling
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostatitis (mild)
- Painful ejaculation
- Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction (depending on the cause)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic Constipation
- Digestive disorders
- Gastro-Esophogeal Reflux (GERD)
- Chronic indigestion or heartburn
- Gastritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Lower backaches or pelvic pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Frequent, difficult, and/or incomplete urination
- Tired legs, numb feet, sore heels
- Low energy
- Restricted breathing due to tension