Bring Back the Belly Rub!

Photo by Fristle.

A good belly rub isn’t something most humans search out. Unlike our furry feline and canine friends, many of us prefer a shoulder rub or back massage and shy away from having our bellies touched. But we can hold just as much tension in our abdomens as in our shoulders and backs. Ulcers, heartburn, and gastrointestinal distress are all signs of disharmony in the abdomen and a little massage can do a lot of relaxing! The abdomen is the center of our bodies and keeping it healthy keeps us centered. So, fellow humans, I propose we bring back the belly rub!

Mayan abdominal massage is a technique based on repositioning internal organs that have shifted, creating improved blood, energy, and lymph flow throughout the pelvic cavity. This massage is very beneficial for women, as our abdomens tend to go through many stages in life. For a few decades, we have monthly cycles that shift and change as we age, our abdominal muscles stretch (then retract) as we become pregnant, give birth, and live life in general.

I was fortunate enough to connect with fellow WellWire contributor Dr. Carrie Jones of Natural Women’s Health Care clinic in Sherwood, Oregon, and ask her a few questions.

WW: Where did you learn this wonderful technique?

I actually learned this massage from Rosita Arvigo herself. She does trainings at her clinic in Belize as well as on the East coast, Colorado and in Oregon.

WW: Who benefits most from Mayan Abdominal Massage?

Younger women who have heavy periods or painful periods, and are looking for an alternative form of pain control should try it. The massage is non-invasive so it’s also very beneficial for women trying to conceive, as it improves circulation, lymphatic and nerve flow to the pelvic area as well as corrects uterine displacement. For women who are currently pregnant, it can be extremely helpful for back and leg pain, abdominal heaviness associated with the growing baby, and can make for a smoother birth. Women who are menopausal and experience uterine prolapse or urinary incontinence and want to improve the health of the area often come in for treatment with great results.

WW: What should a patient expect from an initial session?

During the first session, we usually have an initial consultation where I get a better understanding of their lifestyle, menstrual cycle, overall health and their goals with the massage. I explain what I’m going to do then we begin. It’s like a traditional massage in some aspects as you lay on a massage table and usually undress so that I have access to the entire back down to the hip and tailbone and then over the stomach area.  The massage generally lasts 35-45 minutes. Like a traditional massage, many of my patients fall asleep or zone out while I’m working.

WW: Where do you massage exactly?

The massage is all external over the skin. There is no internal work like during a gynecological exam.  Even then, it can be deeply personal or even ticklish to many women as our bellies aren’t often touched. I can work right over smooth clothing for the first massage, and want the massage experience to be as comfortable as possible.

WW: Are there any other benefits?

The massage can be really helpful to the menstrual cycle and is amazing at relieving cramps. Because all that fresh blood, oxygen, lymph and nerve flow is moving through the area, women will report that their first period after the massage is more ‘cleansing’ in that it’s a bit heavier with more clots. After that it’s usually a lot smoother. I also find that women with endometriosis benefit from the work because the massage works right over the abdomen and can be helpful in reducing adhesions that have developed in the pelvic cavity.

WW: Are there any times when it may not be a good idea?

There are a few. During menstrual bleeding, within the first 6 weeks following a normal vaginal delivery or the first 3 months after a c-section. I also don’t recommend it for women using an intra-uterine device (IUD) for birth control or if cancer is present or suspected anywhere in the pelvis, or the client is undergoing chemotherapy for this condition. During the first trimester of pregnancy it’s not a good idea though after the first term, it’s very beneficial. Finally, if a woman has a hiatal hernia, I recommend only gentle touch during the massage

WW: Where can readers go to learn more?

To learn about trainings, or to seek out practitioners in your area, go to Maya Abdominal Massage- The Arvigo Technique site. Read the article on the Massage and Bodyworks site to learn more about the history of Rosita Arvigo and her journey to becoming a healer. In the article, she talks about the benefits of repositioning the uterus for less painful childbirth.

Amy Chitwood, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine and manages the Portland Acupuncture Blog.