Maya abdominal massage
The intention of Maya Abdominal Massage is to align your uterus in your pelvic bowl. This supports your overall reproductive, urinary, digestive and emotional health and balance. In our sessions, we begin with a thorough health intake and then in our bodywork, I offer intuitive listening to your body.
The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®, founded by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, are founded on the ancient Mayan technique of abdominal massage which is a gentle, hands-on, non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs that have shifted, restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi. These techniques focus on the abdomen, lower back, sacrum and tailbone.
The Arvigo Institute currently owns the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®, and Rosita has begun a new organization, the Abdominal Therapy Collective. Visit for more information about Rosita's work.
The Origins of Maya Abdominal Massage
Based on over thirty years of training and experience in massage, naprapathy, herbology, and spiritual healing, Dr. Rosita Arvigo developed these techniques, which now bear her name. This modality incorporates a holistic approach to health care, which including massage, anatomy and physiology, herbology, nutrition, and emotional and spiritual healing.
Dr. Arvigo learned these techniques from her mentor, Don Elijio Panti, the great Maya Shaman of Belize, Central America, with whom she apprenticed for ten years. Don Elijio believed that a woman's center is her uterus. "If a woman's uterus is out of balance, so is she," he would say. Rosita also studied with Hortense Robinson, a 73 year old herbal midwife of Belize who has been delivering babies since she was 13.
"If a woman's uterus is out of balance, so is she."
- Don Elijo, Mayan Shaman
Women's Health
Maya Abdominal Massage (MAM) benefits women struggling with a variety of health struggles relating to menstruation, digestion, urination and fertility. Women also see improvement in musculoskeletal issues such as knee and back pain with these techniques. Many women have experienced sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse. MAM can be supportive, in conjunction with therapy or counseling, in healing from abuse or sexual trauma.
Perinatal Health
MAM benefits women trying to conceive via natural means or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
MAM during pregnancy helps to alleviate a number of common discomforts of pregnancy, such as heartburn, reflux, round ligament pain, pubic symphysis pain and lower back pain and supports the baby’s optimal position for a gentle easeful birth for mother and baby.
MAM aids postpartum healing for vaginal deliveries and cesarean births by the alignment of the uterus and healing of scar tissue.
Men's Health
MAM benefits men by relieving congestion in pelvis that often gives rise to prostate enlargement, erectile dysfunction, frequent urination and digestive discomfort. Maya Abdominal Massage also supports men’s healing from back and knee pain, emotional, physical and sexual trauma.
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"I received Maya Abdominal Massage from Chaya in the last week of my pregnancy, at a time when I had such extreme pubic symphysis pain that basic activities like walking were difficult. I thought it would be impossible for me to get comfortable on the table, but Chaya was able to get everything just right so that I could really relax. She provided much needed relief and support to help me move through that last week and my early labor."
Esther W.
After a series of sessions with Chaya, my menstrual cycles shifted profoundly. My symptoms included debilitating cramps that often induced vomiting, with an understandably melancholy affect. After five sessions that including Maya Abdominal Massage, Holistic Pelvic Care and Vaginal Steaming, I actually began to have peaceful menstrual cycles. I now have more awareness of my internal organs, and that feels empowering. " Chaya has an admirable way of creating space for healing. I have never had such an encouraging outcome from a chronic health issue. Thank you Chaya!