Maya Abdominal Therapy

Maya abdominal therapy offers a noninvasive, natural way to support women experiencing infertility, digestive issues, and pelvic floor dysfunction. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine, naturopathic wellness doctor Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team offer Maya abdominal therapy as part of their women’s health program. To make an appointment, call the office in Portland, Oregon, or book your visit online today. 

What is Maya abdominal therapy?

Maya abdominal therapy, sometimes called The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® (ATMAT), is a type of external massage designed to support abdominal and pelvic health.

The technique was created by Dr. Rosito Arvigo, a naturopath and herbalist, alongside a traditional Mayan shaman and a Mayan midwife. 

Dr. Arvigo, as well as Don Elijio Pante and Hortence Robinson, taught Dr. Stefani how to perform Maya abdominal therapy. She and Dr. Rachel offer it at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine. This technique is based on ancient indigenous massage practices, but incorporates modern science. 

What types of health issues can Maya abdominal therapy help treat?

The Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team uses Maya abdominal therapy to address several common women’s health concerns, including:

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms
• Digestive disorders
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Infertility
• Postpartum healing
• Pregnancy discomfort
• Urinary incontinence
• Adenomyosis
• Asherman’s syndrome, uterine scarring, and thin uterine lining
• Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
• Women’s health concerns
• Men’s health issues

Although Maya abdominal therapy is typically recommended to women, men may also benefit. It may help improve sperm quality and motility, and address urinary issues, such as incontinence.

What does Maya abdominal therapy involve?

Maya abdominal therapy typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Before recommending this treatment, your provider reviews your health history and asks questions about your lifestyle and symptoms. 

If they determine that you’re a candidate, you lie down on your back or stomach. Then, your provider uses their hands to make slow, penetrating massage strokes that release muscle tension, relieve tissue congestion, and gently move your internal organs into the proper position. 

Maya abdominal therapy typically focuses on the lower abdomen and pelvic area, but many people also benefit from lower back and sacrum massage. These techniques support pelvic alignment and soften the connective tissues in the lower spine.

At the end of treatment, your provider teaches you how to perform a similar type of self-massage at home. When combined with lifestyle and dietary changes, this technique may help ease uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Is Maya abdominal massage a one-and-done type of treatment?

No. For optimal results, the Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team typically recommends ongoing Maya abdominal massage treatments. 

Some people may experience improvement in their symptoms after one session, but the benefits of massage are cumulative, so they’re more noticeable over time. Many patients find that undergoing regular massages at set intervals helps provide lasting symptom relief. 

It’s also important to know that Maya abdominal massage isn’t a guaranteed fix. To achieve lasting results, it’s typically combined with other treatments such as improved nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress management. 

Call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine to learn more about Maya abdominal massage. Make an appointment by calling the office or booking one online today.