Understanding and using Mayan abdominal massage

Maya abdominal massage is a non-invasive form of massage that works to gently reposition internal organs and rejuvenate/soothe the abdomen.

Mayan massage supports the release of restricted blood, lymph and energy, improving the flow of liquids, solids, gases, electricity and qi. Mayan abdominal therapy is used to treat or manage many different health issues, but is particularly useful for male and female fertility and digestive issues.

It may take from just one session to several months of treatments to create meaningful change. Around 3-4 sessions are about the average.

Between sessions, self-massage is often required, with your practitioner guiding you on the movements. You can do Mayan self-massage techniques at home (please see who should avoid this type of massage below), but the best person to guide you is a trained, experienced Mayan abdominal massage therapist.

Mayan abdominal massage may:

• Correct the position of a prolapsed, fallen or tilted uterus
• Relieve digestive complaints
• Help manage digestive conditions (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux)
• Prevent and treat benign prostatic enlargement, swelling and inflammation
• Support fertility
• Help manage female reproductive organ issues (endometriosis, period pain, irregular or heavy periods, clots, fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts)
• Support healing from bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Loosen adhesions and scar tissue
• Improve varicose veins
• Relieve sciatica and lower back/sacrum pain
• Reduce urinary frequency and urgency
• Manage incontinence
• Relieve fatigued limbs and feet
• Vaginitis and frequent vaginal infections
• Dyspareunia (painful sex)
• Support pregnancy comfort
• Support healing from pelvic surgery

Who should avoid Mayan abdominal massage

Nearly everyone would benefit from this gentle form of massage, however, the lower abdominal portion may not be appropriate during menstrual bleeding, within the first six weeks of pregnancy, or within six weeks of a vaginal delivery or three months after a C-section.

Those using intrauterine devices (IUDs) should not have Mayan abdominal massage. If pelvic cancer is present or suspected, or a person is undergoing treatment for these cancers, abdominal massage should be avoided.

Anyone with a hiatal hernia should opt for a gentle, superficial massage.

Mayan abdominal massage after a hysterectomy can support the healthy healing of scars, reduce adhesions, improve lymphatic drainage and circulation of the pelvis, and help resolve swelling, burning or aches.

Mayan abdominal massage for misaligned uterus (prolapsed, introverted, anteverted)

The uterus can move around a little inside the pelvis, as it is held in place by muscles, ligaments and the vaginal wall. All these structures are designed to be flexible and elastic to accommodate a full bladder or bowel, and a growing baby.

The structures can stretch and become misaligned, causing restriction and congestion, which can result in many subsequent health effects.

The uterus can ‘wander’ due to mechanical pressure, for example, exercises involving jumping or running on hard surfaces, damage to the sacrum (tailbone), weakened or hypertonic ligaments and pelvic floor muscles, relevant surgeries, and armouring the area to protect it after trauma.

Basic self-care techniques for use at home for supporting relaxation, digestion and fertility