Maya Abdominal Therapy FAQ

By: Jess Noble, AOBTA, Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapist

 

What should I expect during a Maya Abdominal Therapy massage with Jess?

 

 During your first session, you can expect a longer intake where we will discuss several facets of your lifestyle and health. We will talk about your general and reproductive health history, your diet and digestion, your activity and energy level, and your menstrual cycle along with any questions you may have for me. Following sessions will include a more brief intake mostly aimed at gauging your body’s reaction to the bodywork and any updates in your health.

 

Next, we will get to the massage. Our focus with this type of bodywork is to support  and bring blood flow to the reproductive and digestive organs. These important organs are nestled within the pelvic bowl. So, much of your massage will be centered over the abdomen as well as the low back and sacrum and the surrounding muscles. I also like to find out what other parts of your body could use some extra attention and make sure to spend some time in those zones as well. You may also notice that I  integrate other techniques into a session like Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy, essential oils, or castor oil packs to suit your unique needs.

 

At the end of our time together, we may discuss self care to be done at home to continue the therapeutic benefits of our session. This could include castor oil, self massage, herbs or supplements, particular stretches or exercise to practice or avoid, dietary changes to try, vaginal steaming, or anything else that may be helpful for your case. We can also come up with a treatment plan for future sessions together.

 

When is the ideal time to receive Maya Abdominal Therapy?

 

 The optimal  timing for this type of bodywork depends on your goals and your situation. If you are actively trying to conceive at home, it is important that we have an idea of where you are in your menstrual cycle. In this situation, we are aiming for massage during the window of time right after your period ends up until ovulation (or cycle days 11-15 if you are unsure of when you ovulate- this can vary greatly from person to person).   If you are trying to conceive with the help of reproductive technology, it is ideal to receive the massage leading up to egg retrieval and again leading up to insemination or transfer. Respectively, if you tried to conceive during this cycle, you will want to avoid abdominal massage until you have your period or until you get a positive pregnancy test (and further until the second trimester of pregnancy).

 

  If your goal with abdominal massage is to help regulate your menstrual cycle, manage pain or other symptoms that you may be experiencing with menses, or assist any digestive issues then almost any point of your cycle is just fine. We just want to avoid abdominal massage during menses. Any time is fine for people who are not menstruating.

 

  You will want to avoid abdominal therapy during the first trimester of pregnancy, during menses, for 6 weeks following birth, 12 weeks following abdominal surgery, if there is an acute infection or fever present, if there is an IUD in place, or if you are currently undergoing chemotherapy or cancer is present within the pelvis.

 

 What are some issues that Maya Abdominal Therapy can be helpful with?

 

  There are so many issues that abdominal massage can address and/or help alleviate symptoms for. Some of the most common issues I see clients for include:

 

    *Constipation and diarrhea

    *Dysmennorhea (painful periods)

    *Endometriosis

    *Difficult or irregular menses and ovulation

    *Dysfunctional menstrual bleeding

    *Recurrent miscarriage

    *Fibroids, polyps, or cysts

    *Migraines with menstruation

    *Low back pain

    *Menopause

    *Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 

    *Urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence

    *Colitis or IBS

    *Indigestion

 

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