What is abdominal therapy?

Abdominal Therapy (often called Maya Abdominal Therapy or the Arvigo techniques) is a gentle, non-invasive bodywork method that supports reproductive, digestive, and structural health. It involves external massage of the abdomen along with work on associated areas like the back, sacrum, hips, and pelvis. It aims to restore organ alignment, ease soft-tissue restrictions, improve circulation of blood, lymph, and nerve flow, support the body’s innate healing, and teach clients simple self-care techniques to sustain wellness between sessions.

Origins & Lineage

This work has its roots in the traditional healing practices of the Maya people of Central America. Dr. Rosita Arvigo, after long apprenticeship with traditional Maya healers (including Don Elijio Panti in Belize), blended ancient wisdom with modern anatomy and physiology to formalize the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy.
In 2020, the Abdominal Therapy Collective (ATC) was founded to preserve, teach, and extend these techniques with fidelity to the lineage of Don Elijio Panti, Miss Hortense Robinson, and Dr. Arvigo.

What benefits can it provide?

People seeking abdominal therapy often report improvements in a wide range of physical, emotional, and energetic concerns. Some of the commonly supported benefits include:

  • Menstrual & reproductive health: less painful and more regular periods, relief from symptoms of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, PMS, menstrual irregularities.

  • Fertility support for those preparing to conceive.

  • Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum support: easing discomfort, helping with structural alignment (pelvis, sacrum), supporting recovery from birth (including cesarean), helping the body integrate changes.

  • Digestive relief: improved digestion, reduced bloating, constipation, heartburn, IBS-type symptoms.

  • Urinary, bladder, pelvic floor concerns: incontinence, prolapse, frequent urination, pelvic tension.

  • Structural & musculoskeletal support: low back pain, sacral discomfort, alignment of pelvis, release of fascial tensions.

  • Nervous system and emotional well-being: stress reduction, release of tension, improved relaxation, sometimes improvements in mood or anxiety.

*Please note that abdominal therapy will not cure any of the above health concerns and it is meant to be a supportive practice to bring relief to some symptoms of these conditions. Abdominal therapy is not a substitute for professional medical care with a medical doctor.

What should I expect in a session?

Initial sessions are two hours in length. This first session includes time for a thorough intake conversation where we review your health history and your goals for treatment. Abdominal therapy includes massage of the abdomen and the lower back, sacrum, and hips. You will remain draped as you would in a typical massage therapy appointment. This work is not meant to be painful, though if you have never had your abdomen massaged it may be slightly uncomfortable as your body settles into the practice. I will check in at multiple points throughout the appointment to ensure you remain comfortable.

As part of your initial appointment, you will learn “Your Abdominal Massage” or YAM. This is a ten minute routine designed to be a daily self care practice between professional sessions. I will teach you the routine and send you home with instructions for the massage.

After the initial appointment, all follow up sessions are 90 minutes in length. I recommend coming for three appointments approximately four weeks apart and then continuing at a frequency that suits you from there.

contraindications for abdominal therapy

  • recent abdominal surgery or scar tissue that is still healing

  • presence of infection or acute inflammation (UTI, diverticulitis flare, etc)

  • certain internal devices (example: IUD) may require avoidance or modification of certain techniques

  • active menstruation: it is recommend to wait until you are done bleeding

  • if trying to conceive, it is recommended to avoid abdominal therapy from ovulation until menstruation

  • pregnancy in the first 20 weeks (please note: abdominal therapy is safe after 20 weeks, however I am not certified to provide prenatal abdominal therapy)

  • recent childbirth: it is advised to wait at least 6 weeks and obtain medical clearance before proceeding with abdominal therapy

If you have questions about whether you are a good candidate for abdominal therapy, please email info@annarosewellness.com