Maya Abdominal Massage: A Transformative Approach to Uterine Health

By Dr. Beth Meneley, DAOM, L.Ac., Founder of Evolved Menopause

The health of the uterus is integral to a woman's overall well-being. From heavy periods and PMS to endometriosis, painful intercourse, and miscarriage support, many of the reproductive challenges women face can be linked to the position, health, and circulation of the uterus. Over the past 15 years as an acupuncturist, I've focused on addressing the root causes of these issues through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), balancing hormones, supporting blood flow, and regulating the menstrual cycle. However, I found that there was often a missing piece in achieving rapid and transformative results for my patients. That missing link was Maya Abdominal Massage—a practice that synergized beautifully with my acupuncture work and led to dramatic and often fast changes in my patients' health.

Discovering Maya Abdominal Massage: A Journey to Brazil

My journey with Maya Abdominal Massage began with a desire to understand and support women's reproductive health in a way that addressed both energetic and structural imbalances. This pursuit led me to the beautiful rainforests of Brazil, where I had the opportunity to study in the home of Dr. Rosita Arvigo, a pioneer in this field who spent her life learning the traditional techniques of Maya healing.

Learning Maya Abdominal Massage in such a deeply connected and natural environment was not only an education in bodywork but also a personal healing journey for me as a woman. I experienced firsthand the transformative power of this work—how hands-on healing can create a deeper connection with our own bodies, release emotional trauma, and restore balance. It became clear to me that this ancient practice held the key to addressing so many issues women face, and I knew I had to bring it back to my patients.

How Maya Abdominal Massage and Acupuncture Work Together

The uterus is meant to sit in the center of the pelvis, aligned so that it can function properly and receive optimal blood flow, nerve supply, and lymphatic drainage. However, due to factors like trauma, childbirth, prolonged sitting, or even posture, the uterus can become anteverted (tilted forward) or retroverted (tilted backward), leading to restricted blood flow, poor nerve communication, and increased pressure on surrounding organs.

As an acupuncturist, I often worked to regulate the HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) to help rebalance hormones, and I used acupuncture to promote blood flow and release blockages. But I found that when the physical positioning of the uterus was compromised, the signaling of the HPO axis and the blood flow to the uterus itself were limited, making it harder to achieve lasting change. This is where Maya Abdominal Massage came in as a powerful complement—it helped address the structural root cause, allowing my acupuncture treatments to be even more effective.

When the uterus is out of position, it affects the HPO axis, disrupting the hormonal signals that regulate the menstrual cycle. This misalignment can contribute to a wide range of issues, including:

• Heavy Periods and PMS: Poor uterine positioning can lead to stagnant blood flow, causing heavier periods and more intense PMS symptoms.

• Endometriosis and Cramps: Restricted circulation and stagnation can exacerbate endometriosis and lead to more painful menstrual cramps.

• Irregular Periods: Disrupted blood flow and nerve supply can interfere with the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

• Painful Intercourse: An improperly positioned uterus can place pressure on surrounding structures, making intercourse painful.

• Chronic UTIs: Misalignment can increase pressure on the bladder, contributing to recurrent urinary tract infections.

• Miscarriage Support: Bringing the uterus back into its optimal position can improve circulation and hormonal signaling, supporting the health of the uterus for those facing recurrent miscarriages.

Over the years, I’ve seen how Maya Abdominal Massage can transform these issues—how realigning the uterus and restoring optimal circulation can have an almost immediate impact on pain, cycle regularity, and overall well-being. Combined with acupuncture, this approach provided a powerful way to support both the energetic and physical aspectsof the body, allowing for faster, more profound healing. For many women, these changes came faster than they ever expected, simply because we were finally addressing the root cause at multiple levels.

Self-Care Techniques to Continue at Home

One of the beautiful aspects of Maya Abdominal Massage is that it empowers women to continue the work at home through self-care techniques. Here are some simple, yet powerful, ways you can support your uterine health on your own:

1. Abdominal Massage with Castor Oil

Castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to penetrate deeply, helping to reduce scar tissueand stagnation in the pelvic region.

2. Gentle Repositioning Techniques

Maya Abdominal Massage includes gentle techniques that help reposition the uterus and bring it back to its natural alignment. These techniques can be performed by a trained practitioner, but you can also do some gentle lifting and rocking of the lower abdomen at home to help guide your uterus back into place.

3. Breathing and Mind-Body Connection

Part of supporting uterine health is addressing the emotional connection we hold with our pelvis. Deep belly breathing, while focusing on releasing tension in the lower abdomen, can help relax muscles and tissues, allowing the uterus to naturally reposition itself. The emotional release that often accompanies these practices can be incredibly healing, especially for those who have experienced trauma, miscarriage, or chronic pain.

Self-Care Techniques for Maya Abdominal Massage

The Arvigo Techniques™ of Maya Abdominal Massage offer powerful ways to support your reproductive health and reconnect with your body at home. These simple self-care techniques can help promote circulation, realign the uterus, and reduce stagnation. Performing this massage regularly can be an empowering tool to enhance the benefits of professional treatments.

Before You Begin

Before starting, make sure to empty your bladder and find a comfortable spot to lie down, preferably before bed. Lie on your back with a pillow or rolled-up blanket under your knees to provide support, and keep your knees slightly bent. Take a few moments to breathe deeply, allowing yourself to fully relax and center your attention. Let this time be a moment of nurturing care for yourself.

Step-by-Step Self-Care Abdominal Massage

Step 1: Locate the Pubic Bone

Bring both hands together, with your fingers relaxed and slightly bent, like a gardening hoe. Use your index fingers to locate the pubic bone and feel for the slight indentation along the top. This is your starting point. Press your index fingers into the soft tissue just above the pubic bone and apply gentle but firm pressure.

If your uterus is in an ideal position, you will feel an empty space without resistance. If the uterus has shifted, you may feel a firm, balloon-like resistance. Massage this area with an upward motion, moving towards your belly button about 9-10 times. You only need to go up about 2-3 inches.

Step 2: Midline Stroke

Next, place your pinky fingers on either side—one on the pubic bone and the other on the hip bone. Find the soft middle spot between these points. Using the same hand position, gently stroke towards the midline and up slightly, creating a "J" shape. Be sure to move slowly, feeling for any areas of tenderness.

Step 3: Repeat on the Other Side

Repeat the "J" stroke on the other side. Again, keep in mind that this motion should be gentle and only slightly upward—you are not going all the way to the belly button.

Step 4: Gentle Circles Over the Inguinal Area

Move to the inguinal area (where your lower abdomen meets the thighs). With very light pressure, use your fingertips to make circular motions, moving upwards toward your belly button. This step is intended to support lymphatic drainage, so keep the pressure light and soothing.

Step 5: Light Circles Above the Belly Button

Move about four fingers above your belly button, and use your fingertips to perform light circles over this area. This helps encourage better digestive flow and ease any tension.

Step 6: Downward Pressure from Sternum to Belly Button

Position your fingers just below the sternum, with fingertips pointing towards your belly button. Press firmly but comfortably, moving your fingers down the midline to the belly button 9-10 times. This action helps release tension along the solar plexus, allowing better energy flow through the abdomen.

Step 7: Rib to Belly Button Stroke

Press gently under the rib cage on one side, angling your fingertips slightly downwards, and move towards the belly button. Repeat this stroke on both sides of the body, helping to release tension from the diaphragm and upper abdomen.

Step 8: Repeat on the Opposite Side

Repeat the downward stroke on the other side, starting from under the rib cage and pressing towards the belly button.

Step 9: The “M” Zig-Zag Technique

Place your fingers below the sternum and create a zig-zag pattern as you move your hands down toward the belly button, forming an "M" shape. Take your time, pausing to notice any areas of tension. If you encounter a particularly tight area, hold it with gentle pressure for a count of three before continuing.

Step 10: Small Circles Around the Belly Button

Finally, use your fingertips to make small circles around the belly button. Move in a clockwise direction, and if you find areas that feel particularly tense (they may feel like small, firm lumps or "potatoes"), hold gentle pressure on them for a slow count of three. This final step helps release any remaining abdominal tension and further promotes relaxation.

Important Tips

• Avoid During Menses: This massage should not be performed during menstruation, as it's important to allow natural blood flow without extra stimulation.

• Castor Oil for Stagnation: Consider using castor oil during the massage for additional support. Castor oil helps with inflammation, scar tissue, and stagnation in the pelvic region. Simply warm a small amount of castor oil and apply it to your lower abdomen before beginning the massage.

Reclaiming Balance Through Self-Care

The Maya Abdominal Massage self-care techniques empower you to take charge of your uterine health at home, providing a way to realign, nurture, and support your body. Combining these self-care practices with professional Maya Abdominal Massage and acupuncture creates a synergistic effect that can bring about rapid and profound change.

This work is about more than just physical alignment; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, listening to your body, and allowing it to heal. Whether you’re struggling with PMS, irregular periods, fertility issues, or just wanting to improve your overall wellness, these self-care techniques can be an essential tool on your journey.

Transforming Women's Quality of Life

For 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the dramatic changes that Maya Abdominal Massage, combined with acupuncture, can bring to women's lives. For many of my patients struggling with fertility, painful periods, or hormonal imbalances, this work was the key to finally understanding and addressing their health issues. The difference that realigning the uterus, improving circulation, and reducing stagnation can make is remarkable.

It’s more than just a physical change—it’s about reconnecting with your body, taking back control, and feeling empowered to be an active participant in your own health. The journey to Brazil to learn this practice was transformative for me, and I’ve seen how the teachings of Dr. Rosita Arvigo have become a cornerstone for so many women's journeys toward health and vitality.

Maya Abdominal Massage is not just about technique; it’s about honoring the feminine body, understanding its rhythms, and bringing it back into alignment. If you’re struggling with any of these issues—whether it’s heavy periods, PMS, fertility challenges, or simply wanting to feel more connected to your body—I invite you to explore this powerful healing modality.

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s begin the journey of bringing balance back to your body—empowering you to feel vibrant, whole, and deeply connected to your well-being.