The Benefits of Arvigo Self-Abdominal Massage for Women’s Pelvic Health

When I discovered the Arvigo®Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT) and started witnessing its benefits personally and in my women’s pelvic-health-focused practice, I was surprised more women weren’t aware of the value of this unique technique, also referred to as “uterine massage.” 

In my view, every woman could benefit particularly from learning the self-care component of this easy and powerful technique, also known for short as “Maya abdominal self-care” or “Arvigo® self-abdominal massage.” When included as part of a complete approach, I have watched women who utilize Arvigo® self-abdominal massage notice:

• A more aligned pelvis with decreased pelvic pain or prolapse
• Easier periods, optimized gynecological health
• More regular digestion and calmer bladder
• A smoother menopausal transition 

Plus, it’s often sought out to help support fertility in preparing to conceive and in postpartum recovery.  

Arvigo® massage is an external self-abdominal massage technique applied to the abdomen and pelvis to decongest and realign vital organs. It can be practiced daily for 5-10 minutes except when menstruating or pregnant and can help resolve digestive, gynecological, and pelvic health concerns or help prepare a woman’s body to conceive. 

What can be equally valuable is that I have observed this technique becoming a tool that also empowers women to reconnect positively with their bodies and puts their health back into their own hands (literally!).

The only contraindications to be aware of include having an IUD, and it is not advised if there’s any type of active abdominal or pelvic infection occurring. Caution or modifications are to be taken in the case of any abdominal hernias.  

The Arvigo® abdominal massage techniques were developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN based on her apprenticeship in Belize with the Maya healer Don Elijio Panti and her own education, training, and research as a naprapathic physician. She developed a thorough method of abdominal massage founded on ancient Maya techniques while adding her exceptional knowledge of anatomy.

“The uterus is the woman’s core; if it is out of balance, her whole life is out of balance-physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.”

– Don Elijio Panti, a Maya Shaman who trained Dr. Arvigo in the ancient Maya technique of abdominal massage

I have become an advocate and champion for women reclaiming their ultimate health by starting to ameliorate pelvic, abdominal, gynecological, and fertility health. Our bellies are a powerhouse of vital organs trying to function optimally. Whatever we can do to unravel the tension or trauma that many of us can hold in the belly region will only benefit the key functions of the abdominal organs and our overall health. 

“I believe that it is essential for women to prioritize addressing issues of the gut, abdomen, uterus and pelvis as one of the most central strategies to directly promote a positive ripple effect in the vitality of their entire body and mind.”

– Dr. Christine Matheson

10 Health Benefits of Arvigo® Self-Abdominal Massage

1. DECONGESTS the abdomen, pelvis and especially the uterus by stimulating the flow of blood, lymphatic fluid, nerves and qi (energy), which can help to restore more optimal function to the vital organs in your belly
2. ALIGNS and shifts the abdominal and pelvic organs if they are out of alignment, improving organ function and leading to proper digestive elimination and increased lymphatic drainage
3. AIDS DIGESTION allowing for a calmer gut with more predictable digestion and relief from constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms or chronic gas/bloating
4. AIDS TO REGULATE MENSTRUATION leading to easier periods, more consistent and reliable cycles and possible improvement in PMS symptoms
5. OFFERS FERTILITY SUPPORT by powerfully priming the uterus and pelvis to conceive by increasing circulation to the uterus whether to prepare safely for conventional fertility treatments or if trying to conceive naturally. If undergoing conventional fertility treatments, Arvigo® self-abdominal massage is safest and most beneficial in supporting fertility and preparing the body before undergoing conventional treatments.
6. SUPPORTS POSTPARTUM RECOVERY by giving a proactive practice to prevent postpartum pelvic weakness and aiding the healing and realignment process of the newly shaped abdomen and pelvis
7. OPTIMIZES GYNECOLOGICAL/PELVIC HEALTH by improving circulation to the uterus, which may help reduce or relieve pelvic discomfort associated with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts. It also helps address pelvic pain or congestion, pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapsed uterus or bladder, or pain during intercourse. In addition, it can be part of a post-pelvic surgery recovery plan
8. AIDS WITH PROLAPSED ORGANS by improving the alignment of the pelvic and abdominal organs and stimulating circulation to the area, which creates a “pelvic lifting” practice and encourages greater symmetry of the uterine ligaments
9. MINIMIZES MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION SYMPTOMS by creating a smoother hormonal transition via improved blood flow to the pelvis that can lead to a greater feeling of vitality while the body is undergoing change
10. EMPHASIZES THE HEALING BENEFIT OF SELF-CARE which not only makes this a convenient and affordable health strategy, but also empowers women to feel more in control of their menstrual cycle, gynecological health, pelvic health, digestion, fertility, ability to conceive, postpartum recovery or transition through menopause. Active participation in our health can nurture the mind/body connection, regulate the nervous system and allow us to feel more in control of our well-being.  I often tell my patients “If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.”

Arvigo® Massage Resources

Dr. Christine Matheson, ND is proud to be one of the only naturopathic doctors in Ontario and Canada that is an Arvigo® therapist teaching Arvigo® self-abdominal massage through her signature ‘Belly Be Well’ Programs.

Learn more about the Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abominal Massage and find an Arvigo® Therapist near you through Tul’ix Indigenous Arts (formerly the Arvigo Institute))

Press & Media about Arvigo Massage

Daphne Oz Article in Oprah. com-Arvigo Maya Fertility Massage: More than a Belly Rub

Huffington Post- Maya Massage: A Healing Practice Every Woman Should Know

Global News: Can Maya Abdominal Massage Aid Digestion?

Access Dr. Christine Matheson, ND’s free mini video training and checklist of her

‘Top 6 Tips to Get Your Belly Well’ here!

Dr. Christine Matheson, ND has been practicing as a licensed naturopathic doctor since 2001 in Ontario, Canada. She’s also an Arvigo® Therapist and a certified Kundalini yoga instructor who helps women experience wellness from the inside out by taking the vital step of achieving better belly health through thriving gut health, improved pelvic health and fertility health if trying to conceive. Her signature Belly Be Well™ Programs are offered either through one-on-one naturopathic consultations or online group classes and combine teaching natural lifestyle approaches with the unique benefits of the Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy. Christine is honoured to have been one of the first naturopathic doctors in Canada who pioneered working as part of an integrative medical team in a hospital setting at the former Women’s Pelvic Centre at Women’s College Hospital. She aims to help as many women as possible unlock their ultimate vitality through better belly health and have a better relationship and connection to this important region of the body.