After suffering off and on for over 30 years with painful, even excruciating periods, imagine my complete delight to experience a truly comfortable period. I have found ways through complementary healing modalities to ease the discomfort, but have never really found complete relief. I have since learned from Deanna Leftwich, LMT #23008, a Professional Maya Abdominal Therapist that so many things that we ladies are told are a part of being a woman… painful periods, bloating, cramping, PMS, irregular periods, vaginitis, varicose veins, difficult pregnancy or delivery, severe menopausal symptoms… are in fact not normal. Discomforts such as these and more are quite often due to the position of the uterus in the abdomen. I am one of the women who have casually been told by caregivers that I had a tilted uterus. These caregivers did not seem to have an understanding of the complications that a misplaced uterus can cause and, most importantly, that it is possible to correct it.

There are many ways the uterus can sit improperly in the pelvis:

1. A side-lying uterus often affects uterine function, sometimes leading to ovarian cysts, irregular ovulation or no ovulation (anovulation), hormonal imbalance, and difficulty in conceiving.

2. A low-lying or prolapsed uterus can lead to painful intercourse, varicose veins, and bladder &/or bowel incontinence.

3. A tipped back or retroverted uterus can block movement in the colon. This can result in chronic constipation, especially around the time of menses. It can also put pressure on the sacral nerves to create low back pain, which is often intensified during menstruation.

4. A forward-lying or anteverted uterus can result in frequent urination, chronic bladder infections, and other urinary-tract disorders.

5. Uterine folding or uterine flexions can also occur in any direction, resulting in very painful cramping.

Through trauma and stress, the uterine ligaments can begin to tear or lose elasticity. Just like the elastic in your waistband, these ligaments can sag and bring the uterus with them causing a shift in or misalignment to its placement. When these reproductive organs shift out of proper position and remain that way, the musculature and connective tissue can tighten around them, increasing pelvic congestion and stagnation inside the womb. The restricted flow to the uterus of blood, nerve impulses, lymphatic fluid, and energy can lead to painful cramps, deterioration of the uterine lining, hormonal imbalances, and problems with fertility. A severely displaced uterus, if not corrected prior to pregnancy, often results in painful pregnancies and difficult labor. The longer the stagnation lasts, the greater the possibility for more complicated symptoms to arise, including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, and possibly uterine and ovarian cancers.

Fortunately, these uterine ligaments are able to regain strength and elasticity when given proper circulation. Through a massage technique known as Maya Abdominal Therapy, homeostasis (the body’s own self-correction and returning to balance) can occur by gently shifting the uterus back into the proper place in the pelvis. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy releases muscle spasms, prevents/corrects a fallen or tilted uterus. It improves the flow of blood, lymph and energy throughout the body. Painful periods often diminish within two or three cycles. Mayan Abdominal Therapists are finding that about 30% of female infertility is due to a misplaced uterus which can be corrected.

This uterine massage technique is not only beneficial prior to (and to assist with) conception, during pregnancy it is used to create a smoother birth and prevent the need for a cesarean. By strengthening and toning the uterus, ligaments and other pelvic organs, the massage helps to place and maintain the uterus in the proper position for birth.

Old adhesions from invasive treatments to the pelvic and abdominal area, including hysterectomies and cesarean sections, are diminished gradually and safely when addressed by uterine massage. In fact, women that have had a hysterectomies report that after receiving this type of massage that old aches and pains in the hips, legs and groin diminish, constipation is relieved, blood and lymph flow increased are increased and improved. For women that have had a cesarean birth, the massage provides better arterial supply to the pelvic organs, better venous drainage from the legs up, less backache, less sciatica, less fluid congestion, and a better possibility for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).

The beauty of the Maya Abdominal Therapy is the technique is used in conjunction with self care home techniques taught by a Professional Maya Abdominal Therapist. This work is truly about empowering every woman in every cycle.

To find out more about The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal  Therapy™, please contact Deanna Leftwich, LMT #23008 407-462-8717 or visit her website.

References:

“Mayan Womb Massage: How an ancient technique can prepare your body for conception and ease menstrual cramps,” Catherine S. Gregory, Mothering, March/April 2010

“Toughing The Core: The Heart and Intelligence of Mayan Abdominal Massage,” Diane MacDonald, Massage & Bodywork

“Introduction to Maya Abdominal and Uterine Massage,” Rosita Arvigo, Medicines from the Earth, 2001

“Preparing Your Womb with Maya Massage for Baby #2”, Nicole Kruck, LMT

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