Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT) at The Abbott Center

What is Maya Abdominal Therapy?

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® (ATMAT) were developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo as a result of her long-term apprenticeship with the late Maya H’Men (Doctor-Priest), Don Elijio Panti of Belize. ATMAT bring together bodywork, traditional remedies, herbal knowledge and spiritual healing to support the restoration of the body and being to a state of wholeness, where the chu’lel (a Maya word for life force energy) can flow freely.

ATMAT are gentle noninvasive hands-on techniques aimed at restoring balance in the abdominal and pelvic regions of your body. They help to decongest and realign organs which in turn can resolve digestive, gynecologic and pelvic health concerns including enhancing fertility.

Maya Abdominal Therapy can be supportive to many concerns including the following:

• Menstrual conditions (heavy, irregular or painful periods, PMS)
• Constipation
• IBS, Crohn’s and Colitis
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Adhesions and scarring
• Endometriosis
• Infertility
• Fibroids
• GERD

Maya Abdominal Therapy can be a potent ally on fertility journeys, working in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies. The tradition of Arvigo Techniques can also support embodiment, integration and the release of all manner of trauma.

After a thorough intake procedure to get an evaluation of your history, you will be guided to lie underneath draping on the massage table. Your chest will be covered and your abdomen and belly will be uncovered. Lotion will be applied and various massage techniques performed to soften tissue restrictions, aid in digestion, and to assess the position of your pelvis. After the anterior (front) of your body is massaged, the therapist will ask you to lie on your stomach while the posterior treatment continues on your low back, hips, and gluteal tissues. Your therapist will also teach you self massage techniques to continue your treatment at home.

Clients report feeling more relaxed, calm, emotionally centered and balanced during and after a treatment. Many report improved digestion, less bloating, and less discomfort with uterine and ovarian issues. Overall, you should feel an improved sense of self and well-being.

Although Maya Abdominal Therapy is a safe and gentle treatment, here are some cases in which it should not be performed:

• When an IUD is present
• During active menstruation (Day 1-4 or so)
  Treatments are done on either side of your period. If you are unsure of where you are in your cycle, it’s best to have your next period then book in a day or so after your period finishes right up until 4-5 days before your period is due to start again.
• Immediately after abdominal surgery
• During the first trimester of pregnancy
• If you have an active infection or cancer present in your pelvic area or while undergoing chemotherapy
• If you have a hernia