What is Abdominal Therapy?
Abdominal Therapy is a form of physical medicine and massage that originally stems from the wisdom and medicine of the indigenous Maya population of Belize. It initially was, and sometimes still is, referred to as Maya Abdominal Massage, though as lineage gets more distant and trainings are moved off native lands, there has been a conscious shift away from that name to protect and honor ancient Maya culture. The Maya people revere the abdomen as the “center of being,” believed to house not just the physical organs, but also emotional and spiritual health.
Abdominal Therapy focuses on the abdomen to support nerve conduction, arterial and venous blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and the release of energetic or chi stagnation. Additionally, Abdominal Therapy addresses the position and health of pelvic and abdominal organs to improve their unique but collective functions.
Dr. Ari was trained specifically in Arvigo techniques (the lineage of Dr. Rosita Arvigo) through the Abdominal Therapy Collective. Starting this month, she will be offering Abdominal Therapy as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan to all new and established Inspired Health patients.
Abdominal Therapy and Reproductive Health: Supporting Your Journey at Every Stage
Abdominal Therapy is a unique and gentle therapy that works with the body’s rhythms to support reproductive health across all stages of life. Whether you are trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are recovering postpartum, Abdominal Therapy can help restore balance and ease in the body.
Pre-Conception Support: Preparing for Pregnancy and Supporting Challenges with Fertility
For those planning to conceive, Abdominal Therapy can offer significant benefits. Many factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and physical blockages in the pelvic region can impact fertility. Abdominal Therapy helps prepare the body for conception by addressing these issues in several ways:
- Improving Blood Flow to the Pelvis: Enhanced circulation to the uterus and ovaries can help enhance ovulation and create a more receptive environment for implantation to occur.
- Balancing Hormones: By supporting the body’s natural detoxification process, Abdominal Therapy can help to balance hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, improving fertility outcomes.
- Emotional and Stress Support: Emotional well-being is often a key factor in fertility. The therapy has a profound effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce stress and emotional tension that could interfere with conception.
During Pregnancy: Promoting Comfort and Wellness
Pregnancy can be both an exciting and physically demanding time. As the body undergoes numerous changes, many women experience physical discomfort and/or fatigue as baby grows. Abdominal Therapy can be a safe, soothing way to ease some of these challenges. Some of the benefits include:
- Optimizes Blood Flow to Baby: Maintaining adequate blood flow to the uterus helping to maintain a healthy, strong and well oxygenated home for baby.
- Supports Optimal Positioning of the Womb: Structurally helps to keep uterus lifted, buoyant and centered, reducing aches and pains and potentially warding off preterm labor.
- Prepares Body for Delivery: mobilizes the sacrum and helps to condition the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles for birth.
- Promotes Healthy Digestion: Supports common pregnancy related digestive complaints including constipation and heartburn.
- Relieves Back and Pelvic Pain: Many pregnant individuals experience discomfort in the lower back and pelvis as the body adjusts to pregnancy. Abdominal Therapy can help release tension in these areas, reducing pain and improving mobility.
- Breathing and Relaxation: As the diaphragm shifts to accommodate a growing belly, some women experience difficulty breathing or increased anxiety. Abdominal Therapy promotes deeper breathing and relaxation, which can be incredibly helpful during the later stages of pregnancy.
Abdominal Therapy is gentle and tailored to the needs of the individual pregnant body. When modified appropriately, it is safe to use throughout most of pregnancy starting after 20 weeks gestation.
Postpartum Care: Rebuilding and Recovery
In addition to the heart-expanding bliss of the newborn bubble, the postpartum period can be both physically and emotionally challenging. After childbirth, the body needs time and support to heal as it returns to a version of its previous self while simultaneously adjusting to its new normal. Abdominal Therapy can play a crucial role in this process:
- Supporting Uterine Recovery: After delivery, the uterus needs to return to its pre-pregnancy size and function. Abdominal Therapy helps facilitate this process by promoting blood flow and helping the body release any remaining tension in the abdomen and pelvis.
- Postpartum Pelvic Floor Support: After pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor often needs extra attention. Abdominal Therapy can help restore tone and balance to the pelvic region, reducing the risk of OR helping to heal pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence.
- Reducing Scar Tissue and Adhesions: If your body was born via cesarean, scarring can cause adhesions that may lead to pain or discomfort down the road. Abdominal Therapy can help break down scar tissue and promote healthy healing of the muscle tissue.
- Restoring Hormonal Balance: The postpartum period is marked by significant hormonal changes. Abdominal Therapy can help restore hormonal balance, reduce postnatal depression or anxiety, and support emotional well-being.
A Holistic Path to Reproductive Wellness
Abdominal Therapy is a powerful, gentle, and holistic therapy that can support reproductive health at every stage—from pre-conception to postpartum. Whether you’re trying to conceive, expecting, or recovering after childbirth, Abdominal Therapy can help restore balance to your body, enhance fertility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
We are thrilled to begin offering this therapy to our patients and look forward to further supporting your health journey in this way. If you’re ready to explore how Abdominal Therapy can enhance your reproductive health or support your fertility journey, we invite you to schedule an initial session today!
Click here for more details about Abdominal Therapy Suggestions of Care and Pricing.
Additional Supplement Support
For additional support with improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and creating a nourishing womb space for baby whether you’re already pregnant or preparing to be, check out Omega 3 DHA.
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