Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® and Pregnancy

Is Maya Abdominal Massage for pregnant mamas too? Absolutely! ATMAT is an incredible modality for women whether preparing to conceive, pregnant or in their postpartum period. ​

​ATMAT and Preconception 
This Mayan bodywork is renowned for enhancing fertility in both men and women. Through mitigating stagnation in the abdomen and pelvis, improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, as well as increasing the communication of the hormonal systems of the body, ATMAT improves the quality of sperm, eggs and the general mental and physical health of the parents-to-be. Additionally, ATMAT works to guide the uterus back into the optimal positioning for conception. One large issue overlooked in the fertility conversation at this point in time is the positioning of the uterus. If the uterus is tilted out of place–which can happen astonishingly easily through a high impact fall, car crash, wearing heels often, running on cement surfaces and more–this can lead to issues in the menstrual cycles as well as diminishing the sperm's ability to get where it needs to go to be fertilized. Some ways to know if you may have a displaced uterus is if you experience extreme PMS symptoms, have constipation around the time of menses, have dark thick blood at the beginning or the end of menses, severe cramps or a variety of other menstrual difficulties. You can feel free to check out my other post ––––– to learn more about the effects of injuries on the uterus.

ATMAT and Pregnancy 
Throughout pregnancy ATMAT is a blessed relief to many mamas due to the varied support it can offer. The postural changes with pregnancy can cause pain during pregnancy in the low back and hips, rib pain, and leg cramps. These discomforts are quite common but should not be considered “normal”. Additionally, during pregnancy the weight of each breast increases by about one pound, leading to muscle compensation. The shoulders pull forward, and the muscles of the thoracic and cervical spine are overstretched, resulting in mid-back and neck pain/sprain. A constricted diaphragm muscle affects respiration and digestion and may contribute to less than optimal blood flow to the uterus and decreased nutritional absorption and elimination for both mom and baby. Significant posture deviations and pelvic misalignment indicate a malpositioned uterus, which can cause a variety of pains. A malpositioned uterus can cause labor and delivery to be longer and more physically stressful than it needs to be. Many midwives have reported healthier births with less complications from mothers who received regular ATMAT while pregnant.
Some of the benefits of ATMAT during pregnancy include: 

• Improved digestion with better absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste
• Relief of pain and discomforts of pregnancy 
• Improved blood flow to pelvic floor muscles
• Improved blood flow to baby 
• Increased oxytocin during massage to suppress fear and cultivate love 
• Reduced tension and anxiety 
• Increase in the 5 systems of flow to the uterine muscle and placenta 
• Decreased congestion due to fluid stasis
• Decreased first trimester nausea 
• Improved alignment of pelvic bones
• Decreased pain from sciatica or hip misalignment 
• Increased nerve conduction through the sacrum to improve conduction to uterus and cervix 
• Heal past traumas due to the window of opportunity provided by relaxin
• Improved fetal positioning for birth; provides baby the optimal easy way out ​

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During an ATMAT session not only will you receive a full treatment but you will also be taught a self-care massage routine to help keep yourself in optimal flow–it’s also quite fun to teach your partner! Being able to give your baby and yourself a massage treatment, actively participating in addressing your pain and optimizing your health, can be a beautifully empowering experience, while also allowing you to relax and deeply connect with your baby.  

ATMAT and Postpartum 
The postpartum period is one of the most overlooked phases of life in our society today. In nearly every traditional culture there has been extensive postpartum care, often pampering mothers for 40 days after birth with massages and nourishing meals while making sure that she was protected from anything stressful, cold or shocking. Postpartum was seen as a very vulnerable time, ripe for deep healing if done right, or potentially causing life-long issues if the mother was not properly nurtured. ATMAT is a wonderful addition to the postpartum experience. Receiving loving touch, especially if there was a traumatic birth, can be a deeply healing experience. Not only this, but receiving Maya Therapy can improve healing for diastasis recti and help involution (the shrinking of the uterus) occur more efficiently and quickly. ATMAT can even be performed on your newborn baby!  
All said and done, Maya Abdominal Therapy is absolutely incredible for women in every stage of life, whether that it is to enhance overall well-being during maidenhood, prepare her for conception, support her during growing a life, aid in centering her after giving birth, or help smooth the transition through menopause. 

If you are interested in learning more about ATMAT you can check out the Arvigo Institute website here: https://www.arvigotherapy.com/

​Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments! ​

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