There's nothing I dislike more than unfinished posts, so in case somebody else searches for information on Arvigo Mayan abdominal massages, I thought I would give my update
This will be long - you have been warned! Also, this topic might be a bit hippie dippie for some and I know there are lots of skeptics on here, so please keep responses positive
So my first session (This is an interesting blog on this therapy if you're interested: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/intent/maya-massage_b_2388751.html ) lasted 2.5 hours and started with a very thorough intake consultation looking at medical, emotional/spiritual, dietry/digestion, family history etc etc. I have suspected endometriosis and (I suspected) a tilted uterus. Interestingly, she said the fact that I have constipation before my period is indicative of a uterus that is tilted too far back. This is most likely how I was born and there's not a lot I can do about it but she did show me some exercises that can help
Sometimes a uterus can become tilted due to an injury and even running on concrete (she told me not to run in the lead up to and during my period as it could be putting a lot of strain on already strained ligaments holding my uterus in place!). There is a technique of tying a knot with a scarf over my abdomen if I really want to exercise at this time of the month though. I can't remember the name of it!
The massage itself was strange at first - it felt kind of ticklish in parts! I felt a lot of tenderness but really got in to it. She said my abdomen is 'switched on' which is indicative of someone who has experienced a lot of chronic pain
And she felt lots of congestion though couldn't diagnose the reason (it's most likely the endo). She showed me how to do this massage every day which I do with almond oil and lavender which is a lovely way to start the day! I must admit, I was a bit sore after the massage at first, but it felt good. She also massaged my back and checked my hips and pelvis, which were all aligned perfectly!
She gave me some herbs which I boiled to perform a bajo which is basically a vaginal steam bath (you can find out more info here: https://natural-fertility-info.com/vagina-steam.html ). It was incredibly empowering!!! I felt so so good after it. This vaginal steam bath is supposed to nourish and heal 'down there' and I must admit, it felt amazing. It's weird, I know, but I loved it!
Also, because of the congestion, she showed me how to perform castor oil packs (find out more here: https://natural-fertility-info.com/castor-oil-therapy ) - it's time consuming but it helps me to relax! Castor oil is very important in detoxification and is supposed to be very good to support ovarian/egg/fallopian tube health
Interestingly, prior to undertaking the massage, my therapist informed me that the Mayans believe that we store our emotions in our abdomen, which I completely believe. I feel all my emotions there. She warned me that I might feel emotional during the massage, and afterwards. Sure enough, I did start to think about some difficulties I had since childhood, with my own mother. We haven't had the best relationship unfortunately. We never did. I wonder if my inability to become a mum myself is wound up with feelings I have about my own mother and there is some kind of emotional block? My therapist picked up on my 'mothering issues' immediately and it felt so good to talk it out. She made up a tincture, specifically designed for me, to help deal with this and my other issues. She also advised to deal with these emotions and to stop burying them, so now I'm writing everything out and then I'm going to burn it or something. I don't know, this is the hard part I guess.
Who knows if this will actually help us get our BFP but I definitely feel more relaxed and empowered! Today is CD8 and, unusually, I have LOADS of watery cm! I tend not to get a huge amount so I'm very excited! This is early in the cycle too. Who knows if this is due to the castor oil, the massage, the steam bath or the tincture (or all 4?) or what, but I'm feeling positive that all of this has helped.
I hope this helps someone! If you want to find out more, just ask!