Abdominal and Pelvic massage are becoming more mainstream and valued methods for supporting reproductive health and fertility. There are two popular techniques that many therapists use: The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage and Mercier Therapy. Both offer unique benefits, but they are distinct in their methods and philosophies. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best approach for your needs. Let’s walk through their similarities and differences:
Philisophical Foundations: The Roots
Maya Abdominal Massage has a long history and has been practiced by various healers in different regions of Central America for centuries. There are various lineages of Maya healers who practice abdominal massage, each with its own unique methods and interpretations of the traditional techniques, but Dr. Rosita Arvigo popularized the technique in the United States, which is why “Maya” and “Arvigo” are often heard interchangeably. This technique focuses on the alignment of internal organs through gentle abdominal massage, aiming to improve the flow of blood, lymph, nerve, and chi energy. The philosophy behind Maya Abdominal Massage emphasizes the profound connection between physical and emotional health. It often incorporates spiritual and herbal practices, recognizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. This comprehensive approach is designed to address a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, painful periods, fertility issues, and overall well-being. This Episode of Fertility Friday Podcast interviews Rosita Arvigo about the therapy.
Mercier Therapy was developed with a specific focus on supporting fertility, both natural conception and conception through IVF and IUI. This therapy involves deep pelvic organ manipulation to enhance mobility and blood flow. Unlike Maya Abdominal Massage, Mercier Therapy is grounded in a Western anatomical understanding of the pelvic region, focusing primarily on the physical aspects of the reproductive system. It is aimed at women facing fertility challenges, pelvic pain, and post-surgical recovery. The underlying philosophy of Mercier Therapy is to prepare the body optimally for conception and pregnancy through targeted manual therapy. This Episode of Fertility Friday Podcast interviews Dr. Mercier about the therapy.
The Techniques: How it feels
The techniques used in Maya Abdominal Massage are gentle and external, focusing on the abdomen and lower back. The movements are more fluid and less targeted than Mercier Therapy. Practitioners use specific movements to reposition internal organs and enhance circulation. These sessions often include the use of herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations, forming a comprehensive approach to healing. The massage technique itself is designed to be relaxing and nurturing, often incorporating self-care practices that clients can continue at home. This gentle approach is intended to promote overall balance and well-being, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals, not just those with reproductive health concerns.
In contrast, Mercier Therapy employs a more intensive manual therapy approach, focusing on deep and highly specific manipulation of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures. This deeper massage aims to break up adhesions and improve the function and mobility of reproductive organs. The techniques are not painful, yet the depth of the work can feel intense for some individuals. A typical course of Mercier Therapy involves a series of six sessions, each building on the previous one to achieve optimal results. The therapy can be intense but is tailored to your needs and your tolerance. Additionally, Mercier Therapy is often combined with a detailed assessment of the your medical history and lifestyle to provide a targeted treatment plan. This rigorous approach is particularly beneficial for women undergoing fertility treatments or seeking to conceive naturally.
Outcomes: What’s the goal?
The primary goal of Maya Abdominal Massage is to restore general balance within the body, promoting overall health and well-being. This therapy is both preventive- meaning that it helps maintain health in the pelvis before disease or dysfunction set in- and it is also corrective, aiming to help restore health from a disease state. Many clients report relief from menstrual pain, improved digestion, and enhanced fertility as significant benefits of this therapy. Moreover, the holistic nature of Maya Abdominal Massage fosters a greater sense of emotional and spiritual harmony, contributing to a comprehensive sense of well-being.
Mercier Therapy, however, specifically targets reproductive health, with a primary focus on improving fertility outcomes. While Mercier Therapy can help with digestive health issues, its primary focus is to optimize strong ovulation, and encourage healthy implantation of an embryo into the uterine lining. All techniques used in this therapy are tailored to this goal. The therapy aims to enhance blood flow, reduce adhesions, and increase the mobility of pelvic organs. It is commonly used by women undergoing fertility treatments or those seeking to conceive naturally. Mercier Therapy can be done during any time of the menstrual cycle, including the “Two Week Wait” between ovulation and menstruation. It can even be done alongside a course of IVF, with the exception that no manual therapy is done on the ovaries during the use of ovarian stimulation drugs, usually used in preparation for egg retrieval. Mercier Therapy was also developed with endometriosis in mind, and is especially useful if you are trying to conceive and you have endometriosis.
Whether you are seeking a holistic, gentle approach or a targeted, intensive therapy, both Maya Abdominal Massage and Mercier Therapy offer valuable benefits for reproductive health and overall wellness. At Los Angeles Manual Therapy, we use Mercier Therapy combined with Visceral Manipulation, another technique that specifically targets abdominal organs to optimize digestion alongside reproductive function.