The following information includes detailed explanations of some of the most common symptoms of a displaced uterus for which clients seek abdominal massage. The common denominator in all of the symptoms that can be helped by abdominal massage is summarized in this quote by Dr. Rosita Arvigo.
“The female pelvis is a powerhouse of energy and transformation – the very throne of creation through which universal creative energy patterns course and flow. This depends on balance within the system. A displaced uterus causes distortion, disrupting our state of homeostasis.”
When the uterus is exerting undue pressure on the arteries, veins, nerves, and lymph, the chemical feedback mechanism of the hormones is out of harmony.
Endometriosis
About 5 million women in the US have this condition in which tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus invades other areas of the pelvic cavity. Pain results due to the errant uterine tissue responding to hormonal stimulation to menstruate. This misplaced tissue can cause pain in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis as well as fertility challenges, intestinal complaints, fatigue, and very heavy periods.
Our immune system would normally recognize invading, errant cells and destroy them, but if circulation of the lymph, arteries, veins, and nerves in the pelvic area is not functioning properly, these healing forces can’t do their job. This internal situation is further complicated by the fact that endometriosis is not an invasion of foreign tissue, but of resident tissue lodging where it doesn’t belong.
With abdominal massage, we’ve found that once pelvic organs are in proper alignment and muscle spasms are removed, the internal balance, inherent within every human body can detect this migrant tissue, gradually dissolve it, and allow it to be carried away in the lymph and veins. There will likely be great changes in the menstrual cycle as this internal healing takes place.
Infection* – Endometritis, Vaginitis, and Bacterial Vaginosis
Endometritis is inflammation of the endometrium and can imply that infection may be present. Vaginitis and vaginosis can be an extension of endometritis, most endometrial pathology begins in the vaginal canal. When the uterus sits too low in the pelvic cavity, it exerts pressure on the upper portion of the vagina. Nature intended there to be a space between the cervix and the vagina for circulation of vital fluids necessary for nutrition and defense. When there is abnormal pressure and restriction of circulation and lymphatic fluid, yeast and bacteria overgrow in the vaginal canal and the only place waste, including bacteria, can go is back into the hollow uterus, manifesting as inflammation or out the vaginal canal causing itching, burning, and discharge.
Ideally our immune cells should rush to the site of infection, gobbling up the invader cells within minutes of receiving chemical messages from the invaders waste products. If the pathway to the site of infection is so congested that the signals don’t get through clearly, the infection becomes chronic and can remain for years. It can be difficult to treat chronic infections with antibiotics because they too are unable to reach the site of infection due to congestion and constriction in the circulation.
A cleansing diet is extremely beneficial in conjunction with abdominal massage. There are many herbal recommendations for chronic infection. An acute infection can spread systemically and is a medical emergency. If antibiotics are utilized to treat chronic infection, ensure that the uterus is properly positioned via massage to increase its ability to receive antibiotics via circulation and flush out errant bacteria.
*If infection is related to a STD, seek qualified health care first and massage work secondarily to normalize the uterine membrane and fallopian tubes, which can be left scarred after a bout of infection.
Fibroids
Generally benign, fibroids are tumors or growths of the uterine wall composed of muscle and connective. Other terms for fibroids are leiomyoma or simply myoma. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40’s and early 50’s. Though not all women have symptoms, fibroids cause problems when they grow large enough to encroach on other structures. Some women experience pain, excessive uterine bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, frequent urination, miscarriage, infertility, low backache, bowel irregularity, menstrual irregularity, and painful intercourse.
Fibroids are the most common reason hysterectomy is performed. As with all uterine complaints, abdominal massage addresses fibroids by properly positioning the uterus allowing proper blood flow, lymph circulation, and nerve transmission to reach the uterus.
Fibroids are stimulated by estrogen dominance and often decrease naturally with menopause because of lower estrogen levels in the blood. An exogenous estrogen-reducing diet will be recommended.
Polyps
Whereas uterine fibroids are made of muscle tissue, polyps are smooth, bulb-shaped masses of endometrial tissue attached to the uterus by a stalk.
Those with uterine polyps will experience a great deal of pelvic and/or low back pain before, during, and after menstruation. Uterine polyps can cause fertility challenges, heavy bleeding, spotting, and bleeding after intercourse. Like fibroids, polyps are estrogen sensitive and an estrogen-reducing diet along with proper uterine positioning is important.
Displaced Uterus
Abdominal massage directly addresses a displaced uterus and is quite successful in conjunction with daily self-care and the use of a faha for organ support. A pessary worn for organ prolapse must be removed before treatment.
Urinary Symptoms
The weight of a low or fallen uterus on top of the soft bladder decreases its capacity to hold urine. If frequent urination is accompanied by infection unsuccessfully treated by drug or natural therapies, the tendency to breed bacteria in the bladder will often clear up as soon as the uterus is lifted into and maintained in its proper position through massage and self-care.
If infection is acute, please see a qualified healthcare provider first and seek massage care as a preventative measure.
Menstrual Symptoms
In addition to the symptoms listed above, the following menstrual symptoms, often seen as normal and managed with prescriptions and medical care, can often be attributed to a displaced uterus. If caused by a displaced uterus, these are greatly relieved or eliminated by specific sacral work which addresses the uterine ligaments and frees restrictions and the application of the massage along with diligent self care and lifestyle modifications such as pelvic opening exercises and an estrogen-reducing diet.
- failure to ovulate properly
- irregular periods
- painful ovulation and periods
- ovarian cysts
- non specific pelvic pain
- dark or thick blood at the onset or end of menstruation
- headache or dizziness with menses
- bloating or pelvic pressure
- PMS/Depression
- blood clots during menses
Fertility
Abdominal Massage founder, Dr. Rosita Arvigo reported in 2002, as quoted in Massage and Bodywork Magazine, “We are finding that about 30% of female infertility is due to a misplaced uterus which can be corrected. It is certainly worth a try before resorting to invasive and expensive medical procedures.” “Recent reports indicate that of every 10 women seeking ATMAM for fertility treatment, 5-7 will eventually become pregnant following a series of intensive professional treatments, lifestyle changes, and diligent self-care.”
We’ll discuss your particular case in depth at your first appointment. I tailor your fertility treatment to you specifically and will provide you with tools to continue working toward fertility enhancement in the comfort of your own home. A brief overview of common fertility challenges addressed by ATMAM is presented here.
Proper reproductive system function depends on a hormonal feedback loop between the hypothalamus and the reproductive organs. Via the bloodstream, the ovaries communicate with the brain and vice versa. The brain receives the message that it is time to send down a reproductive hormone like estrogen or progesterone, the uterine lining, and the ovaries in turn send back a chemical message that the appropriate amount of hormones has been sent and duly received. Circulatory pathology induced by a displaced uterus, however, prevents these messages from reaching the hypothalamus and it either produces more hormones than physiologically needed because it doesn’t get the message to stop or the message that hormones are needed is never received, to begin with.
A displaced uterus denied a full supply of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, nerve transmission, lymphatic fluids, and venous drainage may be too weak and congested to fulfill its reproductive destiny. Once the uterus is in its proper place and maintained through self-care and elimination of muscle spasms in the low back and sacrum, the stage is set to achieve and maintain pregnancy. In cases of blocked fallopian tubes, abdominal massage can address both the cause, if related to chronic infection (see Reproductive System Imbalance), as well as assist in freeing restrictions through diligent professional treatments and self-care.
Partner treatment is recommended to free restrictions and blockages in nerves and circulation surrounding the male reproductive system, especially in cases of any past trauma to the abdomen, lower back, sacrum, or tailbone. Increased nerve, blood, and lymph flow can improve count, morphology, and sensation. A number of vitamins and herbs may also be helpful. We’ll discuss your particular case in depth at your first appointment and I will teach you how to teach your partner abdominal massage.
If you’re moving towards IUI or even Invitro, be sure to contact me for a series of treatments first as your odds of success may be significantly improved by first centering and balancing your reproductive organs.
Articles on Maya Abdominal Massage and Rosita Arvigo
Mothering Magazine Article
Massage for Fertility and Conception
Core Lessons from the Ancient Maya
Feeling the Pulse in Maya Medicine