As with many things these days, what’s old is new again. Welcome to Arvigo Therapy® and Rainforest Remedies (Herbal Remedies). The Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy are founded on the ancient Mayan techniques of abdominal massage, which is an external, non-invasive manipulation that helps to reposition internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve, and chi. The Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy address position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs.
Dr. Rosita Arvigo learned the basis from which these techniques developed from her mentor, Don Elijio Panti, the great Maya Shaman of Belize, Central America, with whom she apprenticed for ten years. Dr. Arvigo also studied with Hortense Robinson, a traditional midwife and herbalist of Belize, who began delivering babies when she was only 13. These healers also taught her the properties and uses of Central American herbs.
The following are some of the most common symptoms and conditions that Arvigo Therapy® and Rainforest Remedies may help address:
- Digestive Disorders (Crohn’s, IBS, Constipation, Indigestion)
- Urinary System Issues (incontinence, frequent urinary infections)
- Fertility Enhancement
- Menstrual Disorders
- Menopause
- Pelvic Organ Congestion (endometriosis, cysts, fibroids)
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Early Stages of BPH
- Prostatitis
- Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation
This article will focus on the use of Arvigo Therapy® and Rainforest Remedies as they pertain to female health, specifically infertility and its associated causes.
Fertility Overview
Female infertility can be caused by many factors. Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are causes that can be easily assessed through blood work. In addition to endocrine disorders, structural abnormalities are also a leading cause of infertility.
Fibroids are masses found within the uterus. While benign in nature (non-cancerous) they can prevent implantation. This means a woman’s ovum can become fertilized and an embryo can start to develop as it travels down the fallopian tube; however, it is unable to burrow into the uterine lining to continue to grow and develop. In this situation, the pregnancy is halted very early on and the women may never know she was pregnant. Fibroids are relativity easy to assess via a pelvic or internal ultrasound.
Another structural cause of infertility is endometriosis. This is a condition in which the tissue that typically makes up the uterine lining grows in other body regions. This can include in or around the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and even around the intestines. This can interfere with pregnancy by creating blockages that inhibit the ovum, sperm or embryo from getting to the proper location. Endometriosis can sometimes prevent ovulation if the tissue surrounds the ovaries. Typically, there are symptoms that point to endometriosis such as extreme pain during menses; however there is no quick and easy way to diagnoses this. Diagnosis depends on laparoscopic surgery in which the tissue can actually be visualized.
In addition to laparoscopy and pelvic ultrasounds, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is sometimes used to help workup structural causes of infertility. This is essentially an X-ray with contrast dye that shows the shape of the uterine cavity as well as determines the patency of the fallopian tubes. While all of the imaging of the reproductive organs are important, many women are left with reports stating everything is normal. This seems like a good thing; however, it can be very discouraging when no answers are found. It is in these situations that Arvigo Therapy® can be helpful.
Often, these tests show that a woman’s uterus is displaced, tilting too far in one direction. Something as simple as having a uterus that bends or tilts too far in one direction can make it very difficult for the sperm to find the ovum, as well as restrict blood, lymph, and nerve flow because it is sitting on those structures. By encouraging realignment of the organs, proper blood, lymph, and nerve flow is optimized.
New research is showing that Arvigo Therapy improves the quality and quantity of fertile cervical fluid. In addition, research is showing that having adequate cervical fluid is more important for conception than the actual date of ovulation. Arvigo Therapy® is a gentle, relaxing, supportive modality that can support fertility challenges, and even works well in conjunction with IVF.
Manual Technique
In a hands-on Arvigo Therapy® session, you can expect:
- A comprehensive review of your past and present healthcare needs, focusing on reproductive and digestive health
- Upper and lower abdominal massage to help:
- Align reproductive and abdominal organs to optimal position
- Improve circulation to organs
- Promote vital flow to support the body’s inherent healing capacity
- Evaluation of and application of soft-tissue bodywork to improve alignment
- Instruction in self-care massage to enhance your professional session
- Possible recommendations of complementary modalities, including:
- Faja (traditional lower abdominal support wrap)
- Bajos (pelvic steam bath of the Maya)
- Castor oil packs
- Herbal tinctures
Rainforest Remedies (Herbal Remedies)
The manual technique of Arvigo Therapy® is often accompanied by the use of Rainforest Remedies: traditional Mayan herbal medicine. This includes formulas to support blood sugar levels, blood pressure, digestive upset, male and female hormonal imbalances, and nervous system tension. As it pertains to female reproductive health, there is an amazing Rainforest remedy called Hortense formula, which is great for treating problematic fibroids.
As mentioned earlier, uterine fibroids can contribute to infertility by impeding on crucial space in the womb. Hortense formula consists of some commonly known herbs such as hibiscus flowers, oregano and rosemary, as well as more traditional Mayan herbs such as billy webb bark and maguey silvestre. Together these herbs work to constrict the blood supply to fibroids which has been shown to decrease the size of the growth and in some cases get rid of it altogether. This herbal combination has additional actions also used for endometriosis, uterine polyps, and ovarian cysts.
Using a combination of Arvigo Therapy® and herbal Rainforest Remedies can support you on your journey towards internal healing targeted at both digestive and reproductive health. Becca Torns-Barker specializes in Arvigo Therapy® and Dr. Tonya Pasternak specializes in Rainforest Remedies. We are here to support you through the use of modern science combined with ancient wisdom.
Dr. Pasternak has a family practice in Manchester, CT at Collaborative Natural Health Partners. She is an in-network provider for most insurance companies and is accepting new patients. Visit: CTNaturalHealth.com or call 860-533-0179. Becca Tornes-Baker is a licensed massage therapist of 13 years and a Certified Arvigo Practitioner. She owns BodyWorks Massage in South Windsor.