By Katrina Doran.

For anyone who suffers regularly from painful periods, fertility problems and digestion disorders, a natural solution which cuts out the need for strong painkillers, hormone treatments and complicated exclusion diets sounds like a dream come true.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ have been handed down over the centuries from mid wives, healers and shamans and are taught to a stringently selected few who are trusted with the techniques and knowledge. One of these highly trained individuals is Maria Rafferty who left her career in accountancy to train in acupuncture, acupressure, fertility yoga and Maya therapy.

Maria is the only person outside of the US who has this unique combination of skills and a highly sought after therapist treating men and women for digestive problems, and fertility, and women who suffer from painful periods.

"The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ are centred around the ancient Mayan techniques which reposition organs that have dropped and are restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi energy. " said Maria, "As with any other natural healing, Arvigo Techniques use a holistic approach that seeks to restore the body to its natural balance.

"Maya Abdominal Therapy addresses the position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. However, it is probably best known for its success in the correction of the prolapsed, fallen or tilted uterus. By shifting the uterus back into place, the natural balance of the body is restored in the pelvic area and the surrounding organs. "

There are so many people suffering from painful menstrual cycles, bladder or yeast infections, endometriosis, pelvic pain, menopausal symptoms and infertility and there is a combination of causes. Digestive disorders like constipation mean that toxins build up in the bowel and as your reproductive organs are not essential – you can live without them – the toxins are dumped into the uterus – and can build up. The body is so clever because it's built to cleanse itself every month when women have their periods but when things like the pill are introduced – women aren't getting 'proper' periods and with some methods they don't have a period at all and therefore this monthly cleansing of the womb doesn't happen so things like endometriosis and uterine polyps can occur.

With the Maya Abdominal Therapy the treatment repositions the uterus and ensures all the organs, connective tissues, ligaments and muscles are all where they should be – so everything is working in balance.

Toxins are flushed out and nutrients that help to tone tissue and balance hormones are restored to normal order – this can bring relief from a wide range of female-specific complaints."

A tilted or prolapsed uterus can constrict the normal flow of blood and lymph and disrupt nerve connections causing an unhealthy environment in the pelvic area, which can impair the nourishment and efficiency of the uterus and ovaries. One consequence of this may be that the ovaries stop performing and fail to respond to messages from the brain, creating an imbalanced hormone level.

By shifting the uterus back into place, the natural balance of the body is restored in the pelvic area and the surrounding organs. The massage flushes toxins out and boosts the flow of nutrient rich blood to help tone tissue and balance hormones so that homeostasis is returned.

I've never had a problem with painful periods – other than the typical drained feeling – but I've suffered from bowel disorders since I was a child and after years of various tests I've never been diagnosed with a specific issue but the all-encompassing term of IBS. Recently I have been suffering from bouts of tiredness which co-incided with abdominal pain in my right hand side and the following day I have white lumps on my tonsils. My GP sent me for scans incase I had Ovarian cysts, which were clear, which was a relief, but I was no further on as to what the bouts of tiredness and other symptoms were. After reading up on the Maya Abdominal Therapy and discovering we were lucky enough to have an experience Maya practitioner right on our doorstep at the Complimentary Health & Beauty Clinic on the Lisburn Road – I booked in!

Maria is extremely thorough and very matter of fact in her approach, which is very reassuring. She has bright sparkling blue eyes that twinkle with the knowledge of an ancient wisdom and a belief that she can not only help but also heal - as she's witnessed the results time and time again.

After a long consultation the treatment itself is relaxing and I certainly felt that some universal force was being tapped into. One particular movement which I felt was particularly powerful was an unlocking movement where connective tissue beneath the belly button is released – which resulted in a sensation of pure energy being released from my centre and hitting the top of my head to the tips of my toes, followed by a pins and needles sensation almost as if it was above my skin. It was quite incredible!

At the end of the treatment Maria taught me how to do the self-care element of the therapy where I would practice some of the Maya movements each day at home. This is an essential part of the process and only takes a few minutes, which I did each night before bed and it has become a part of my nighttime routine. I had a follow up session with Maria one month later and some of the movements were even more enhanced in this session. While the first session left me relaxed and quite sleepy – the second session left me energised and feeling incredibly balanced and centred - ready to take on the world!

I haven't had any recurrence of my bouts of tiredness or abdominal pain and I will be keeping up my self-care at home. I can honestly say this treatment is extraordinary and Maria is a unique talent.

Maria Rafferty BSc. (Hons) Lic.Ac.Cert ATMAT at Complimentary Health Clinic 211a Lisburn Road, BT9 7EJ. Tel: 07799345337

www.mariarafferty.com

The following is a list of symptoms that indicate that you may benefit form Arvigo Therapy:

Displaced or prolapsed uterus and or bladder

Painful menstrual cycles and ovulation

Irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation

Bladder or yeast infections

Miscarriages, difficult pregnancies

Endometriosis

Peri menopause, menopausal symptoms

Infertility

PMS/Depression with menstruation

Ovarian cysts

Uterine fibroids

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Pelvic congestion, pain

Headaches/migraines

Digestive Disorders

Low energy

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Gastro Esophogeal Reflux (GERD)

Crohn's Disease

Chronic constipation

Low Back ache

Chronic indigestion or heartburn

Gastritis

Restricted breathing due to tension

What to expect in a session

Comprehensive review of your personal health history and current health care needs.

Abdominal massage focused on aligning reproductive and abdominal organs

Evaluation and application of structural alignment of spine with attention to the sacrum, lumbar and thoracic spine.

Instruction in Self Care Home techniques to enhance your professional treatment session

Recommendation of complementary modalities:

Herbal remedies

Castor oil packs

Faja (organ support wrap)

Bajos (traditional vaginal steam bath of the Mayas - pronounced ba-hos)

Nutritional and or lifestyle education and adaptations

It is important to note that every client will receive a lesson on self-care during their first appointment. Comprehensive notes will be supplied. Daily self-care massage contributes to the success of Arvigo Therapy as it enhances the professional session and empowers the client. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ can be used on its own or along with Traditional Acupuncture. It is also safe to use alongside assisted reproduction techniques.