Maya Abdominal Therapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses the position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. It is best known for the correction of the prolapsed, fallen, or tilted uterus and for the prevention and treatment of benign prostate enlargement in men. This therapy incorporates massage, herbology, nutrition, yoni steams, and spiritual healing. The Abdominal Therapy Collective (ATC) is founded on the life work of Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN. The ATC, founded in 2020, is a collective of practitioners and teachers from many nations who are spreading these healing modalities across the globe. Abdominal Therapy is a gentle external hands-on technique that can reposition organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes that may have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve, and chi.
Introduction to Maya Abdominal Therapy
Maya Abdominal Therapy is a traditional healing practice that focuses on improving the health and function of the abdominal and pelvic organs. This therapy is rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Maya and has been developed and refined over decades by practitioners like Dr. Rosita Arvigo. It involves gentle, external massage techniques to reposition organs that may have shifted out of place, thereby optimizing blood flow, nerve function, and overall well-being.
The Origins and Philosophy
Dr. Rosita Arvigo apprenticed in Belize with the late Maya shaman, Don Elijio Panti (1893 - 1996) for thirteen years and studied for ten years with the famous herbal-midwife Miss Hortence Robinson (1922 - 2010). The story of her apprenticeship with Don Elijio is told in her book, Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer. She developed techniques of abdominal therapy after her time with Don Elijio and Miss Hortence. Fascinated by their innate wisdom and ancient massage techniques, she first applied them successfully in her busy practice for women and children in Belize, then tirelessly researched anatomy and physiology to discover and share the science underlying these traditional healing techniques. Her training as a Doctor of Naprapathy has also influenced modern abdominal therapy.
Don Elijo and Miss Hortence agreed that most female troubles are caused by the wandering womb. Practitioners trained by The Abdominal Therapy Collective address position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® was founded by Dr. Rosita Arvigo. No other training is required to be competent in the complete sequence. You will be listed as a profession Arvigo Practitioner on the Red Tent healingExpert hands on, professional and spirit centered training with Lisa Kelly exactly the way this work was taught to her.
Benefits of Maya Abdominal Therapy
Maya Abdominal Therapy offers a range of benefits for both men and women, addressing various health issues related to the digestive and reproductive systems. Some of the key benefits include:
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- Support for reproductive health
- Relief from painful periods
- Improved digestion
- Enhanced fertility
- Support during pregnancy
- Assistance with surgical recovery
- Nervous system regulation
- Pain relief
The therapy works by addressing the root causes of these issues, such as congested or displaced reproductive organs, digestive disorders, and overall abdominal health.
Training Programs and Courses
Several training programs are available for practitioners interested in learning Maya Abdominal Therapy. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to integrate this modality into their professional practice.
Maya Abdominal Therapy Practitioner Training
The Maya Abdominal Therapy Practitioner Training is an intensive course designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to integrate Maya Abdominal Therapy into their professional practice. This course delves deeply into the ancient wisdom of the Maya, focusing on abdominal and reproductive health through specialized bodywork techniques.
The primary purpose of this course is to train practitioners in the foundational principles and applications of Maya Abdominal Therapy, a modality known for its effectiveness in promoting optimal health of the digestive and reproductive systems. By mastering these techniques, practitioners will be able to address common issues related to congested or displaced reproductive organs, digestive disorders, and overall abdominal health. This training emphasizes a holistic approach, incorporating both anterior and posterior applications, as well as self-care practices that clients can use to maintain their health between sessions.
Womb Wisdom and Self-Care Courses
Womb Wisdom with Lisa Kelly or Arvigo Selfcare level one is a prerequisite as well as being a licensed to touch health care provider. View Lisa’s upcoming Womb Wisdom schedule or visit for schedule of any selfcare class to fulfill prerequisite. Arvigo selfcare classes can be used as a prerequisite. This training is independent from The Arvigo Institute and is Maya Abdominal Therapy as taught by Rosita Arvigo.
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Lisa Kelly is an internationally recognized practitioner and educator in Maya Abdominal Therapy, Womb Wisdom, and holistic pelvic health. As the founder of The Red Tent Healing Arts & Womb School and a successful wellness center owner and operator, Lisa has built a thriving practice dedicated to holistic women’s health. Her teaching is deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom, practical skill-building, and a heartfelt approach to healing.
Professional Care Training
Professional Care Training (abbreviated to PCT and also known as Level 2) has traditionally been the pathway to becoming an Arvigo® Therapist. Prerequisites for attendance include attending Self Care Training (abbreviated to SCT and also known as Level 1) in person or online and being a licensed provider of touch based care.
At the end of the training, just as with PCT, the participant will be able to provide a complete anterior and posterior Arvigo® therapy session to clients. Self Care is a two and a half day training, available either in person or online. This training covers the applications of anterior bodywork for the self, as well as several other self-care modalities including steams, castor oil therapy, herbal support, faja wearing etc.
Professional Care Training- Level 2This 5.5-day workshop is designed for the practitioner who has completed an Self-Care Training and now wants to advance their education theory and bodywork practice to provide both the anterior and posterior protocols to clients. In addition to addressing basic anatomy and physiology of the abdomen, structural alignment of the hips, sacrum, herbal and nutritional support will be addressed. Open to licensed health and hands on care practitioners who have completed Self-Care-Level 1.
Hybrid Training Modalities
Some training programs offer a hybrid approach, combining online and in-person learning experiences.
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Hybrid Training with Lisa Kelly
Lisa Kelly offers a hybrid training format that includes online class time via Zoom to review anatomy and facilitate introductions before the in-person training. This approach allows participants to gain a foundational understanding of the material before engaging in hands-on practice.
Who Should Consider This Training?
This training is designed for individuals who are already practicing hands-on healing work, such as licensed massage therapists and other bodyworkers. Any licensed practitioner or Massage Therapist, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, acupuncturist, CNM, RN, OT, MD, PT, Chiropractor who wishes to expand their practice, deepen their knowledge, intuition and connect with to the multicultural wisdom around traditional hands on healing. However, if you’re not currently licensed but have relevant experience and a passion for this work, instructors may be willing to connect with you.
The Curriculum and Techniques
Maya Abdominal Therapy training typically covers a range of topics and techniques, including:
- Anterior and posterior abdominal massage
- Structural alignment of the hips and sacrum
- Herbal and nutritional support
- Self-care practices
- Anatomy and physiology of the abdomen
- Spiritual healing techniques
Practitioners learn to address various conditions, such as painful periods, difficult digestion, fertility challenges, and pregnancy support, using these gentle techniques.
Learning from Experienced Instructors
One of the key benefits of Maya Abdominal Therapy training is the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors who have a deep understanding of the practice and its applications.
Lisa Kelly: A Renowned Practitioner and Educator
Lisa Kelly is the owner and founder of The Red Tent Healing Arts Center and its sister site Amazing Births. With over 37 years of hands-on experience, she brings the depth of her clinical experience work in the treatment room, attending births-both at home and in the hospital-into her bodywork trainings and more than 25 years teaching Birth Preparation. Her expertise and passion for holistic women’s health make her a sought-after instructor in the field.
Kali Levitov: Integrating Ancient Healing Traditions
Kali Levitov, DOM, MA, Certified Thai Massage Therapist, and Doula, has been an acupuncturist and bodyworker since 2008, with a deep commitment to ancient healing traditions. Central to her practice is Maya abdominal massage, a powerful healing art rooted in the teachings of the renowned Yucatec Maya healer, Don Elijio Panti and Rosita Arvigo. Kali's mission is to empower individuals in awakening their inner healer and embracing their innate potential for wellness and transformation.
Testimonials and Praise
Many practitioners who have undergone Maya Abdominal Therapy training have shared positive experiences and praise for the instructors and the effectiveness of the techniques.
- Jeanne F.: "My goal is always to treat at a root level."
- Laura P.: "complete treatment."
- Amy M.: "approach to my practice in supporting women's health. immediately applicable. made learning exciting and fun."
- Megan, LMT: "thrilled with the amount of hands on work, practice, and anatomy review."
The Abdominal Therapy Collective
The Abdominal Therapy Collective (ATC) is founded on the life work of Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN. The ATC founded in 2020 is a collective of practitioners and teachers from many nations who are spreading these healing modalities across the globe. Dr. Rosita Arvigo is only affiliated with the Abdominal Therapy Collective, LLC.
Tul’ix Indigenous Arts
Tul’ix Indigenous Arts is an evolution of what was formerly known as the Arvigo® Institute. They offer bodywork and spiritual healing trainings in the tradition of Don Elijio Panti of Belize as passed down by Dr. Rosita Arvigo. This work restores biochemical balance by rectifying biomechanical integrity. In this way it can be supportive to many reproductive, digestive and structural concerns - including infertility, menstrual conditions, fibroids, endometriosis, GERD, IBS, Crohn’s disease, adhesions, scarring, constipation, chronic fatigue, migraines and recurrent pain. It can be a potent ally on fertility journeys, working in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies. Spiritual healing in this tradition supports embodiment, integration of lived experience and the release of all manner of trauma.