The Origin of the Arvigo® Techniques

The Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage were developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, a Naprapathic physician (someone who specializes in realigning connective tissue),  originally from Chicago. Dr.  Arvigo has lived in Central America for 30 years and studied with Don Elijio Panti, a famous Maya shaman, as well as Miss Hortence Robinson, a well known Maya midwife.  She combined and bridged the traditional Maya healing methods with her medical background. Susannah has incorporated the Arvigo® techniques into her practice of acupuncture, reiki, chinese herbal therapies, and meditation since receiving certification in the techniques from the Arvigo Institute in 2005.

What are the Arvigo® Techniques?

The massage is a non-invasive external technique using gentle pressure that allows for an increase in the flow of blood, vital energy, lymph, and nerves in the abdomen, sacrum, and lumbar. The massage is designed to assist the body in releasing physical and emotional congestion as well as to relax tendons and ligaments to improve the the body's ability to self regulate, repair, and balance.

What are the Benefits of the Arvigo® Techniques?

There are many benefits of this work. For women, the massage is best known for its success in improving reproductive health, fertility, and relieving symptoms associated with the uterus and bladder such as prolapse, fibroids, irregular menses, and painful periods. This is accomplished by guiding reproductive organs into optimal position and relieving tension in the diaphragm and abdominal musculature.

Are there Contraindications of the Arvigo® Techniques?

The massage techniques can help men and women of all ages except for the following:

• It is not performed during menses.

• Not performed with an IUD

• Not performed immediately after abdominal surgery

• Not performed when there is an active infection or cancer

• Not performed during the first trimester but there are techniques to support pregnancy

• Caution is exercised with hiatal hernia

What is a Retroverted Uterus and How can the Arvigo® Techniques help?

Normally the uterus leans slightly over the bladder in the center of the pelvis and is held in place by muscles, the vaginal wall, and ligaments. Uterine ligaments are made to stretch in order to hold a growing fetus and to move freely when the bladder is full. The ligaments can weaken and loosen, causing the uterus to fall downward, forward, backward, or to either side. This is called a tilted, prolapsed, or retro uterus. Conventional medicine has little to offer women for this problem and they are often told that is normal. However, there are many symptoms that can be improved or prevented with these simple massage techniques. When organs shift out of position, they constrict flow of blood, lymph, and they disrupt nerve connections. Just a few extra ounces of blood sitting on a vessel can cause havoc. By shifting the uterus the natural balance can be restored.

How Many Sessions and What is the Course of Treatment?

During the first session the following will occur:

• A comprehensive review of your health history and current health concerns

• Evaluation of alignment of sacrum, hips, and reproductive organs

• Gentle massage of abdomen while you are carefully draped to provide privacy and comfort

• Instruction of Self Care (may be taught on second session depending on menstrual cycle)

• Recommendation for Complementary Modalities (herbal medicine, castor oil pack, acupuncture, and/or dietary changes)

Most conditions require 3-5 professional sessions. Fertility treatment is often enhanced with the use of massage, herbs, and acupuncture together. Fertility treatment can take 3-9 months and a plan will be discussed based on individual needs. 

What is Susannah's Training in the Arvigo® Techniques® ?

Susannah began her training with Dr. Arvigo in 2002 when she attended Self Care training at Dr. Arvigo's Ixchel Farm in Belize. She began offering the massage techniques to her acupuncture clients during her apprenticeship and in 2003 she attended Professional Training in New Hampshire with Dr. Arvigo. During this time Susannah was in private practice and working as an acupuncturist at the McKee Center for Holistic Medicine of the McKee Hospital in Loveland, CO. The hospital sponsored her final visit to Belize in 2005 when Susannah became a Certified Practitioner. She was extremely fortunate to have met and studied with the Maya elder and midwife Miss Hortence Robinson during both Belize trips. Susannah has focused on assisting her clients with fertility and completed Advanced Pregnancy training in 2018.

Tul’ix Indigenous Arts

In 2020, Samar Ocean Wolf Ciprian purchased the Arvigo Institute from Dr Rosita Arvigo. The organization changed its name from "The Arvigo Institute" to Tul'ix Indigenous Arts. By moving away from a name centered on a Western figure (Dr. Rosita Arvigo), the organization aims to recenter and honor the true Indigenous roots, the Masewal Maya community, and the lineage of the revered Maya healer Elder Don Elijio Panti. Tu’lix Indigenous Arts is now the legal representative for the Arvigo® Techniques.

Tul’ix translates as dragonfly and refers to Yucatec Maya mythology. The dragonfly is a symbol of transformation, resilience, and sovereignty. According to legend, when the moon goddess Ix Chel was struck down by a beloved, dragonflies gathered her remains from the bottom of a lake, put her back together, and transported her safely to the moon to live as a sovereign being.

Susannah studied spiritual healing with Samar Ciprian Ocean through the Tul’ix Indigenous Institute. She is grateful to Samar for continuing to hold the trademark of the Arvigo® techniques and her care and compassion in teaching these techniques in a culturally sensitive context.

Samar and the Tul’ix Indigenous Arts facilitates support for the Don Elijio Panti Rainforest in Belize and the family of Don Elijio Panti. The Don Elijio rainforest, a sacred natural treasure in Belize, has undergone devastating fire and degradation from climate change. Members of Don Elijio Panti’s family continue to live in this area tending to the rainforest and also practicing indigenous medicine. Susannah deeply respects the cultural roots of this work and supports the Tul’ix Indigenous Institute’s fundraising for the care of indigenous people and their land.

• Painful periods

• Infertility

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Uterine Prolapse

• PCOS, Fibroids