The Physical and Energetic Mechanisms Behind Arvigo Therapy®'s Amazing Results

People the world over have attributed some seemingly miraculous things to Arvigo Therapy®. From healing menstrual dysfunction to menopausal symptoms, from fertility concerns to structural issues (like cysts and fibroids); from high BPH to erectile dysfunction, the list is long. But how can one modality address so much? How can Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage® lead to positive change in so many conditions?

Answering that question takes a bit of educated guess work as science is still working on uncovering the specific mechanisms through which massage in general relieves pain and stress. Still, there is evidence to suggest that massage impacts multiple structures and systems in the body. It is likely that the positive effects on these elements that are the source of massage and Arvigo®'s success.

Inflammation Inflammation is one of the body’s first responses to irritation, damage, trauma, and disease. Blood circulation to the injured or infected area increases bringing anti-bodies, oxygen, and nutrients for healing. However, this increase in circulation is also the cause of the swelling, redness, pain, and decreased mobility associated with injury. States of chronic inflammation can be brought on by the continued presence of irritants, “wear and tear” and even persistent emotional stress. It is chronic inflammation that causes unproductive pain and can lead to a variety of diseases. There is evidence that massage can help to decrease chronic inflammation. Arvigo®, then, can release inflammation specifically from the pelvis and abdomen, relieving the subsequent conditions it is causing or to which it is contributing.

Lymphatic Circulation Our lymph system clears away dead cells and defeated viruses and bacteria. Possibly more important, and much less known, are the crucial roles lymph plays in nervous system and hormonal balance. With so much depending upon the health of this system, it is vital that is flow remains clear and unobstructed. Yet, the lymphatic system does not operate off of pumps and valves as our cardiopulmonary system does. Lymph moves entirely through manual stimulation - the moving of our muscles or direct contact. Manual lymph drainage is a form of massage that is used in hospitals and other practices to reduce edema and encourage healing after surgery by clearing lymph build up. A large complex of lymph nodes exist in the abdomen and pelvis. Several of the moves in the Arvigo® protocol are designed to specifically encourage fluid flow through those nodes, ergo Arvigo Therapy® supports lymph function to keep your internal disposal system operating smoothly.

Structural/Postural Dysfunctions Distorted and overly rigid postures can lead to pain. Anyone who has sat in front of a computer for an extended period of time can tell you that! That pain is caused by trapped or impinged nerves, ischemia (poor blood flow), and/or excess tension created by muscles that cannot move freely or rest fully. In the abdominopelvic cavity, our organs can also be affected by structural imbalances either indirectly through misalignment of the bones to which the organ ligaments attach, or directly through being misaligned themselves. Massage can help to improve posture so muscles and ligaments are able to assume a more neutral, optimal position. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® helps to realign the hips and therefore affects the position of the reproductive organs. Because a large element of the massage is done over the abdomen, it can also help to realign the viscera and reduce any adhesions that have formed between them.

Embodiment & Body Awareness

We call our mental map of our body a homunculous. This miniature of ourselves distorts and exaggerates based on how much sensory input comes from those areas, how safe those areas feel for us and even be defined by what body parts are culturally taboo or explicit. Generally more emphasis is placed on our hands, feet, heads and pelvises because of their high innervation and information processing. In the presence of pain and trauma, involved areas may expand within the homunculus, constant, noxious sensory input heightening awareness, or shrink as we dissociate from the source of stress and reminder of threat. When we retract from various parts of our bodies, we also retract energetic support as well as decrease the interoceptive and proprioceptive awareness that helps us maintain healthful homeostasis.

Massage as a whole helps to restore proprioception. Because Arvigo® offers a contained, structured space in which to receive and feel touch through body parts that are often ignored, shamed or otherwise associated with trauma, this specific modality has the added benefit of reducing threat and increasing our sense of safety. As our level of safety in the body increases, so too does interoception and embodiment leading to greater wellbeing.

As more and more research is done, we get closer to figuring out exactly what makes massage effective. My hope is that we will soon be able to branch out to study Arvigo® specifically. Have you received an Arvigo® massage? How did you feel after? What do you feel during your self care? What changes do you notice? Which of these systems do you feel was most affected? Share in the comments below!

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