Abdominal Therapy
Abdominal massage works deeply into the diaphragm, impacting all the bodies systems. It allows you to breathe more deeply and increases circulation in the belly and pelvis.
“The uterus is the woman’s core, if it is out of balance, her whole life is out of balance – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually”
Don Elijio Panti
About Abdominal Therapy
Deep within our pelvic bowl lies the root of our power – our ability to create and receive. Strongly connected to the pelvis is the jaw and throat and a channel for our self-expression. Releasing tension in the pelvis opens up the gates for creating and receiving and opens up the throat allowing us to express what wants to come out.
The uterus is held in place by ligaments and these can become stretched for a variety of reasons, some women may have been told they have a ‘tilted’ uterus and this could be the cause of many ‘female’ problems.
- Abdominal massage aims to assist homeostasis and hemodynamics, allowing the body to adjust and find it’s own balance.
- By working deeply into the diaphragm we can impact all the bodies systems and allow you to breathe more deeply and increases circulation in the belly and pelvis.
- Circulation brings vitality to all your organs – optimizing digestion, energizing the nervous system, endocrine system, and supporting reproductive health.
Marisa offers a delicious belly massage based on the lineage of Don Elijio Panti, a Maya Shaman and traditional healer in Belize, Dr Rosita Arvigo, a Naturopath from Chicago and Miss Hortence Robinson, a herbal midwife in Belize. Originally qualified in 2005 in Swedish Massage, Marisa’s technique has evolved over the years through her journey healing her own menstrual health challenges, receiving body work, her yoga practice, spiritual development training and mothering her two daughters.
How does Abdominal Therapy work?
The primary cause of many reproductive and digestive complaints is a congested pelvis or abdomen, which, if unattended, will progress from symptoms to chronic disease. Abdominal massage supports the body’s natural healing capacity and looks to resolve the root cause of dis-ease.
By improving the five systems of flow, NAVEL (Nerve conduction, Arterial blood, Venous blood, Energy flow, and Lymphatic flow), it helps to improve balance within the body, improve hemodynamics, and support the body’s self- regulating, self- healing, self- regenerating healing capacity.
“The female pelvis is a powerhouse of energy transformation; the very throne of creation through which universal creative energy patterns course and flow.”
Dr Rosita Arvigo
About the sessions
Every abdominal therapy session with Marisa based in Hampshire, UK is an in-depth process comprising of 5 key stages. This offers incredible value and peace of mind, and gives you the utmost support on your journey.
STEP 1.
Fill in Your Health Story Form
Available in digital format or to print.
STEP 2.
Attend your appointment
Either in person in Hampshire, UK or on Zoom, each session will vary depending on your requirements. See below for more info.
STEP 3.
Post-treatment Summary
Email from Marisa, including further suggestions of practices to assist your progress.
STEP 4.
1-week Follow Up
Email, video or phone follow up to see how you’re getting on with your self-massage and to answer any questions.
STEP 5.
Be empowered to self-massage
Learning this self-massage technique gives you a deeper understanding of your own body and you see faster results from the work.
Book your abdominal therapy session with Marisa
Sessions are available either in person (in her Petersfield Clinic or Liss Treatment Room) or online via Zoom.
In Person:
Consultation, Treatment & Self Massage Technique
When you book your first abdominal therapy appointment Marisa will send you a form, Your Health Story, to fill out and email back to her prior to your appointment.
In your first 2 hour appointment, Marisa will spend time going through your detailed health story and finding out how she can best support you. It’s a chance for her to hear your story and together identify your needs.
Next you will learn a self-massage that you get to carry home with you and practice for life.
At the end of your first appointment, you will receive an abdominal and back massage.
Marisa will follow up with an email summary of your conversation including further suggestions of practices to assist your progress.
A week or so after your appointment Marisa will follow up by email, video or phone to see how you’re getting on with your self-massage and answer any questions that may have come up.
Book In Person Appointments
A 2 hour appointment which includes hearing your health story, identifying your needs, learning a self-massage that you get to carry home and then ending with receiving an abdominal and back massage. Lifestyle and self care tips (castor oil packs, pelvic steaming) are given to assist your progress. A week or so after your appointment Marisa will follow up by email, video or phone to see how you are getting on with your self massage and answer any questions that may have come up. Depending on your health needs, it is recommended to have a series of follow up appointments, ideally for 3-6 months.
A 2 hour appointment which includes hearing your health story, identifying your fertility, pregnancy or postpartum needs, learning a self-massage that you get to carry home and then ending with receiving an abdominal and side laying back massage. Lifestyle and self care tips (faja, vaginal steaming, nutrition) are given to assist your progress.
A week or so after your appointment Marisa will follow up by email, video or phone to see how you are getting on with your self massage and answer any questions that may have come up.
This consultation is recommended for women seeking fertility support, from 6 months onwards of pregnancy and during the postpartum period (after 7 days post vaginal birth or up to 6 weeks post cesarian birth). It is recommended to have a series of follow up appointments, ideally for 3-6 months.
A 1.5 hour appointment which includes a review of how your health story is going, identifying your needs, a check in with your self-massage experience and receiving an abdominal and back massage. Lifestyle and self care tips are reviewed to assist your progress.
A 1 hour appointment which includes hearing your health story, identifying your needs and learning a self-massage that you get to carry home. Lifestyle and self care tips (castor oil packs, pelvic steaming) are given to assist your progress. If possible, it is recommended to follow up with an Abdominal Therapy Follow Up appointment to receive the massage. A week or so after your appointment Marisa will follow up by email, video or phone to see how you are getting on with your self massage and answer any questions that may have come up.
Online:
Consultation & Self Massage Technique
Marisa offers abdominal therapy consultations online on Zoom, an accessible and affordable alternative to in-person appointments.
When you book a consultation Marisa will send you a form, Your Health Story, to fill out and email back to her before your appointment.
In your 1 hour consultation, Marisa will spend time going through your detailed health story and finding out how she can best support you.
Next you will learn a self-abdominal massage that Marisa will demonstrate and you can follow along at home. You will receive a handout with detailed instructions and diagrams to practice for life.
Marisa will follow up with an email summary of your consultation including further suggestions of practices to assist your progress.
A week or so after your appointment Marisa will follow up by email, video or phone to see how you’re getting on with your self-massage and answer any questions that may have come up.
Book Online Appointments
A 1 hour online appointment via Zoom which includes hearing your health story, identifying your needs and learning a self-massage that you get to carry home. Lifestyle and self care tips (castor oil packs, pelvic steaming) are given to assist your progress. For the massage learning part of the consultation, you will ideally be laying down and able to see your computer screen.
If possible, it is recommended to follow up with an Abdominal Therapy Follow Up appointment to receive the massage. A week or so after your appointment Marisa will follow up by email, video or phone to see how you are getting on with your self massage and answer any questions that may have come up.
A 30 minute online appointment via Zoom which includes hearing your health story, identifying your needs and reviewing the progress of your self-massage. Lifestyle and self care tips are given to assist your progress. This appointment is aimed at supporting you on your wellness journey.
FAQs
What should I know before I book?
If you menstruate, it is best to avoid treatments right before your period or when actively bleeding. The very best time for treatment (especially if using it for fertility) is between days 7-10 of your cycle (the first day of your cycle is day 1 of your period). Before an appointment Marisa will send you a form, Your Health Story, to complete prior to your session. If you already keep track of your period and symptoms bring this information along with you as it helps paint the picture of your health story.
What are the contraindications?
There are not many conditions that are completely contraindicated, in almost all cases, the treatment can be adapted to suit your needs.
Treatment is not recommended: in the first trimester of pregnancy, cancer and chemotherapy, acute infections in the abdomen or pelvis, acute illness, fever or flu, abdominal aneurysm, 6 weeks after vaginal birth and 3 months after cesarean birth.
Treatments can be adapted in the following situations: if you have a coil (IUD) fitted, 5 days prior to menses, diastasis recti, 6-8 weeks post-surgery, hernia and hernia repair, pelvic floor/prolapse surgery.
How many sessions will I need?
It really depends what you are coming for. Some clients have seen improvements with just one session and carrying out regular self massage at home. For more complicated or longstanding conditions a minimum of 3-6 sessions (spaced a month apart) is ideal. After 6 sessions, if there is no sign of response or improvement it is best to explore another therapy. Treatments are always more effective if had regularly, so if you enjoy the treatment, have as many as you like!
Can abdominal massage therapy support Fertility?
For fertility, a 3-month plan can help prepare the body for conception and pregnancy. It is recommended that both parents have a series of treatments to optimise fertility. For the first appointment, both parents can attend and learn the self-massage in order to practice on one another which serves as a beautiful bonding experience in the whole baby-making process.
Abdominal Massage Testimonial
-
“Marisa has such a healing touch. Her work goes beyond the physical - I’ve found that each time I've come off the massage table I’ve had a tune up, mind, body and spirit. I’ve felt held and truly cared for in a way that is unique nowadays. Her work goes beyond releasing tense muscles, it’s energetic medicine.”
