Oprah on Maya Abdominal Massage by Elizabeth Carpenter, MS, L.Ac., CEFP

Published Monday, May 23, 2011
  Speak with Elizabeth about Your Fertility Issues

Oprah is such a “force.”  Oprah.com featured an article on Maya Abdominal Massage (MAM) last year, and it continues to help women find out about this  women’s health and fertility Super-Secret! Not that it’s just for women. Maya Abdominal Massage boosts men’s fertility as well and can also address a great variety of other health concerns such as digestive problems and prostate health.

At Oriens, we place MAM in almost every Fertility, Women’s Health or Digestive Health care plan. I personally love to receive MAM, as I know I am not just having a relaxing and delicious massage, but am building my long term health with every session. It took me over a year to find an extraordinary Maya Abdominal Massage practitioner capable of handling the complex fertility issues and the complex health issues Oriens specializes in working with. Simone is a gift! You will feel blessed and welcomed, heard and helped. She is masterful and completely approachable all at the same time.

I thought the Oprah article did a great job of talking about what MAM is and what to expect in a session.

For those interested in MAM for fertility enhancement, read this blog posted at CNY Fertility in Rochester NY  by Erin McCullough—the MAM therapist there—that beautifully outlined how MAM enhances fertility, and gets very specific. So I thought I’d share her gems with you here!

“[Maya Abdominal Massage] is a modern adaptation of ancient Mayan healing techniques that adds modern knowledge of anatomy, physiology and herbology. Through noninvasive massage, this technique gently manipulates the muscles and connective tissue that hold the pelvic organs in place. The intention is to reposition the pelvic organs so that any blockages and congestion are removed. When blockages and congestion are resolved, the body can self-regulate, heal and regenerate. In addition, physiologically, there is increased blood flow, the functioning of the lymphatic system and nervous system are optimized, and life creating energy is maximized. Both female and male fertility can be enhanced by applying these massage techniques.
Specifically, Arvigo Maya Massage benefits fertility in the following ways:
FOR WOMEN:
1. Increases blood flow to the reproductive organs
2. Nourishes follicles with fresh blood supply and oxygen
3. Helps to break down scar tissue and adhesions
4. Helps cysts to dissolve
5. Helps to resolve blockages in the fallopian tubes
6. Re-aligns uterus, as in the case of a prolapsed or “tilted” uterus
7. Relieves stress and anxiety, releasing emotional blockages
8. Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients
9. Helps to regulate the menstrual cycle (addresses cramps, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, reduces clotting)
10. Restores healthy menstrual flow in amenorrhea
11. Improves, tones and cleanses the uterine lining
12. Helps to prepare body to carry a healthy pregnancy, a key ingredient in the case of frequent miscarriage
FOR MEN:
1. Increases blood flow to the reproductive organs
2. Regulates enlarged prostate
3. Improves sperm (count, motility and morphology)
4. Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients

So just how do our pelvic organs become blocked and/or congested? Arvigo says 90% of women will have a misplaced or tipped uterus at some point in their lives. The causes include difficult labor and delivery with prolonged periods of pushing; poor professional care during pregnancy, labor and delivery; repeated pregnancies close together; falls to the sacrum; a career in aerobics or high impact sports and dancing; wearing high heel shoes; poor alignment of the pelvic bones with the spinal column; chronic muscle spasms around the hips, low back and sacrum; carrying young children on the hip for prolonged periods of time; rape, sexual abuse or incest at any time in life; chronic constipation; running or working on cement surfaces with improper foot support; and errors committed during surgery that cut through uterine ligaments. Any of these can damage, tear or overstretch uterine ligaments, thereby prohibiting them from properly supporting the uterus and causing it to eventually fall down (inferior), backward (retro), forward (antero), or causing it to shift either to the left or right side of the pelvic floor.”

When reproductive organs shift out of proper position, they can constrict normal flow of blood, lymph and nerve connections. Just a few extra ounces sitting on delicate blood and lymph vessels can cause havoc throughout the different systems of the body. For women, by gently shifting the uterus back into place, homeostasis (or the natural internal balance of the body) is brought back to the pelvic area and surrounding organs. Toxins are flushed and nutrients that help to tone tissue and balance hormones are restored to normal order. This is essential for conception. Old adhesions from invasive treatments to the pelvic and abdominal area, are diminished gradually and safely when addressed by uterine massage.

For men, the massage also addresses and prevents a congested or swollen prostate by maintaining proper blood supply and fluid drainage, thereby preventing swelling and inflammation.

When to Receive Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage:
For best results, start ATMAM 90 days before beginning ART and commit to a minimum of one treatment per month from ATMAM practitioner in conjunction with a self-care routine at home. Men can receive ATMAM anytime but women have special considerations depending on the time of the cycle, ART treatments and contraceptives.

Special instructions for women:
Receive MAM after period and before ovulation, trigger shot or retrieval. If you are in the process of doing a donor cycle then you can have an abdominal massage anytime before transfer. In the case where you are taking birth control pills due to cysts, you can receive ATMAM anytime, which may help to resolve your cysts very quickly.”

To Schedule Maya Abdominal Massage:  212.213.5785 or info@oriensliving.com to gain advice on whether MAM would help you.



Spring Detox with Lymph Drainage Massage

Published Wednesday, May 04, 2011

  by Simone Burgos, LMT

It's May! And our body's are transitioning between the cold of winter and the warmth of summer.
 As summer’s warmth begins to greet us, our consciousness begins to shift, once again, to our bodies. Detoxifying our bodies in preparation for exposing our skin to the sun is a wonderful, healing gift we give ourselves. In uncovering our bodies, we are in full exposure of our senses. This is exactly the time to experience detoxifying massage.

Lymph Drainage Massage (LMD) is a profound tool for you detoxify from winter's sedentary life and prepare your skin for the summer and the sun.

Lymph drainage is a natural cleansing system for your body. The lymph system is a critical part of your immune system.  Good lymph flow, good health, fewer allergies, colds and flus, less puffiness, easier weight loss.  

With Lymph Drainage Massage, I stimulate a filtering process which helps remove toxins and bacteria from your body. This clears the way for you to feel and experience all of summer’s beautiful gifts – from the touch of the smallest breeze to the warmth of the sun radiant on your back.  

Throughout the summer months our bodies have the tendency to retain water and become swollen. Lymph Drainage Massage is a very healing tool for getting rid of edema ~ the retention of water. This form of massage is very soothing and amazingly light in touch. It reminds me of the ocean ~ slow in movement, like waves lapping on the sand.

Our lymphatic systems are very close to the skin. This is why the touch is light. During the summer, I give these massages without heavy oils and creams. Instead, I use my own unique technique of rubbing a healthful talc-free powder over your skin. While invoking wave-like movements, I detect the rhythm, flow and depth of the quality of lymph fluid in your body.


To gain the most benefit possible, I recommend you incorporate a light, balanced and healthy diet. This massage technique and a Spring Detox Food Cleanse are sure to make you feel rejuvenated, lighter, soothed and ready for more summer fun!

With love,
Simone

Call or email Oriens to book Lymph Drainage Massage with Simone!  
212-213-5785 or info@oriensliving.com



The Spirituality of Menopause and Peri-Menopause by Simone Burgos, LMT

Published Sunday, May 01, 2011


  Simone Burgos, LMT

For the first thirty years of life, it’s likely that most of us don’t give menopause a second thought. We’re too busy growing – mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and certainly physically to spend much time considering what our body’s journey will be later in life. Somewhere in our late thirties, however, we begin to know in a deep way that menopause is part of our path. For many women this inspires worry … and fear. Fear around aging, around changes in our bodies and lives, in our sexuality and our identity.

We can have confidence though, because one thing that women experience all of our lives, is change. Our bodies are NEVER stagnant. Our hormonal bodies are always shifting – and menopause is just one of those shifts. In fact, peri-menopause and menopause are a gift of change for women.  If we are at our strongest and most confident, we will know that menopause is not a loss at all – rather, it is the recall of the self.

As we hit puberty, our bodies naturally prepare for motherhood – and they sustain that role for a long time. This is embodied – built into our DNA – mapped into us genetically. There’s no judgment about whether we have a family – or a child. It is simply how our bodies guide our journey. Our bodies (and perhaps even our souls) have a map that says that the years in between puberty and menopause are focused on the “nature” of mothering – to be loving and caring – to be focused on others. We see again and again that this is true for us, whether we have children or not. We are the growers of humanity.

Later, when we reach menopause and begin to experience the end of our menstrual periods, we are at an age where our identity begins to shift away from “others” and back to our own process. Our bodies themselves are no longer focused on “mothering” (or finding mates) – our map shifts – and we are once again connecting with self. THIS TIME in our lives is a huge opportunity for a renewed spirituality. Why?  Because spirituality takes TIME and focus. Two things we do not have when we are focused on being the growers of humanity and mothering the universe around us.

Trust me, menopause and peri-menopause should not BE frightening. Yes, this is a period of change (no pun intended), but it can be a time of great laughter and freedom. Our autonomy and power become very apparent to us. As empowered women, we have a renewed freedom from the “roles” that are put on us by others or society. While we might have been tied down by approval in our 20’s and 30’s, this is definitely released as we approach menopause.  We are attractive for US.  We are alluring for US.  We are engaging for US.  It is no longer about others:  a mate, a partner, our children, our obligations.  

Don’t be fearful – be THRILLED! We often achieve great things in the years of menopause. Gifted with time, a renewed focus on self, and LIFE EXPERIENCE, we soar to new heights in life – we begin our own businesses or create amazing new careers, we finish (or even start) our education, we write that book, we take that trip.

USE this time to claim your life and spirituality anew. Rediscover your body. In peri-menopause or menopause our bodies need a new kind of tender loving care and respect. Consider yoga to stay peaceful and fit at this time especially – and Maya Abdominal Massage to gently guide your body through its process – increasing vital blood flow to organs and maximizing hormonal health. Most of all, embrace this time. It is YOUR time – and while every moment in our lives IS ours, we are finally empowered enough to know it – body and soul. 

Maya Abdominal Massage


Simone Burgos is a Certified Arvigo Practitioner, bringing the wisdom of the ancient Mayan tradition to the West.   




The Other M Word, by Elizabeth Carpenter, MS, L.Ac.

Published Monday, December 06, 2010
  Speak with Elizabeth about Your Menopause Transition 212-213-5785

When you’re a woman in your 30’s and 40’s, who wants to hear the M word—menopause?

Yet, the truth is that most women will experience a 5-13 year ramp toward it, with the average age of menopause being 51. These years leading up, are known as perimenopause or pre-menopause. The experience is different for every woman—just like her period is.

Could we just mention here that this is NORMAL? It’s not a health hazard or a disease! It’s a life stage that is ushering in what are often referred to as your “power years”—yep, the ones where Life gets really good! 

Menopause: when your period—meno, has stopped for a full year-- pause. Up until that one-year mark, pregnancy is still very much possible ---even if your periods are erratic—so be aware!

Menopause arrives in 3 flavors: natural, premature and induced

Natural ~ you gradually shift toward the end of menstruation and physical changes drift slowly.

Premature ~ the whole transition happens fast and early (before age 40) and instead of 5-13 years, the transition is just a couple years.

Induced ~ through hysterectomy, chemo/radiation, other drugs or illness.

For the natural and premature groups, the perimenopause transition doesn’t need to be difficult and uncomfortable.
Our experience notes that it often goes pretty smoothly for women who take great care of themselves. They often need no medical support in the form of hormones.

So what does “taking great care of yourself” look like?

You attend to your nutrition, and exercise, and clearly choose a lifestyle that reduces stress, entertains all the feelings and identity shifts of this time, and weeds relationships into “supportive-&-keep” and “makeover-or-terminate” categories.

And, you create a simple routine for energy fine-tuning, which can make a HUGE difference in your menopause transition experience! We find acupuncture & herbs and/or Maya Abdominal Massage to be “game changers.”

Because hormone balance is so linked in with other physical and emotional cueing systems, this makes perfect sense. Physically, mentally and spiritually you are literally metamorphosing! So when we build Suround & Support Programs for our 40’s ladies, we always feature the Big 4: Nutrition, Acupuncture, MAM, and Spiritual Counseling.

If you are a woman in your forties, you’re most likely at some point in your peri-menopause journey. How’s it going? Let us know what’s going on with you . . . we probably can help!



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