Womb Massage Benefits: Fertility & Womb Massage Therapy |...

Learn about the ancient Mayan womb healing tradition, a practice explored at Ananda’s Returning to Source retreat in December 2023.

The Mayan womb healing tradition is a profound, ancient practice deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. This sacred tradition, known as "Sobada Maya" or "Mayan Uterine Massage," has been passed down through generations of Mayan healers and midwives, preserving and passing down this wisdom over thousands of years.

A civilization that thrived in Central America, including parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, Mayans were known for their advanced knowledge in areas like astronomy, mathematics, architecture, art, and writing. The Mayans had a holistic approach to healing, combining herbal medicine, spiritual rituals, and a deep connection with nature. They used a wide variety of plants and herbs to treat ailments, often passed down through generations. These healing traditions integrated the physical and spiritual aspects of well-being, reflecting the Mayans' deep reverence for the natural world and their belief in the interconnectedness of all things.

Nurturing the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Connection

At their core, Mayan womb massage and healing techniques seek to reconnect individuals, especially women, with their physical and spiritual centre—the womb. It acknowledges the womb as the centre of a human being’s power, creativity, and intuition, and believes that physical and emotional imbalances can manifest here. Through gentle abdominal massage and energetic healing techniques, practitioners aim to release blockages, realign the uterus, and restore harmony to the reproductive and digestive systems.

Beyond its physical benefits, the Mayan womb healing tradition also addresses emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being. It is seen as a holistic approach to healing, recognising the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. By fostering a deep connection with the womb and its cycles of life, this tradition can help individuals heal past traumas, embrace their sensitivity, and tap into their inner wisdom.

In recent years, the Mayan womb healing tradition has gained recognition as a valuable tool for women's health worldwide, offering a unique blend of ancient wisdom and holistic healing that resonates with those seeking a deeper connection to themselves and their bodies.

Anatomy, Spirituality & the Womb

From a spiritual perspective, many ancient traditions believe that the womb is not just a physical organ but also a sacred centre of power and creativity. It is deeply connected to the cycles of life, birth, and transformation. In Mayan cosmology, the womb is considered the dwelling place of the soul and a conduit to the spiritual realm. By performing womb and abdominal massage, practitioners aim to cleanse and purify this spiritual centre, releasing stagnant energy, emotional blockages and negative thought patterns festering out of past traumas. This process helps individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom and intuition while fostering a sense of spiritual harmony.

Anatomically, womb massage is based on a deep understanding of the female reproductive system. It involves gentle abdominal massage techniques aimed at repositioning the uterus, improving blood flow, and aligning the pelvic organs. This can be particularly beneficial for addressing issues like menstrual pain, fertility challenges, and digestive disorders. By physically optimising the womb's position and circulation, the massage also promotes overall reproductive health.

Those struggling with fertility, digestive, or menstrual cycle issues will also be guide on self-massage techniques, using a warming oil over their womb to support blood and lymph flow as well as strengthen their self-care and connect to their bodies.

The Benefits of Self-Massage of the Womb & Abdomen

Self-massage of the womb and abdomen fosters a deep connection with one's body and inner self. The physical aspect of self-womb and abdominal massage involves gentle, rhythmic movements applied to the lower abdomen and pelvic area. This practice can have several anatomical benefits including improved blood circulation, uterine alignment, and tension release.
Self-massage of the womb and abdomen is a practice that harmonizes the physical and spiritual aspects of well-being. It supports physical health by improving circulation and alleviating discomfort while fostering a deeper connection with one's inner self and spiritual essence.

About the retreat facilitator: Dina Ghandour

Dina has been connected to the practise since the age of 15. Over time, her yoga practise evolved to help her through her toughest life transitions, as well as bring a deep appreciation for her inner and outer strength -- inspiring her to share the practise and its benefits with others.

A Certified Yoga Teacher and trained extensively in women’s health, Dina’s passion for healing led her to work with pregnant women, inspiring her to learn more about pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. She went on to complete her Birth Doula training and supports couples from pregnancy to parenthood, and beyond. Dina travels the world through her retreats, helping those struggling to conceive as well as women postpartum who are looking to re-connect to their inner vitality, strength, and womb space.

She will be leading the Returning to Source retreat at Ananda in the Himalayas from 2nd to 9th December 2023.

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