Ancient Mayan Wisdom


Lush, green, tropical ferns display ancient Mayan wisdom for health.

Mayan abdominal massage has become popularized recently due to the work of Rosita Arvigo and her interpretation of traditional ancient Mayan healing techniques. As a practitioner of lomilomi massage and Hawaiian healing on the North Shore of Oahu, I find that the Mayan belief system holds similar wisdom. Although, choosing to focus my studies on indigenous Hawaiian spirituality, I have never been able to travel to learn the Arvigo therapy technique.

In her book, Rainforest Home Remedies, Rosita Arvigo, N.D., shares her wisdom about traditional Mayan healing. Towards the end of the book, she leaves the reader with 9 simple tips for health based on the lifestyle of Mayan villagers. I wanted to share these tips with you all today as my Haleiwa Massage Muse Tip of the Day.

Nine Tips for a Healthy Life based on Simple Mayan Wisdom

These tips are taken from Rosita Arvigo's book, Rainforest Home Remedies (193-195).
     Arvigo, Rosita, and Nadine Epstein. Rainforest Home Remedies. HarperSanFranciso, 2001.

1. Diet: It is important not to overeat. When you have a meal, eat thoughtfully and consciously. Take time to chew your food in order to aid digestion of nutrients. Eat a balanced diet that is free of harmful chemicals.

2. Water: It is important to drink plenty of water at room temperature.

3. Exercise:   Daily physical activity is vital to your health. Dr. Arvigo suggests at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

4. Natural Remedies: Dr. Arvigo urges to try natural remedies and herbs before resorting to Western medicine. Consult a naturopathic physician on how to maintain your health naturally.

5. Massage: In Mayan culture, massage is of great importance. Dr. Arvigo advises to get full-body massages to lower stress, promote blood-flow, and enhance the immune system.

6. Let go of Emotions: Do not keep your feelings pent up inside. Talk to a friend or mental health counselor.

7. Give: It is important to give freely of yourself- both to others and to your greater community. According to Dr. Arvigo, by focusing on the needs of others your own needs are intrinsically rewarded.

8. Breathe: Our bodies require oxygen to survive. Breathe deeply with intent.

9. Play; Having fun is of the most importance in life. Contemplate what this means to you and make the time for it! Getting plenty of rest ensures that you have plenty of energy left over to play. 


This has been your Haleiwa Massage Muse Tip of the Day. Enjoy yourselves and get your massage in Waialua near Haleiwa at our North Shore massage clinic. Call Integrated Massage and Deep Tissue Therapy to make your appointment today. If you are looking for an alternative to Arvigo Mayan Abdominal Massage for fertility enhancement, try our Creative Abundance Fertility Massage Ritual, based partly on Hawaiian lomilomi massage. Learn more on our fertility massage page. At our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa on Hawaii's North Shore we offer fertility massage services to people on the island of Oahu.