Caring for the Core-Part II

In "Caring for the Core-Part I" I talked about the placement of the uterus and how Maya Abdominal Massage helps her find her proper position. How does the uterus get out of place? As I mentioned, the uterus is suspended by ligaments in the pelvis in a way that allows her to grow with a pregnancy but also leaves her vulnerable to moving out of place.

The uterus is more vulnerable to going out of place three main times in a woman’s life- just before and during each menses, early pregnancy, and postpartum. This is because in these instances the uterus is larger & heavier than usual. With menses the uterus doubles in weight with a full endometrium. The uterus grows with pregnancy, often falling down on the bladder with weight in the first weeks until it finally starts growing upward out of the pelvic brim. Extensive pushing during childbirth can also over stretch ligaments and cause prolapse of the uterus. Postpartum the uterus which has given birth is getting smaller—but the ligaments that hold her in place have been stretched to the maximum. They take longer to get their full tone back and at this time when the abdominal muscles also are stretched out from the pregnancy, the uterus is vulnerable to misplacement.

Women who have repeated pregnancies close together, or who don’t have proper care after a miscarriage or abortion are also vulnerable to misplacing their uterus. Any jarring or heavy lifting during these vulnerable times can throw the uterus out of place. No snowboard jumping during your periods!!!

Even outside of these vulnerable times, someone who is constantly running on cement or doing any sports or activities which jar the body is more likely to have a uterus out of place. One friend jarred her uterus out of place when tobogganing with her kids. Another did it shoveling snow. It can happen from falling on the sacrum or being in car accidents. Having poor pelvic alignment can cause the uterus to tip with the pelvis. Chronic constipation or coughing can bear down on the uterus and cause her to prolapse or go lower into the yoni. Walking barefoot on cold floors can cause the circulation to bring coldness to the uterus which makes her vulnerable, as can a sedentary lifestyle, or emotional armoring from sexual abuse.

Avoiding these causes when possible is one way to care for our core. If it’s an unavoidable cause, then having some care from a certified Maya Massage Therapist and learning to do the self care on yourself will help replace the uterus, tone the ligaments, and restore circulation of blood, lymph & energy in the belly.
by Terra Rafael, Certified Arvigo Maya Massage Therapist & Registered Midwife