Unlocking the Power of Mayan Abdominal Massage: An Interview with Local Expert, Melana Meyer
“Any female experiencing reproductive or digestive issues is a good candidate for Mayan Abdominal Massage... This practice has been passed down through generations. [Mayan] Girls begin treatment even before their first periods to prepare the uterus and maintain balance. Because of this, they don’t experience the same menstrual issues we often see here—painful periods, cramps, or infertility. The rates are much lower.”
Interview with Melana Meyer of Rosehip Remedies
Suzy Rohan:
Hi. I'm here with Melana Meyer, who runs Rosehip Remedies. Melana is here to discuss Mayan abdominal massage and anything else she wants to share related to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum support, and more. Let’s get started. Can you tell us what Mayan abdominal massage is exactly and how it is different from other types of massage therapy?
Melana Meyer:
Mayan abdominal massage focuses on the abdominal area, pelvis, and back. It’s a type of massage that supports the internal organs, although it's all done externally. It helps increase blood flow, realigns the uterus and intestines, and softens the diaphragm.
Suzy Rohan:
So, how does the uterus get out of place? What causes that?
Melana Meyer:
Sometimes it’s from sports at a young age—those ligaments get stretched. Trauma from falls, like landing on your tailbone, can shift things. When that happens, muscles and ligaments may compensate, pulling the uterus to one side or pushing it lower into the pelvic floor.
Suzy Rohan:
So, scoliosis or other posture issues could affect that, too?
Melana Meyer:
Absolutely.
Suzy Rohan:
Can you explain the historical or cultural roots of this technique?
Melana Meyer:
Sure. When I studied in the Yucatán, I learned that this practice has been passed down through generations. Girls begin treatment even before their first periods to prepare the uterus and maintain balance. Because of this, they don’t experience the same menstrual issues we often see here—painful periods, cramps, or infertility. The rates are much lower.
Suzy Rohan:
How did you personally get into Mayan abdominal massage? Was it something you used yourself?
Melana Meyer:
Yes. I didn’t know about it until I was on my own fertility journey. I found Shelley Torgove’s apothecary on South Broadway, picked up a pamphlet, and just felt drawn to it. I bought a 12-pack of sessions and got pregnant within two months, after five years of trying.
Suzy Rohan:
That’s amazing. I actually worked with Shelley, too, during my frozen embryo transfer. I was already doing fertility treatments and found her through word of mouth. Did you fall in love with the process after experiencing it?
Melana Meyer:
Totally. I had never heard of it before, and when I saw how effective it was, I knew I wanted to help other women. I knew that pain and that longing so well.
Suzy Rohan:
Did you continue using it during and after pregnancy?
Melana Meyer:
I attended herbal classes during my pregnancy. I even took my daughter to the Yucatán with me when she was 18 months old, and then again with my son when he was about a year old.
Suzy Rohan:
Are you trained in the herbal medicine side of things, too?
Melana Meyer:
Yes. I use herbal medicine alongside massage.
Suzy Rohan:
Just to reiterate for readers: Mayan abdominal massage isn’t just for fertility support, right?
Melana Meyer:
Right. It’s also great for digestion, liver function, and bringing vitality to the organs. Hormones flow through the bloodstream, so improving circulation improves hormonal messaging. It can help regulate cycles, reduce stagnation, and relieve painful periods.
Suzy Rohan:
Is it also helpful for women in perimenopause or menopause?
Melana Meyer:
Absolutely.
Suzy Rohan:
Who would you say is the ideal candidate for a Mayan abdominal massage? Are there people who shouldn’t receive it?
Melana Meyer:
Any female experiencing reproductive or digestive issues is a good candidate. It can also help with male reproductive issues, but I primarily work with women. It's great for issues like IBS, constipation, anything where things aren’t moving properly. It brings vitality and supports organ function. If someone’s had recent surgery or a C-section, they should wait 4–6 weeks or longer, depending on complications.
Suzy Rohan:
Do you integrate Mayan massage into full bodywork?
Melana Meyer:
Yes, usually. Fertility clients are often very stressed. When our nervous systems are dysregulated, it’s harder to conceive. So I focus on calming the system—using massage, guided meditations, plant brushings, drumming, prayer, and whatever else feels right for the client.
Suzy Rohan:
How do you ensure safety and comfort for pregnant clients?
Melana Meyer:
Communication is everything. I ask questions, explain what the session will look like, and continuously check in. I let them know it’s okay to speak up if anything doesn’t feel right.
Suzy Rohan:
Once someone has given birth, how soon can they return for treatment?
Melana Meyer:
If there were no complications, 4–6 weeks is fine. Longer if there was a C-section, bleeding, or scarring. Massage can help with healing scar tissue, too.
Suzy Rohan:
Is this something people come for once, or is it more effective over time?
Melana Meyer:
It’s definitely more effective over time—usually 3–4 sessions to begin seeing results. For fertility, coming twice a month—before ovulation and before menstruation—helps build rhythm and support the different cycle phases.
Suzy Rohan:
What kind of training should people look for if they’re seeking a practitioner elsewhere (if they don't live in the Denver area)?
Melana Meyer:
My training was through Mayan midwives in the Yucatán, facilitated by Shelley Torgove during her Women’s Ethnobotanical Studies Program. There is no official certification by an accredited school, but I trained with a lineage connected to Rosita Arvigo. She brought Mayan abdominal massage to the U.S. and started the Arvigo Institute in Boulder. Many practitioners study through her system.
Suzy Rohan:
Can you customize sessions based on someone’s cycle symptoms, like cramping or bloating?
Melana Meyer:
Yes. The first session is very in-depth—we talk about everything from sleep and stress to diet and medical history. I also work with clients who are seeing doctors or acupuncturists and can integrate herbal medicine when appropriate.
Suzy Rohan:
Are there traditional herbs or oils you like to incorporate?
Melana Meyer:
Yes—basil is beautiful for plant brushings. It's calming and smells amazing. Plant brushing involves sweeping fresh herbs over the body in long, smooth strokes. It calms the nervous system and clears energy. I also incorporate traditional Mayan oils and essential oils during sessions. The Maya often say prayers over the joints, as they believe joints are places where energy enters and exits the body. Holding the plants at these points while praying is believed to support energetic balance and healing.
Suzy Rohan:
Do clients sometimes get emotional during a session?
Melana Meyer:
Yes. The abdomen is a vulnerable area, and it’s rarely touched in massage. People are often surprised at how good it feels. If emotions come up, I hold space gently and supportively.
Suzy Rohan:
Can you share a favorite client transformation story?
Melana Meyer:
Yes—recently I worked with a client who’d had a miscarriage and was too afraid to try again. That fear created a block. We worked on calming her nervous system and rebuilding trust in her body. She conceived after four months and just had her baby. I got to visit her in the hospital. That journey was so beautiful and rewarding.
Suzy Rohan:
What does a typical session look like?
Melana Meyer:
Sessions are usually 90 minutes. We start with a check-in, then I apply a ginger-infused castor oil to the belly and heat it to promote blood flow. While that sits, I work on the feet, head, or scalp to ground the nervous system. Then I do abdominal work—starting at the diaphragm and working down to the pelvic bowl. I check the "tete"—the pulse at the navel—and gently guide it back to center. Sometimes I do sacral work or a full-body massage, depending on the time.
Suzy Rohan:
Do you teach self-massage?
Melana Meyer:
Yes. I show clients how to do clockwise strokes from the hips and pubic bone to the belly button. You pick a number—3, 6, or 9—and repeat it that many times. You can also use sun and moon circles or massage under the ribs to loosen the diaphragm.
Suzy Rohan:
Besides Mayan massage, what other modalities do you offer?
Melana Meyer:
Essential oils, fire cupping, moxa (mugwort heat therapy), Thai massage, CBD oil, hot stones, plant brushings. Each session is customized based on the client's needs that day.
Suzy Rohan:
If someone wants to work with you, what’s the best way to reach out?
Melana Meyer:
Right now, it’s word-of-mouth. Texting or email is best. I'm happy to answer questions!
Suzy Rohan:
Thank you so much for sharing all of this, Melana!
Melana Meyer:
Thank you!