Maya Abdominal Womb Massage
learn more about this traditional Maya practice of “Sobada”
what is it?
Mayan Abdominal-Womb Massage (MAWM) is a complete, holistic massage that touches on the physical, energetic and spiritual bodies to bring about balance to the center. It is part of the Maya tradition, guided by Maya cosmovision, and traditionally its wisdom is passed along by midwives, grandmothers and spiritual guides. It is a comprehensive (full body) massage that culminates with deep abdominal work including the womb (or womb space) and the muxu’x (belly button). It is “the essential medicine for the soul” (Maria X’taly).
when to receive one?
traditionally, it is used in support of
preparation for conception
pregnancy
postpartum recovery
menstrual cycle + reproductive health
healthy lymphatic flow
nervous system regulation after stress or trauma
circulation + digestion
emotional wellbeing
feelings of heaviness, stagnation or pelvic congestion
miscarriage or pregnancy loss
people find this work healing for
digestive issues + abdominal tension
period pain
uterus + organ displacement
imbalances causing spiritual, emotional, or physical dis-ease
tension + trauma stored in the body
stagnation
emotional heartbreak
chronic stress
hormonal imbalance
periods of disconnection from the body
it can also help people feel
more connected to themselves
deeply grounded
present in + aware of their body
aligned with their own rhythms + those of mother Earth
it can be deeply healing on a physical, emotional + spiritual level for both men and women alike.at its core, MAWM is about remembrance.
☽ remembering who we are.
✺ remembering what it means to be human.
꩜ remembering our responsibility of reciprocity with this Earth.
through remembering, MAWM assists in guiding you into your body, connecting you to your womb (womb space), feeling rooted + centered, and returning to right-relationship with Mother Earth.
our offering//
with deep reverence for the lineage from which this practice was transmitted to us, we only practice MAWM in its whole & complete form.
some details
☽ Hilary or Nora will come to your home or an agreed upon space with a massage mat
(we learned and practiced MAWM on a floor mat & feel it is most conducsive to allow the Earth to aid in the healing process)
☽ please allow 3 hours for each session
☽ there is time for talking beforehand; tea and space for sharing (if it feels right) is offered afterwards
☽ your abdomen will be wrapped in a faja (handwoven scarf) at the end of the massage, and this is yours soley to borrow for the three days post massage as is recommended by the Nanas.
energy exchange
✺ $150, all inclusive price.
✺ cash or venmo
✺ 10% of your payment will be donated to Casa Tortuga, a Mayan Indigenous Birthing Center being dreamed and built in Santa Lucía Utatlán, Sololá.. you can read more about it here.
*we consider trades on a case-by-case basis
**if pricing makes this inaccessible to you, please reach out. it is truly our mission to share this medicine with anyone wanting to receive.
booking is through a phone call with either Hilary or Nora. please send a text message to set up a time. not sure who to call? just pick + we will help you decipher which of us would be the best fit for you :)
booking//
☽ nora (419) 787-0009
☽ hilary (254) 366-4295
we request a phone conversation so that we can get to know your intentions + connect a little deeper, a little quicker.
It is important for us to be transparent about where this work comes from.
we are not Maya woman, and this is not our ancestral lineage. we realize + welcome that we are forever-students and apprentices.
we specifically want to honor: Nana Rosalía, Nana Ixquik’ and María Xtal’y
these women, and the generations before them, are the true holders of this wisdom and have gifted permission to us to offer this work.
the lineage + our teachers
María Xtal’y
Born and raised in Guatemala, María is a Holistic Therapist with 5 years of experience in bodywork. She is a Medicine Woman, Artist and Full Spectrum Doula dedicated to serving the sanctity of life and our connection to Mother Earth. María is an apprentice of the Maya Cosmology via her relationships with Nana Ixquik’ and the family. She created Ruk’u’x Kawoq’ Academy in 2025 with the intention of amplifying the voices of the Mayan Midwives and sharing what has brought healing to her own life with more people around the world.
Nana Ixquik’
Daughter of Nana Rosalía, Ixquik’ was initiated as an Ajq’ij (Mayan Spiritual Guide) at the young age of 13, receiving a responsibility from her Elders to share the Mayan Cosmovision through her spiritual abilities with the world especially through her work as a Midwife and with Women’s health. Ixquik’ is a spiritually gifted Healer who has developed in ancestral healing modalities known only by a few talented healers in her lineage. Ixquik’s dedication to the Sacred is felt through each word she shares. Her connection with the Earth and her embodiment of Ancestral Medicine is a gift to the world.
your practitioners
nora anderson
hilary rambeau
testimonials