Efficacy of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy on Dysmenorrhea Symptoms in Women

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most reported symptoms by women in OB/GYN departments with an effect on up to 95% of women. Because pain experienced during menstrual cycles influences the mental and physical health of women, it is important to find practical and effective relief. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a new clinical and scientific field in the practice of Western medicine. The use of CAM by the public has increased dramatically in recent years and among the practiced modalities lies a fairly new massage technique aimed at treatment of uterine abnormalities attributed to misplacement. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal TherapyTM (ATMAT) is rooted in traditional practices by the Maya people of Belize. It is a non-invasive, slow, penetrating external massage of the abdomen that repositions the uterus in women. This study is aimed to measure the patient’s perception of menstrual pain before and after therapy with completion and return of a Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Each type of data represents a quantitative index of pain quality and intensity as a result of ATMAT. Percent change calculated through paired t-test analysis will provide data on the effectiveness of the therapy. Running Head: Efficacy of ATMATTM 3