The faja is a long, thin fabric used to wrap around the abdomen after a Maya Abdominal massage. The use of the faja is an ancient healing technique used among the Mayan Culture of South America. It is used to help contain the uterus and ‘the heart of the stomach’ which are the two main areas of focus for the massage in women. By applying the faja immediately after the massage, it helps the organs and muscles which have undergone healing to recover in a way that is kind to the body. For that reason, the faja works on an emotional level, evoking the same nurturing feeling that being wrapped in a warm blanket evokes, that of feeling safe, held and deeply nurtured. On an energetic level, the faja can evoke strong energetic ties to the Divine Feminine and to the Maya ancestry. After receiving a massage, the faja is wrapped around the client and stays on for at least 15 minutes to help with the recovery and integration processes.
In Guatemala, the faja is specifically used on women after they give birth, to help support the abdominal and pelvic muscles recover after labour. These muscles stretch and move to make room for the baby. Post birth, the body needs to readjust and regain the muscle tone which can take a long time. When the faja is used after birth, it helps to contain the uterus and the surrounding ‘loose’organs recover their tone. Worn after birth also supports the lower back, alleviating tension and pain that is common in this area after birth. After birth, the faja can be worn for weeks or even months, depending on how much support is needed in the recovery phase.
The faja’s that I use for the massages I give were woven by Dona Dominga, the mid-wife who co- trained me in this massage technique. Dona Domingo has practiced community midwifery for over 60 years in her native San Marcos community in Guatemala. This ancient midwifery practice facilitates women to go through natural birth in the home, a practice which is unfortunately under threat in Guatemala today due to the rise in hospital births. Mid-wives like Dona Domingo who perfected their skills through practice and spiritual guidance have an art that is not recognised by such medical institutions and therefore, their skill and life purpose is vulnerable to being lost completely in Guatemala. Fortunately Dona Dominga’s skill lives on teaching this massage technique to therapists like me to help keep it alive. This has been thanks to Mariu Gabbato, who organises and co- facilitates this training and who runs a very creative and healing space called AmatistA Magic Garden in San Marcos, Guatemala (www.facebook.com/pg/amatistamagicgarden).
Orla Quinn
www.facebook.com/wombhealing
In Guatemala, the faja is specifically used on women after they give birth, to help support the abdominal and pelvic muscles recover after labour. These muscles stretch and move to make room for the baby. Post birth, the body needs to readjust and regain the muscle tone which can take a long time. When the faja is used after birth, it helps to contain the uterus and the surrounding ‘loose’organs recover their tone. Worn after birth also supports the lower back, alleviating tension and pain that is common in this area after birth. After birth, the faja can be worn for weeks or even months, depending on how much support is needed in the recovery phase.
The faja’s that I use for the massages I give were woven by Dona Dominga, the mid-wife who co- trained me in this massage technique. Dona Domingo has practiced community midwifery for over 60 years in her native San Marcos community in Guatemala. This ancient midwifery practice facilitates women to go through natural birth in the home, a practice which is unfortunately under threat in Guatemala today due to the rise in hospital births. Mid-wives like Dona Domingo who perfected their skills through practice and spiritual guidance have an art that is not recognised by such medical institutions and therefore, their skill and life purpose is vulnerable to being lost completely in Guatemala. Fortunately Dona Dominga’s skill lives on teaching this massage technique to therapists like me to help keep it alive. This has been thanks to Mariu Gabbato, who organises and co- facilitates this training and who runs a very creative and healing space called AmatistA Magic Garden in San Marcos, Guatemala (www.facebook.com/pg/amatistamagicgarden).
Orla Quinn
www.facebook.com/wombhealing
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