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Mayan Abdominal Massage, hands on abdomen

Abdominal Therapy is Available in Dripping Springs!

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Clinic, Fertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Pain, Pain Relief, Postpartum, Women. No Comments on Abdominal Therapy is Available in Dripping Springs!

Abdominal Therapy (Formerly Mayan Abdominal Massage) for Fertility & Whole-Body Wellness

When you’re on a fertility journey, every piece of support matters. At Indigo Healing, we’re proud to offer Abdominal Therapy—a gentle, specialized form of massage that restores circulation, releases tension, and encourages balance in the abdomen and pelvis.

If you’ve spent time in fertility forums or support groups, you may have seen this therapy called Mayan Abdominal Massage. While the official name has changed, the therapy itself has not. It remains a trusted, time-honored approach to reproductive and digestive wellness.

And here’s the exciting part: Faith Charfauros, LMT, is one of the only certified Abdominal Therapy practitioners in the U.S. and the only one within an hour of Dripping Springs.

What Is Abdominal Therapy?

Abdominal Therapy is a non-invasive, external massage that gently works the abdomen, pelvis, and low back. The goal is to release restrictions, improve circulation, and restore alignment of the reproductive and digestive organs.

This therapy is deeply relaxing and offers a powerful way to connect with your body. Many patients describe it as both physically relieving and emotionally grounding.

Abdominal Therapy for Fertility Support

For women preparing for pregnancy, actively trying to conceive, or undergoing fertility treatments, Abdominal Therapy (formerly Mayan Abdominal Massage) offers natural support by:

  • Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  • Supporting natural conception and enhancing IVF/IUI outcomes
  • Regulating menstrual cycles and easing painful or heavy periods
  • Relieving symptoms of endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic congestion
  • Encouraging postpartum healing and core realignment after childbirth

By improving circulation and alignment, this therapy helps create the optimal internal environment for fertility and reproductive health.

Benefits of Abdominal Therapy Beyond Fertility

While fertility is the most recognized application, Abdominal Therapy supports whole-body wellness for both women and men.

For women:

  • Relief from menstrual pain and irregular cycles
  • Improved digestion and reduced bloating
  • Postpartum recovery support

For men:

  • Prostate and bladder health support
  • Improved digestive function
  • Relief from pelvic and low back tension

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abdominal Therapy the same as Mayan Abdominal Massage?

Yes. Abdominal Therapy is the updated name for Mayan Abdominal Massage. While the name has changed for legal reasons, the techniques, training, and benefits remain exactly the same.

Why is Abdominal Therapy popular for fertility?

This therapy improves blood flow to reproductive organs, supports regular cycles, and reduces pelvic congestion. It’s widely chosen by women as a natural fertility boost, either on its own or alongside IVF and IUI.

Can men benefit from Abdominal Therapy?

Absolutely. Men often experience improvements in prostate and bladder health, digestion, and relief from deep pelvic or back tension.

Who provides this treatment at Indigo Healing?

We’re proud to offer this therapy with Faith Charfauros, LMT, one of the only certified practitioners in the country and the only one within an hour of Dripping Springs.

Why Choose Indigo Healing for Abdominal Therapy?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we blend compassionate care with advanced expertise. Every Abdominal Therapy session is customized to your unique health needs—whether you’re trying to conceive, seeking relief from menstrual pain, or simply wanting better digestive balance.

Exclusively available at Indigo Healing in Dripping Springs—Abdominal Therapy (formerly Mayan Abdominal Massage) offers specialized, nurturing support for fertility, reproductive health, and whole-body wellness. Book your consultation today!

4 women hugging

Modern Medicine Ignored Women Until 1993—Here’s Why Acupuncturists Didn’t

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Fertility, IVF, Motherhood, New Patients, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Research, Women. No Comments on Modern Medicine Ignored Women Until 1993—Here’s Why Acupuncturists Didn’t

For most of history, modern medicine treated men as the default—and women as an afterthought.

It wasn’t until 1993, with the passage of the NIH Revitalization Act, that U.S. researchers were even required to include women in clinical trials. That means virtually every drug, diagnostic guideline, and treatment protocol developed before that point was based on the male body.

Let that sink in.

Women, with our fluctuating hormones, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, postpartum phases, and menopause transitions, were largely left out of medical research. This oversight has led to misdiagnoses, incorrect prescriptions, and a deep sense of frustration for many women navigating a healthcare paradigm that often doesn’t understand them.

But while modern medicine is only just beginning to catch up, acupuncturists practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been supporting women’s health for over 2,000 years.

TCM Always Knew Women Were Different

From its earliest texts, TCM made clear distinctions between male and female biology. The ancient Chinese recognized:

  • The Liver governs the menstrual cycle
  • The Kidneys are the root of reproductive health and longevity
  • The Chong and Ren meridians (unique to women) regulate fertility and menstruation
  • Life stages unfold in 7-year cycles for women (vs. 8-year cycles for men)

In other words, TCM didn’t just include women—it centered them.

Rather than pushing one-size-fits-all protocols, TCM adapts treatment plans to the phases of your cycle, your hormonal rhythms, and the transitions unique to womanhood. Conditions like PMS, endometriosis, infertility, and perimenopause are seen not as isolated issues, but as imbalances that can be gently corrected with time-tested methods like:

  • Acupuncture
  • Customized herbal formulas
  • Cupping, moxibustion, and bodywork
  • Nutritional guidance based on your constitution

Whole-Person Healing, Not Just Symptom Suppression

Modern medicine often responds to women’s symptoms with pills, birth control, or dismissal:

“It’s just stress.”
“Let’s wait and see.”
“It’s part of getting older.”

But TCM asks why. Why are you tired all the time? Why are your cycles irregular? Why do you feel anxious or inflamed? And what can we do to restore balance?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we create a personalized care plan that reflects your body’s unique needs—not a textbook average based on male biology. You’ll feel listened to, validated, and supported with holistic care that integrates modern research and ancient wisdom.

You Deserve Better

If you’ve ever felt like you were falling through the cracks of the modern medical system or just completely misunderstood, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been advocating for women’s health for over two millennia. Isn’t it time we trusted the system that saw us from the very beginning?

Want to experience healthcare designed with your body in mind?
Book a consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage today. Let’s restore balance, together.

heart hands on pregnant belly

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid While Trying To Conceive and Pregnancy

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Antiperspirant, Assisted Fertility, Endometriosis, Fertility, Fibroids, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Miscarriage, Morning Sickness, Motherhood, New Patients, Postpartum, Pregnancy. No Comments on Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid While Trying To Conceive and Pregnancy

Common Skin/Body Care Ingredients to Avoid While Trying to Conceive and Pregnancy:

  • Aluminum chloride hexahydrate: Look for it in antiperspirant; also check for aluminium chlorohydrate.
  • Beta hydroxy acids: Typically found in anti-aging skincare products. Look for salicylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, trethocanic acid and tropic acid.
  • Chemical sunscreens: Read label and look for avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, menthyl anthranilate and oxtocrylene.
  • Diethanolamine (DEA): Found in hair and body products under the names diethanolamine, oleamide DEA, lauramide DEA and cocamide DEA.
  • Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): Found in spray self-tanners.
  • Fluoride: Found in toothpaste, mouthwash, municipal water sources; scientific studies have linked it to lower IQ scores in children exposed to it in utero.
  • Formaldehyde: A preservative found in hair straightening treatments, nail polishes and eyelash glue; look for formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol).
  • Hydroquinone: A skincare lightening agent; abstain from using products containing idrochinone and quinol/1-4 dihydroxy benzene/1-4 hydroxy benzene.
  • Parabens: Has been linked to cancer in clinical studies. Keep away from propyl, butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl and methyl parabens.
  • Phthalates: Found in synthetic fragrances and nail polishes; avoid diethyl and dibutyl.
  • Retinol: Linked to birth defects in clinical studies; Found in anti-aging skin care products; Look for the names Vitamin A, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin.
  • Thioglycolic acid: Found in chemical hair removers; also look for the names acetyl mercaptan, mercaptoacetate, mercaptoacetic acid and thiovanic acid.
  • Toluene: Found in nail polishes; skip methylbenzene, toluol and antisal 1a.
Pregnancy

10 Reasons for Holistic Pregnancy Support

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Back Pain, Breech Baby, Fatigue, Fertility, Headache, Heartburn, Insomnia, Miscarriage, Morning Sickness, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Stress. No Comments on 10 Reasons for Holistic Pregnancy Support

Did you know we offer Holistic Pregnancy Support for…

  • Miscarriage Prevention
  • Morning Sickness
  • Placenta Previa
  • Breech Presentation
  • Back Pain
  • Acid Refux/Heartburn
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia & Fatigue
  • Stress & More!

Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM was also recently nominated as the Best Acupuncturist and Best Herbalist by the 2019 Austin Birth Awards!

We want pregnancy to be an enjoyable phase of your life! From the first positive test to the end of postpartum, we can help you relieve pain, have more energy, and recover from labor & delivery.

Give us a call at 512-686-0777 to schedule a consultation.

Conquering Mastitis in the 4th Trimester & Beyond

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Breastfeeding, Pain, Postpartum, Pregnancy. No Comments on Conquering Mastitis in the 4th Trimester & Beyond

Mastitis
Breastfeeding is a gift, but when mastitis appears, it can quickly become a nightmare. The good news is ancient Chinese Medicine has proven to effectively prevent its onset and boost recovery.

What is mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of a milk duct due to infection in a clogged duct. It can arise quickly and will leave you feeling like you’ve been run over by a bus. Common symptoms include acute breast tenderness, an engorged milk duct, red skin over a milk duct, fever/chills, fatigue, and body aches. If left untreated, mastitis can rupture into an abscess requiring surgical intervention. Therefore, it’s important to be as vigilant as you can about clearing clogged ducts.

Mastitis is most likely to occur within the first three months of breastfeeding and is the second most common infection during postpartum (for those who want to know, urinary tract infections are the most common postpartum illness).

The most common Western treatment for mastitis is a course of antibiotics to kill off an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. S. aureus bacteria is generally transmitted from the baby’s mouth to the breast. If your immune system has been weakened by stress or fatigue, the bacteria can take up residency in a milk duct causing inflammation and engorgement.

How can I prevent mastitis?
Twenty centuries ago, Chinese doctors discovered the root cause of 99% of mastitis infections… anger, frustration, and/or resentment! Have you ever been so mad at someone/something you felt like you might explode with words or burst into tears? Anger is a powerful emotion that literally brings a rush of energetic heat to the body like a flame shooting upwards. According to Chinese Medicine, that is energy (qi) in the Liver meridian looking to escape.  If you’re a nursing mama and the sudden rush of Liver qi is not expressed, it lodges in the breasts inflaming milk ducts and establishing ideal conditions for an infection. To prevent mastitis, your best bet is to find a safe outlet for any anger, resentment or frustration. An outlet could be talking to someone you trust, taking a walk, writing in a journal, or creating art.

If I get mastitis, what should I do?
Mastitis is best-treated sooner rather than later. If you notice a clogged duct not clearing with feedings, self-massage or heat, it’s best to seek professional help right away as mastitis can escalate quickly. Your family doctor or gynecologist can prescribe antibiotics, while an acupuncturist can perform a treatment aimed at getting the stuck energy (qi) moving and will likely send you home with Chinese herbs to clear the infection naturally over the course of a few days. To keep mastitis from recurring, stick to a regular feeding schedule, take the time needed to clear clogged ducts as soon as you notice them, and find a healthy way to release any unresolved feelings of resentment or frustration.

To schedule a consultation for all of your postpartum challenges, contact us at 512-686-0777 today!