Introducing Philippa Rayney

I first trained in Holistic Massage in 2005. Over the years I have furthered my massage training to include pregnancy massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and abdominal & pelvic massage. I have also received a lot of massage of many types including 3 hours of Ayurvedic massage every day for 21 days which made me feel like a different human ! All this has informed my practice greatly.

With my Integrative Bodywork and Pregnancy Massage offerings I integrate these different techniques to provide a unique treatment for the individual. My style is deep but slow so as to allow the tissues of the body and/including the whole person to better ‘receive’ the touch. I aim to bring about a deep unwinding of the bodymindspirit, as central to my work is the belief that they are completely intertwined and one system. Intuitive and energetic touch is an essential aspect of my treatments. Focus can be on full body massage to bring about deep relaxation or a more remedial approach to help relieve pain and tension in specific areas. I specialise in long bodywork sessions as I have discovered that a profound level of relaxation can be reached when the person is given time to truly unfurl – something I feel is more necessary than ever in this fast paced world we now inhabit. I believe when the system feels truly safe and nurtured, a greater level of transformation becomes possible.

Pregnancy Massage

I developed a passionate interest in the childbearing year from a very young age. In 1999 I attended my first birth which led me on a path to work as a doula for some years supporting women in pregnancy, birth and postnatally. I believe bodywork can bring great support and healing to women in this momentous and wondrous transition from maiden to mother.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT)

I discovered ATMAT in 2008 through my work as a doula. I attended a self care workshop to learn about the origins of the massage and how to use it on myself. Through a self care practice I noticed beneficial changes in my digestive and pelvic health and so completed the professional training that year so that I could share this work. In 2009 I went on to attend an advance course in ATMAT for fertility, pregnancy, birth & postpartum as well as a course focusing on digestive health which blends ATMAT with Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage from China).

In ATMAT sessions I use a blend of knowledge and intuitive touch when working in these sacred areas of our bodies and I practice in a deeply holistic way, exploring all areas of wellbeing. I see myself and my clients on a journey together towards their wellness, with me sharing and inspiring along the way. One of the reasons I was so attracted to this work is the self care massage and cleansing, balancing techniques at its centre. I believe passionately in supporting people to be at the helm of their own wellbeing.

Testimonials

“I have been a client of Philippa’s since January 2019. She certainly has a vast knowledge of women’s health issues and effective alternative remedies, but first and foremost, she has looked at me and my needs rather than any manual.  She has introduced incremental changes to my self-care plan with a beautiful sensitivity that keep me and my lifestyle at the centre, and she has consistently gone the extra mile to ensure I have everything I need to proceed with confidence.  Above all, I really feel that she cares about me and my progress and is committed to doing the absolute best she can for me. She is compassionate, straightforward and inspires trust, and I feel entirely safe to share with her the details of my cycle.”

“Philippa provided really excellent care and treatment, together with brilliant follow-up, including personal advice and information.  She is very professional, helpful, friendly and easy to talk to, and clearly an expert with a wealth of knowledge. I would definitely recommend her. This is the best treatment I have ever received from any practitioner.”

“I can’t quite describe how nurtured I felt yesterday… it’s just what I needed. You have a gift. Thank you so much.”

ABOUT ATMAT

Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT)

ATMAT is a non-invasive, external massage technique. It guides internal abdominal and pelvic organs into their proper position for optimum health and well-being. ATMAT improves organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion and tension from the abdomen and pelvis, restoring the flow of blood, lymph, nerve impulse and chi. This massage is effective for both men and women. The technique applies anatomy, physiology and naprapathy (study of ligaments, joints & muscles), with Ancient Maya healing techniques to address common female and male complaints.

Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN, developed these techniques, after apprenticing with Don Elijio Panti, the last of the Traditional Maya Shaman in Central America. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ combine modern science with traditional healing and wisdom to produce a holistic path to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

At the core of this healing work is the self care massage practice and other potentially helpful self care techniques to be done at home. Your practitioner teaches you about the techniques and offers support along the way.

For more info see www.arvigotherapy.com

Common symptoms helped by ATMAT

WOMEN:

• Painful or irregular/absent periods & ovulation
• Dark thick fluids at the beginning & end of periods
• Clotting
• Headaches & dizziness with periods
• PMS
• Lower backache
• Fertility optimisation and challenges
• Endometriosis/endometritis
• Uterine polyps
• Painful intercourse
• Bladder, uterine & vaginal infections
• Frequent urination
• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Hormonal imbalance
• Varicose veins
• Tired legs/numb feet/sore heels
• Difficult pregnancy & delivery
• Premature deliveries
• Weak newborn infants
• Menopausal symptoms
• Prolapse
• Pelvic trauma
• Chronic digestive problems

MEN:

• Prostate swelling & inflammation
• Varicose veins
• Erectile dysfunction
• Premature ejaculation
• Infertility
• Frequent urination
• Chronic digestive problems

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO TREATMENT:

• Approximately 5 days before, during & 3 days after your period
• IUD contraceptive
• Early/suspected pregnancy

(These first 3 may still receive most of the treatment but not the pelvic part of the massage)

• Immediately after abdominal surgery
• Active infection or cancer

What to expect in a session

Sessions wherever possible are scheduled around your menstrual cycle, if you have one (see above contraindications) so that you may receive all the techniques. Prior to your first session an extensive case history form is sent for you to fill in and return. During the session we discuss your case history and gather more information where necessary. I incorporate some massage to help the system relax and get used to my touch and then treat the back with a focus on the lower back, pelvis and hips. Then I treat the abdomen and pelvic area. The touch is respectful and is guided by the individual and how they uniquely respond to the treatment. I then teach/show the self massage techniques and share any other relevant techniques and suggestions. The session is approximately 120 minutes of bodywork and 60 minutes of consultation/teaching. Wherever possible I advise clients to not arrange things for after the session as this can be profound work and its helpful to give it the space.

If you don’t have a specific health issue you are needing to work with but would like to experience this treatment a 120 minute session can be offered of predominantly bodywork with just a short consultation.