Benefits of Mayan Medicine:

The Mayan philosophy on health encompasses the body, the mind and the spirit, since the Mayans see these as parts of a whole that must be harmonized with other natural elements.

Background & History

Recognized as one of the most advanced civilizations in the world, the Maya have long been known for their deep observation of nature, and of understanding the direct correlation and influence nature has upon humans.

When one hears of the Maya, typically visions of stone temples hidden in dense jungles are conjured up. Or perhaps the sophisticated Mayan Calendar system comes to mind, which incidentally, led to the Maya people receiving the title of "human observatories" by the renowned Dr. Jose Arguelles, Ph.D.

Few realize, however, that the Maya also had an astute and highly-effective system of practicing medicine. The word H’men in Mopan Mayan has two meanings: “one who knows” and “priest-doctor.” Among Mayan communities, little distinction is made between the medicine man or woman and the spiritual healer.

It is with the last H’men of the Mopan Maya — the late Don Elijio Panti — that Almine's teacher and mentor, Dr. Rosita Arvigo, D.N., studied.

Ancient Information for Today's Treatments

Dr. Arvigo, author of many highly-regarded academic books on Mayan medicine, has been engaging in pioneering work to bring the healing traditions of the Maya before the western medical community. As part of this exploration and learning, she worked for nine years with the New York Botanical Garden to gather and study medicinal plants that are indigenous to the Mayan region for research at the National Cancer Institute. She has also studied with many traditional midwives and healers throughout Belize and Central America, and subsequently shares this knowledge, expertise and skill with her students — including Almine.

Mayan Philosophies to Meet Women's Needs Today

Midwives in Central America are considered “walking encyclopedias.” They hold the oral knowledge of the Maya passed down from mother to daughter for many generations, and their knowledge of obstetrics, women’s health, gynecological complaints and pediatrics is remarkable. It is this important knowledge — particularly in the realms of women’s health, emotional distress, loss/grieving, herbs, healing baths and pediatrics — that Almine gained from Dr. Arvigo.

Partnership for Complete Healing

Almine works in tandem with her colleague, Corrine Porterfield, LMT, who is also conveniently located at Hillsdale's "Body, Mind & Spirit Wellness Center." Corrine practices the centuries-old massage technique used by the Maya for all manners of gynecological ailments including infertility, dysmenorrhea, low back pain, endometriosis, uterine polyps and fibroids. To contact Corrine to schedule a two-fold appointment for your healthcare needs, call (503) 310-5001.