Tulum's self-care secret: The ultimate Mayan massage for the mind, body, and soul - Daily Mail

[Pandora Amoratis]

By PANDORA AMORATIS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 17:07 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 18:27 EST, 4 December 2024


Who doesn't love a massage? It's not only a feel-good way to pamper yourself, it's also a powerful tool to heal the body and mind.

Studies suggest massages can increase the activity of white blood cells, strengthening the immune system.

They lower cortisol levels while increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, promoting relaxation and happy thoughts.

Plus, they calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Common and widely available massages include deep tissue, Swedish, Shiatsu and lymphatic drainage.

As a self-care enthusiast I have enjoyed all of these, but it was a recent trip to Tulum, Mexico, where I experienced a massage that has revolutionized my self-care routine.

The Sobada Maya Massage is a sacred tradition that is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. It's aimed at releasing energetic blockages - both physical and emotional.

It is performed at the Yäan Healing Sanctuary located at the BeTulum hotel.

The first 20 minutes of this 80 minute service focuses solely on the stomach and realignment of the internal abdominal organs. Yes, you read that right!

While lying there it dawned on me that the stomach is the one part of the body that is usually avoided during a massage.

But this ancient practice has been passed down through generations of Mayan healers and midwives.

It's used to improve fertility, relieve uterine issues, loosen tight muscles that control bowel movements and guide internal reproductive organs into their proper position.

After the circulating of energy and the realignment of organs, the practitioner proceeded to the rest of my body, stretching tendons and unblocking passages while expanding energetic channels.

It's said that abdominal massage can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body and mind.

Turns out, I needed to relieve some physical and emotional congestion that I've been storing in my gut.

Getting up from the table I felt lighter and with an overwhelming sense of calm, and a new found interest in gut health.

Tulum is known around the world as being the ultimate destination for those looking to let loose, but it's also a place that prioritizes emotional well-being.

The Nômade Tulum Hotel contributed to my feelings of transformation.

Blending luxury, wellness and sustainability, every detail of the peaceful property is designed to trigger emotions and guide you on a path of discovery.

Located on the southern tip of the Riviera Maya, on a stretch of white sand and turquoise water bordering the dense jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, the shabby chic hotel is a tropical paradise.

The rooms are designed to preserve the integrity of the natural world while offering a blend of luxury and bohemian simplicity.

My room was rustic yet refined, featuring wood floors, artisanal details that reflect the Mayan culture, and a private pool.

The property emphasizes spiritual and physical wellness with activities like yoga, meditation, sound healing, and breathwork sessions.

Head Journey Designer, Pablo Porta, and Wellness Director, Lucrecia (Lula) Millan, are on hand to create a personalized itinerary for each guest.

I participated in a Temazcal ceremony, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge ritual that involves sitting in a dome-shaped space filled with hot stones, herbs, and steam.

Inside, the dome was dark and it felt like a makeshift pizza oven.

Sitting side-by-side in a circle with a few incredible women, I vocalized what I was grateful for as new hot stones were added to the center of the pit.

There's something about sweating and expressing gratitude that leaves you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and with a new sense of purpose and clarity.

Dining experiences at Nômade Tulum are set within a communal atmosphere inviting you to connect with others while indulging in healthy and delicious food options.

Walking into the Moroccan-themed Macondo restaurant, which is decorated with colorful poof pillows and rugs, dreamcatchers, and raffia lamps, you feel a surge of calm.

The plant-based menu features holistic cuisine inspired by the Middle East made with fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Over the course of my stay, I enjoyed many green juices, fresh fruits, steak tacos and passion fruit margaritas!

Also on property is Kuu Tulum, a Japanese Omakase culinary experience led by Chef Hirokazu Sato.

Guests sit together at one big sushi bar watching the master at work.

For lunch with a view, La Popular is an open-air beachfront restaurant that serves fresh fish caught daily by local fisherman.

Two weeks later I'm still feeling refreshed and actively paying attention to my dietary choices, drinking habits, and thoughts that can negatively impact my gut microbiome.