Tul ‘Ix Abdominal Massage + Gender Inclusivity

I practice Tul ‘Ix abdominal massage and spiritual care, predominantly in Tucson, Arizona [Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui land]. My work focuses on the wholeness of being with hands on techniques supporting the organs especially the uterus, bladder, prostate and emotional/spiritual/land belongings. To hold space and practice in care of people’s liberation means cultivating awareness of gender and culture. I have witnessed and lived the deep intertwining of the two. (Even how I use they/them pronouns in English and in Russian I alternate between he and she (even within the same statement)

Our bodies get gendered or de-animated/un-alived with language and belief. Organs called he or she or it. When touching people’s abdomens, some of the softest parts of our physical being, vulnerable and unprotected by bone, so much can come up. I often feel how the body has made protections through energetics, tightening, disassociation, organ hardening, organ hiding (so many organs have learned how to dodge harms/ personal and of patriarchy in wildly creative ways). The softness of embodiment deserves care, deserves being seen and met. I am responsible for how I share the gifts I’ve been given, the gifts from the Masawal Maya and the gifts from my ancestors and nature. With this responsibility, I hold your body’s story as yours.

In this practice you can share with me your gender, your organs genders and your relationship in/to your embodiment. It seems so simple, but we assign so many gendered roles and expectations on each other. Ourselves included- I know I have.

I do not know if you desire to bring children to this world or not or how unless I ask. I do not know how you relate with your uterus unless I ask. I do not know how your tender bits have learned to find safety or hide from harm unless I listen. When you come to work with me, I want to hear your story. Through your body, your words, and your ancestors. Living in a culture where touch is uncommon and can carry history of harm, being welcome to touch someone’s belly is a gift. Often medical systems de-humanize us and in the luxury healing world the binaries dominate. For people of all genders, you are welcome in my practice. You bring unique wisdom and gifts in this collaborative work.