What is Visceral Manipulation?

“The purpose of Visceral manipulation is to recreate, harmonize and increase proprioceptive communication in the body to enhance its internal mechanism for
better health.” –John-Pierre Barral, DO.

Visceral Manipulation is a gentle manual therapy that is used to stimulate and vitalize normal mobility and motility  motion in the viscera.  When an organ is healthy, it is constantly in motion and has a healthy relationship with the connective tissue surrounding it.  When there is a disruption of this free movement, the organ can’t achieve optimal function.  The tissues feel less hydrated, and adhesions form so that the physiologic motion is diminished.  Blockages occur and inflammation and infections develop more easily.

The intention of the VM practitioner is to evaluate and use techniques developed by Dr. Barral in order to normalize the mobility and motility in the three dimensions.  We are looking for Inspir, which is the active stage of embryological migration from the midline of the organ and expir towards the midline.  We are working toward free gliding and sliding in relationship to other tissues without restriction.  We would like to see the viscera move with greater ease and harmony with the nervous system and throughout the whole body.

Treatments usually are scheduled about once every other week when working with specific organs.  As with other types of bodywork, the body continues its natural healing process after the session.  The client comes in and wears their clothes unless the shirt is raised to get access to certain areas of the body.  The time to work with one organ is usually less than an hour session, so it is nice work to have done with the content of a regular bodywork session. Please let your VM practitioner know if you are having any serious health concerns first.