Visceral Manipulation

Fascia surrounds and suspends our organs (as described above under myofascial release), lines our body cavities and maintains an inter-relationship of our organs to other structures of the body. When an organ is unable to move in harmony with the surrounding viscera due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement or the visceral fascia of an organ gets bound down by disease, inflammation or scar tissue, similar to a snag in sweater, abnormal tension and chronic irritation develop. This can impair the functioning of the organ system, paving the way for disease and dysfunction. For example, abdominal surgery can lead to adhesions and organ displacement. Many women who have gone through childbirth exerience pelvic floor problems and bladder issues. Female problems can lead to back pain. Infertility may become an issue in fascial restrictions to the genitourinary system, to name a few. Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a gentle hands-on technique that works with the visceral system to locate and alleviate these abnormal points of tension in order to relieve pain and improve organ function, (for example, digestive) and the structural integrity of the body. This therapy was developed by a French Osteopath named Jean-Pierre Barral and has been invaluable to many clients.