Visceral Manipulation

Life is motion. The whole universe is in motion, humans are no exception. Humans are made to move, when we are stagnant that is when dis-ease can creep in. This same theory is applied to every structure in our bodies, including our viscera. In order to have optimal function of our organs they need to be able to have mobility.

Things like inflammation, trauma, surgery, impact, diet, movement patterns, environmental toxins and emotional stress can cause adhesions and fixations to our viscera. This can cause decreased mobility of the organ systems. Our organs are so important that our body will compensate to make sure that they function properly. All the viscera have connections through out the body that can influence the mobility of joints, muscles and bones. Our viscera need to be able to move freely within their fascial container and in relationship to other structures of the body. The fascia surrounding organs can get adhesions or fixations just like a muscle or joint can. This is gentle, specific work that can have a powerful impact on health and wellbeing.

Viscera have voluntary mobility such as; walking or bending over and involuntary mobility such as; diaphragm with breath or the cardiac rhythm or the peristaltic contractions, which can push and pull on the organs. Viscera also have their own inherent movement of motility which can be felt with an educated sense of touch. It is the kinetic expression of tissues in motion. Each organ has their own pattern of movement that is linked to the path of embryological development and migration. This rhythm can be used as assessment and as an integration technique and as therapy.

“The purpose of Visceral Manipulation is to recreate, harmonize, and increase proprioceptive communication in the body to enhance its internal mechanism for better health”. - Jean-Pierre Barral, D.O.

“Fascia is a tensional, continuous fibrillar network within the body, extending from the surface of the skin to the nucleus of the cell. This global network is mobile, adaptable, fractal, and irregular; it constitutes the basic structural architecture of the human body” 

Dr Jean-Claude Guimberteau