Visceral Manipulation

 



Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a  method of treating the body through working gently and directly with the organs (viscera) of the body.  Created by French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral,http://www.barralinstitute.com it is an extremely effective approach to freeing  restrictions in the body by releasing adhesions in the organs and restoring their natural movement patterns.  VM is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to:





* Improve the functioning of your organs

* Dissipate the negative effects of stress

* Enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system

                    through the connective tissue attachments

  1. *Influence general metabolism

  2. *Release restrictions from scar tissue and postural misuse







The visceral system relies on the interconnections between the motions of all the organs and structures of the body. At optimal health, this harmonious relationship remains stable despite the body's endless varieties of motion. But when one organ cannot move properly due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement, it works against the body's other organs and muscular, membranous, fascial and bone structures. This disharmony creates fixed, abnormal points of tension that the body is forced to move around. And that chronic irritation, in turn, paves the way for postural distortion, neuromuscular dysfunction, and disease processes.  


A session in Visceral Manipulation can treat a large variety of symptoms by releasing the restrictions in the organs.  A session begins by various “listening” methods which helps the practitioner determines where the primary restrictions reside.  The work encompasses the whole body and its visceral system (organs), neural system (nerves), vascular system (arteries and veins), cranial-sacral system (the skull, sacrum, and cerebro-spinal fluid ) and joints (bony attachments).  Although very gentle in application, Visceral Manipulation is very effective, yielding res
ults that can manifest immediately or in up to a month after initial treatment and often last indefinitely.


I have been privileged to have studied directly with Dr. Barral and his colleagues Dr. Pratt and Dr. Croibier, since 1997 and their instruction and expertise continue to be a profound inspiration in my practice and approach to Rolfing.



In my Rolfing practice, I incorporate these techniques in order to make the connective tissue more accessible, but it is often helpful to get a separate Visceral Manipulation session devoted entirely to the organs and corresponding systems. Visceral sessions are 90 minutes and cost $120 per session.




Dr. Jean Pierre Barral, Founder of VM and Robyn Martin                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                              

 

“The mind may forget, but the tissues always remember.”

        John Pierre Barral, D.O.,

                        Founder of Visceral Manipulation