Visceral Health

Visceral Health and Manipulation

Visceral Manipulation (internal organ manipulation) is an osteopathic technique originally developed in France by Jean Pierre Barral.

It is based on the concept of your inner organs must move in harmony with one another to support optimal health. With every breath you take your diaphragm (flat thin dome shaped muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity) descends and compresses the organs below. When you breathe out it releases and the organs go back into their starting position. Very much like a continuous natural rhythmic massage.

When this movement becomes restricted due to inflammation, adhesions, or trauma, it can disrupt normal function and contribute to pain or dysfunction. Visceral manipulation uses gentle, hands-on techniques to restore mobility, improve circulation, and help the body return to its natural balance.

Since your organs are not only embedded in soft abdominal tissue but also attached through ligaments, blood vessels and the lymphatic system, restriction within them can affect the body in many ways. As a result, symptoms can present far from the original source – ranging from joint or muscle pain to digestive issues or even mental and emotional imbalances.

Visceral manipulation can therefore be used to support and improve a wide variety of conditions, including:

-          Headaches, neck or shoulder pain

-          Respiratory and cardiac related concerns (allergies, asthma, palpitations, etc)

-          Digestive issues (reflux, bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements)

-          Men’ and women’s health concerns (PMS, post-natal recovery, fertility challenges, prostate health, libido, etc)

-          Fluid retention and lymphatic congestion

-          Joint and muscle pain in the lower body

-          Mental and emotional wellbeing (mood swings, anxiety, depression, etc)

“Eat healthy, sleep well, breathe deeply, move harmoniously” – Jean Pierre Barral