A few years back, before I even resolved to begin my manual therapy and massage training, I heard a whisper of Barral Visceral Manipulation. I had received plenty of massages in my life, and I remember only ONE during which the practitioner gently and respectfully worked the soft tissues of my belly (and then taught me some abdominal self care, for the win!) Maybe it was because of that memory that I became enthralled with the idea that manual therapy should include and possibly even center the visceral organs.
What is Visceral Manipulation?
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a manual therapy technique developed by Jean Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier through years of case study and hands on exploration that seeks to optimize the mobility, motility, and vitality of organs in the abdomen, pelvis, and thorax. My instructors have called it “Liquid Osteopathy,” and “Organ specific fascial mobilization,” or even “waking up a little something” in the tissues. A healthy, well-functioning organ is one that moves freely and glides easily with neighboring structures. VM uses gentle and specifically placed touch to identify restrictions in the movement patterns of an organ, and then applies both tension and ease to help release the restriction.
What conditions does VM help?
According to the Barral Institute, “VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction.” The muscles, organs, bones, and vessels of our bodies are all connected via a dense and complete network of fascia, which is why a restriction of the fascia surrounding the liver, for example, can contribute to tension in the right scapula and shoulder. Integrating VM into bodywork and massage is a way to address the root cause of pain and dysfunction.
As a pelvic/womb health specialist and birth worker, I am particularly interested in the relationships between the urogenital/pelvic organs and their neighbors in the abdomen. I aim to use this work to help people with wombs achieve optimal gynecologic heath for fertility, postpartum recovery, relief from endometriosis and other pelvic inflammatory conditions and chronic pelvic pain.
What is a Visceral Manipulation session like, and how does it feel?
VM is gentle and anatomically specific. It is not painful, but having your organs palpated and gently manipulated is a new experience for many people and can therefore feel tender. Sessions are usually done with the client clothed in underwear, and use various positions including sitting, side lying, and supine. As a student practitioner, I use general and local “listening” with my hands to find areas of tension before and after treatment.
For more information, visit the Barral Institute website, or contact me!