What is Visceral Manipulation (VM)?

Visceral Manipulation (VM) is an internal organs Abdominal Massage healing modality developed by the French Osteopath Jean Pierre Barral.

The idea behind the work is that organ restrictions force the body to compensate, which may create abnormal tensions and chronic irritations that can be transmitted through the tissues across the body causing a range of discomforts or ailments.

Organ mobility can become restricted due to emotional trauma, surgery, infection, posture, diet, pregnancy, and childbirth, to give some examples.

With palpation techniques, VM tries to identify abnormal motion patterns and the source of the compensatory patterns. One of the methods used to identify areas of stress is by palpating the associated energy, which, according to VM is “thermal.” Manual thermal evaluation is therefore an important tool in VM.

After establishing the source of problems, the treatment then uses light or firmer touch, rhythmic motions, mobilization and/or stretches to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and the connective tissues involved.

These manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.

During the treatment, the receiver can be in a sitting, lying, or kneeling position.

It’s thought that VM may be able to treat health issues such as whiplash, chest or abdominal sports injuries, bloating, constipation, nausea, headaches, neck and back pains, sciatica, sexual and reproductive disorders, gastritis, abdominal pains related to scar tissues, anxiety and depression.

More about Visceral Manipulation can be read on the website of the Barral Institute.

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