Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy that can trace its roots back to Osteopathy, Bone Setters, and other indigenous forms of traditional healing from around the world. This approach looks at the functional capacity of anatomical structures and layers in the body with increasing detail. All of these structures have varying forms of connective tissue layers around them that must move freely to function in a body that is constantly moving.

These tissue structures include:

Impairment in movement of any of these tissues will impact their ability to function within the body as a whole. An increase in adhesions, scar tissue, or reduction in the elasticity of layers of connective tissue between one or more of these tissue structures will affect local movement. This can also impact functional glide of adjacent tissues or those that move through the affected space, such as nerves, tendons and arteries. Over time this cascade effect will adversely impact the physiological function and efficiency of movement in the body as a whole.

The approach of Visceral Manipulation is to assess the body as a functional whole and to determine the first layer of tissue or area of the body that is impairing the system from moving into a more functional and balanced structural and physiological state. 

Once a specific area and layer of tissue has been identified, very gentle, appropriately leveraged contact is applied to address the specific area of focus. After sufficient change has occurred, the functional mobility and relationship to the surrounding tissue structures, as well as the rest of the body, is again assessed to gauge what changes have occurred in the body as a whole. During the session, this process continues until the body reaches a more stable and functionally balanced structural alignment. 

In a whole-body approach to change, it is important to remember that the cascade of compensatory imbalances that occur in the body through use over time nearly always creates an awareness of pain or dis-ease in the body, but the sensations experienced are not necessarily at the root of the problem.  To effect long-term change, the experiences must be addressed at the source. Patching cracked exterior masonry in your home to stop water seepage would be short-lived if the cracks were the result of subsidence in the foundation. 

Depending on the severity of the functional issues that an individual is experiencing, these changes can take time to effectively unwind in the body. Through the refined anatomical approach of Visceral Manipulation, assisting the body to unwind can occur in a manner that is both gentle and effective.