Visceral Manipulation
"The visceral system relies on the
interconnected synchronicity 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 in harmony with its viscera due to abnormal tone,
adhesions or displacement, it works against the body's other organs and
muscular membranous, fascial and osseous 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
disease and dysfunction."
--Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral
"'Viscera' relates to the internal organs of the body, such
as the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Visceral Manipulation is a very gentle manual
therapy that aids your body's ability to release restrictions and unhealthy
compensations that cause pain and dysfunction. Visceral Manipulation does not
focus solely on the site of pain or the source of the problem. The therapist
feels for altered or decreased motion within the viscera, as well as
restrictive patterns throughout the body and then applies Visceral Manipulation
techniques. Therapy re-establishes the body's ability to adapt and restore
itself to health.
"Jean-Pierre Barral is an Osteopath and registered physical therapist from France. He first became interested in the movement of the body while working at the Lung Disease Hospital in Grenoble, France. Barral was able to follow the patterns of stress in the tissues of cadavers as he studied biomechanics in living subjects. This introduced him to the visceral system, its potential to promote lines tension within the body, and the notion that tissues have memory. Barral's clinical work with the viscera led to his development of this form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs, their fascial environment, and the potential influence on structural and physiological dysfunctions. He named this therapy Visceral Manipulation."
-quoted from Barral's Discover Visceral Manipulation pamphlet
Wayne Pinel and Sophie Ravailhe have been studying and practicing Jean-Pierre's extremely gentle and very anatomically specific work for eighteen and ten years respectively.
Dr Barral's comprehensive research has found visceral manipulation beneficial for:
- Headaches/migraines
- Post surgical scars/adhesions
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Swallowing difficulties
- Digestive problems
- Incontinence
- Back and hip Pain
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Motor Vehicle injuries, especially with airbag and seatbelt related injuries
- Carpal Tunnel/Repeatitive Strain Injuries
- Whiplash/Physical Trauma
For additional Information:
2011 Kinetic Fascial Release
Updated 22 July 2011
|