Visceral Manipulation
Eat healthily, sleep well, breathe deeply, move harmoniously. Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, PT, founder of visceral manipulationDr. Carter has been practicing visceral manipulation for 10 years. She integrates visceral techniques into her appointments that include acupuncture and naturopathic medicine, as she has found that acupuncture greatly enhances and expedites visceral work. By combining multiple modalities, her patients get better, faster, and more comprehensive results.
What is visceral manipulation?
Visceral manipulation was developed by French osteopath and physical therapist, Jean-Pierre Barral. During his training, Barral began to work with the viscera as a means of treating spinal issues. He recognized the relationship between the muscles and joints, the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system, the internal organs, and the spinal cord and brain. He discovered that areas of stress in the body could be located by palpating the associated energy, which consists of either a noticeably cold or hot spot on the abdomen or chest. Visceral manipulation is similar to craniosacral therapy in that it recognizes the concept of cellular memory (the idea that mental, emotional, and physical trauma are stored in cells, negatively impacting their ability to function) and the importance the fascial (connective tissue) system and its tension patterns in the body.
All organs and tissues in the body have an inherent movement pattern. Yes! Your liver is rotating around in a specific way as we speak! So are your bones, fascia, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, membranes, etc! A dynamic or fluid system in which all these movements are balanced is a healthy system. When trauma occurs, these rhythms get stuck or misaligned and the ability of the tissue to function properly is negatively impacted. Visceral manipulation (and craniosacral therapy) help to release these patterns of restriction and restore the natural movement patterns of the tissues. It can benefit the musculoskeletal, fascial, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal systems.
Trauma can result from surgical scarring and adhesions, illness, posture, emotion dysfunction, or injury. Tension patterns then form throughout the fascial network and create abnormal points of rigidity that the body must move around. This chronic irritation can produce physiological and structural problems. By using the specific techniques of visceral manipulation, practitioners can evaluate movement patterns and thermal energy in the area of concern. Visceral manipulation can gently release structures from their dysfunctional pattern and restore fluidity and health to the affected areas of the body.
What does visceral manipulation feel like?
Visceral manipulation is a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses light to deep pressure in specific areas of restriction to encourage normal mobility, tone, and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can improve the vitality of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.
Most people feel very relaxed and sometimes fall asleep during treatment. Common sensations associated with treatment include change in temperature in the restricted area, tingling, feelings of movement within the body, relaxation, and decrease in pain. Deep healing can occur during sessions as the body releases long-standing patterns of tension throughout the system.
What can visceral manipulation treat?
Visceral manipulation is an appropriate therapy for many conditions, especially chronic unresolved issues that most likely affect several body systems simultaneously. It is highly recommended after any surgery to help decrease scar tissue formation and adhesions. Visceral manipulation encourages your own healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal and fascial systems.
Acute Disorders
Whiplash
Seatbelt Injuries
Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries
Surgical Recovery
Digestive Disorders
Bloating and Constipation
Nausea and Acid Reflux
GERD
Swallowing Dysfunctions
Women’s and Men’s Health Issues
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis
Fibroids and Cysts
Dysmenorrhea
Bladder Incontinence
Prostate Dysfunction
Referred Testicular Pain
Effects of Menopause
Hernia
Emotional Issues
Anxiety and Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stress
Insomnia
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Somatic-Visceral Interactions
Chronic Spinal Dysfunction
Headaches and Migraines
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Peripheral Joint Pain
Sciatica
Chronic pain
Pain Related to
Scar Tissue and Adhesions
Fibromyalgia
Pediatric Issues
Constipation and Gastritis
Stress/Anxiety/Depression
Bladder Issues
Infant Colic
Dr. Carter has been trained in craniosacral therapy, massage, Tui Na (Chinese bodywork), and visceral manipulation. She believes hands on therapies are crucial to the healing process and incorporates them frequently into her treatments.
Dr. Liz is awesome. I went to see her to help me heal my ulcerative colitis. I knew that I needed a holistic approach with bodywork, supplements, and a support system. She has a healing touch and a very genuine desire to help. I was in a pretty bad place with my health when I first went to see her, but I was trying to get on the road to recovery.
Dr. Liz was very understanding and just jumped in to start the healing journey. She was a major part in the healing process and after months of being sick I finally felt normal again. I’m so thankful to her. Go see her if you’re looking for an all around amazing person and wonderful naturopathic doctor!
“Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside.”
~Albert Schweitzer