It is a holistic therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between the internal organs and the surrounding connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. It involves gentle, manual techniques to evaluate and improve the mobility and function of the organs within the body, aiming to enhance overall health and well-being. This holistic perspective recognizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and emphasizes the importance of addressing both physical and energetic aspects of health.
Derived from the insights of French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral in the 1970s, drawing from his understanding of anatomy, physiology, and osteopathic principles. Barral's approach takes into account not only the physical structures but also the subtle rhythms and energies that govern the body's functioning. VM is anchored in the premise that normal mobility of the organs and their connective tissues is crucial for optimal health. Just as muscles and bones need to move smoothly without restriction, so too do our internal organs. Over time, due to various factors like emotional and physical stressors such as surgeries, traumas, infections, or poor posture, the natural movement of these organs may become compromised, leading to a cascade of structural and functional issues.
The human body is a miraculous interplay of systems, with each organ and tissue harmoniously contributing to our overall well-being. Within the vast matrix of these systems, our viscera - or the internal organs within our thoracic, pelvic, and abdominal cavities - play a pivotal role in sustaining life. Visceral Manipulation (VM), a manual therapy technique, is based on balancing the inherent motion of these viscera and preserving their free, uninhibited movement.
The body systems are interconnected and therefore, a restriction or dysfunction in the viscera can reverberate throughout the body, potentially manifesting in seemingly unrelated symptoms. By restoring the natural movement of the viscera, VM not only addresses the direct issues within the organ systems but can also have a positive ripple effect throughout the entire body.
Treatment and Symptoms
Visceral Manipulation can address a wide range of symptoms and conditions by restoring proper organ mobility and function. Using gentle, specifically placed manual forces, Dr Shustina, an Osteopathic physician and Gasroenterologist, works to encourage the normal mobility of the affected viscera. This may involve direct manipulation of the organ, encouraging it to return to its natural rhythm, or it could involve working on surrounding tissues and structures to alleviate any compressive forces. VM and all the holistic treatments we use are tailored to the individual, recognizing that each person's body has its own unique history and needs. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, we store emotions in our internal organs. Utilizing VM, we have witnessed patients having a release of the emotional stress and feel overall calm, balanced and energized.
Some common symptoms and conditions that can benefit from Visceral Manipulation:
Digestive Disorders
Visceral Manipulation can help alleviate symptoms of various digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, Crohn's Disease, acid reflux, and bloating. By gently mobilizing and releasing tension in the gastrointestinal organs, this approach can improve the overall function of the digestive system.
Chronic Pain
The technique can be effective in relieving chronic pain conditions like back pain, pelvic pain, and even migraines. By addressing restrictions and imbalances in the organs and their surrounding tissues, Visceral Manipulation aims to restore proper alignment and reduce pain.
Emotional Well being
Holistic Integrative gastroenterologists recognize the intricate connection between emotions and gut health. Visceral Manipulation can potentially aid in releasing emotional tension stored in the organs, contributing to a sense of emotional well-being and stress reduction.
Postoperative Healing
After surgical procedures involving the abdominal region, scar tissue, and adhesions can develop, causing discomfort and limiting mobility. Visceral Manipulation can aid in breaking down scar tissue, improving circulation, and promoting healing postoperatively.
General Wellness
Even in the absence of specific symptoms, Visceral Manipulation can be used as a preventive measure to enhance overall health and optimize the body's self-regulatory mechanisms.
VM is a powerful tool which moves beyond mere symptomatic relief, aiming at the very heart of physiological and structural imbalances. While VM can be a potent modality for specific conditions, its real strength lies in the understanding that true health is a symphony of many parts working in harmony. By ensuring that our viscera move and function as nature intended, VM offers a path to not just alleviating ailments but to achieving a state of true holistic wellness.
By gently restoring proper organ mobility and addressing imbalances, this holistic approach aims to not only alleviate symptoms but also enhance the body's innate healing capacity.
At Whole Gut Health and Wellness, treatment modalities go beyond conventional medical practices. We incorporate a holistic and integrative approach that combines the latest medical research with time-tested natural remedies and therapies. By doing so, we aim to address the root causes of symptoms and illnesses.