Visceral Manipulation

What is visceral manipulation?

Visceral manipulation is a manual therapy that can help with the normal physiological function of the internal organs.

It is the practice of using hands to move and release fascial restrictions in your abdomen and pelvis. It also encourages the normal movement and physiological function of your internal organs.

Your organs are attached to each other and your musculoskeletal system i.e. The front of the spine, ribs, back, and pelvis. When we breathe in our lungs expand and push our stomach out and down. We, therefore, see our stomachs expanding. The organs move in a pattern because of the way they are attached. As we breathe in, this pattern is down and forward in general.

So, this movement, of the organs, helps with normal digestion and the flow of blood in this area. We just have to remember how we feel after we have had a bit meal and then gone for a walk.

Tension, stress, injuries to the body can, therefore, can affect the way the “viscera” or organs work normally.

Visceral manipulation is movement

An example. The kidneys sit on the diaphragm. Each time we breathe in, the diaphragm descends and move the kidneys approximately 1-2cm. This movement is important in normal kidney(visceral) function. On average, a person at rest takes about 16 breaths per minute. This means we breathe about 960 breaths an hour, 23,040 breaths a day, 8,409,600 a year. That’s 19.2m an hour or 460m a day!

If there is a problem with this normal movement for any reason, it can have a physiological change in organ function. The physiological changes can, in some cases give rise to some of the following.

  • bloating
  • constipation
  • some symptoms of ibs
  • nausea
  • acid reflux
  • abdominal discomfort

Finally, it is important to note that vm does not treat pathology. It is very important to screen out any possible disease before any treatment is undertaken.

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