Movement and life are inseparable. There can be movement without life, but there can not be life without motion. When we have access to more movement we feel more alive. There are many levels of activity in the body, from muscular movement, to cellular pulsations, rhythmic contractions of the heart, and diaphragm and cerebral spinal fluid, and more subtle gravitational movements in the organs. These subtle movements in the organs can have a profound effect on the overall health of the rest of the body.The visceral system relies on the interconnected synchronicity between the motions of the organs and other structures of the body. At optimal health, these harmonious relationships maintain equilibrium despite the body’s endless varieties of motion.
But when one organ cannot move in harmony with the surrounding organs or it’s supporting structures because of 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. That chronic irritation, in turn, paves the way for disease and dysfunction. ?Imagine an adhesion around the liver. It would create a modified axis that demands abnormal accommodations from nearby structures that the body would have to protect with more superficial holding. Visceral mobility has a profound effect on how free we are to move in our bodies.
Visceral Manipulation employs specifically placed manual forces that work to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. By harnessing the rhythmic motions of the organs, we can evaluate and balance how visceral forces interplay, overlap and improve the normal healthy forces of movement in the body. These gentle manipulations can improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.
This is subtle, gentle and extremely effective work.
Visceral Work in Structural Integration
Visceral work as it is done by Osteopaths is a treatment for visceral disease. However, there is a way of working with the fascia of the viscera to help with the goals of structural integration. Any fixation in this fascia can affect support, balance and ease just as a fixation in the connective tissue of a muscle or a joint would. The fascia of the viscera has strong affects on the structures of the body. Releasing strains in the organs can be very helpful in enhancing core support and organizing the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle. Combining indirect and direct techniques we can release, balance and integrate this core fascia and further open and align the entire structure.
A Visceral Core Integration Series is a perfect compliment to deepen the affects of the Basic Hellerwork series. It can also be used to address specific health concerns.
My Training in Visceral Manipulation
I have spent the last four years training with several schools of visceral manipulation, including, Visceral Core Integration developed by Advanced Rolfer and Visceral Therapist Liz Gaggini, with 16 years of study in the application of visceral techniques to structural integration. I continue to expand my knowledge and application of this work in my practice, through study groups with other therapists, and in continued training.
For more information about visceral work in Structural Integration the following article provides more information on the subject:
