VISCERAL OSTEOPATHY

Visceral Osteopathy is an expansion of the general principles of Osteopathy that includes a complete knowledge of the organs, blood vessels and nerves (viscera).

Visceral treatment eliminates the imbalances and tensions that form between the organs and the various structures of the body.

The pioneer of visceral osteopathy is the French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral. He drew on the principles of Andrew Taylor Still and William Garner Sutherland to create this highly specific method of visceral assessment and treatment.

---

What is Visceral Osteopathy used for?

There are many situations in which visceral osteopathy is effective, such as:

– Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

– Digestive problems

– Back pain

– Cervicalgia

– Lumbar pain

– Shoulder pain

– Hip pain

– Whiplash

– Carpal tunnel

– Headache and migraine

– Suction problems

– Constipation

– Malocclusion

---

Gut: The Internal Organs  

By viscera, we refer to the internal organs and their membranes. The organs have slippery surfaces and are attached to the walls of the body cavities and the spine through ligaments.

During spinal movement, the organs connected to it also move. The internal organs must allow the trunk to bend and rotate, and the diaphragm to move during breathing. Their movement is determined by the insertion of the ligaments.

Adhesions and surgical scars, infections, or other visceral issues can hinder or restrict the movement of the organs.

If the visceral organs cannot move properly, this could be the cause of stiffness or pain that may occur in other parts of the body.

The more rigid and blocked an area of the body is, the more energy we need to use to maintain the health and functionality of that area.

---

Visceral Tensions  

Visceral tensions can be reflected in posture. When an organ can no longer move normally, areas of tension are created where joint movement decreases.

If the reduced mobility area is in the front of the body, we will have a forward-flexed posture. With tension on one side, we will have a twisting attitude of the trunk.

There is a saying in Visceral Osteopathy that “the body surrounds the injury.” This means that the person will seem to envelop the area of rigidity.

---

Why do tensions arise?  

There are many causes that lead to areas of tension and restricted movement, which can include: after surgery, with scars. The larger and deeper the scar, the more significant its resistance will be.

Organs can suffer trauma, such as whiplash. The belt can create significant pressure on the sternum, stomach, heart, and kidneys.

Tension may exist in an organ from birth.

A restriction or tension in one or more organs does not mean that you need to have a pathology. Often, ultrasound and blood tests show nothing, but from a structural point of view, a muscle can be intact but painful and contracted, even though an organ may be healthy, but not very functional!