The Viscera refers specifically to the internal organs located within the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities in the body. For example, liver, stomach, and intestines.
Table of Contents
What is Visceral Manipulation?
A manual therapy consisting of gentle, specifically placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone, and inherent tissue motion of the viscera, their connective tissue, and other areas of the body where physiologic motion has been impaired.
How Do Organs Contribute to Pain and Dysfunction?
Our bodies need motion to be healthy. Motion is a sign of life itself. This same principle applies to every structure in our bodies including the viscera. For organs to be healthy and have optimal function they need to move with fluidity. Tissues lose their normal motion when they become inflamed. The natural healing reaction to inflammation involves local disruption of normal tissue fibers and their replacement with relatively inelastic granular tissue (scar tissue) causing restrictions and adhesions. Any restriction, fixation or adhesion to another structure, no matter how small, implies functional impairment of the organ. The consequent modification an organ’s motion, repeated thousands of times daily in the body, can bring about significant changes, both to the organ itself and to any related structures.
Contributing Factors to Tissue Inflammation and Visceral Restriction:
- Infections
- Surgery
- Physical trauma
- Postural habits
- Diet
- Environmental toxins
- Emotional stress
- Microbiome dysfunction
Emotions Within the Organs:
Our organs and connective tissues are deeply influenced by emotional states. The autonomic nervous system, fascia, and visceral tissues are interconnected, meaning chronic stress, fear, or grief can alter muscle tone, blood flow, and visceral mobility. These subtle tensions can create holding patterns within the abdomen, affecting digestion, posture, and even breathing rhythms. Through visceral manipulation and fascial work, the body is invited to release these stored patterns helping to regulate the nervous system and restore balance communication between the emotional and physical body. Clients often experience a sense of lightness, calm, and deeper connection to their core.
The Feel and Function of Visceral Manipulation:
Visceral manipulation is a gentle and precise therapy that works through subtle layers of the abdomen to restore natural motion and balance within the organs and connective tissue. During treatment the touch is light, slow and deeply listening-often described as a sensation of soft pressure, melting or unwinding. Rather than forcing change, the practitioner follows the body’s own rhythms to release tension patterns that may be pulling on surrounding fascia, muscles or joints. By freeing these restrictions, visceral manipulation helps improve organ mobility, lymphatic drainage, circulation, and communication between the viscera and the nervous system. This creates space for better digestion, posture, and overall vitality – supporting the body’s ability to self-regulate and function with greater ease.
Visceral Manipulation Can Help With:
- Digestive disorders such as bloating and constipation
- Post operative scar tissue pain such as post cesarean section and appendectomy
- Lower back pain
- Spinal dysfunction
- Headaches and migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Acid reflux
- And more!
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
As each person’s situation is different, the number of visits will vary. Many people experience significant improvement within 3-5 therapy sessions; others may need additional treatment. Each session is approximately 40 minutes. You and your practitioner will develop a plan based on your needs and how your body responds to treatments.