Visceral Manipulation is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the body’s visceral system (the lungs, liver, stomach, intestines and other internal organs) to locate and alleviate abnormal points of tension throughout the belly and thorax of the body.

At optimal health, the relationship between the organs (viscera) and structures of the body (muscles, membranes, fasciae and bones) remains stable despite the body’s endless varieties of motion. But when one organ can’t move in harmony with its surrounding viscera due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement, it works against all the body’s organs and 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.

Visceral Manipulation at MIDLINE is less about pathology of organs and more focused on how they are working within the structural ideals of the body. The viscera of the body enjoy a greater priority of comfort than the musculo-skeletal system both in movement and structure. Therefore it is important for visceral issues to be resolved in order to allow the whole structure of the body to find balance.

The therapist employs specifically placed manual forces that work to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. Trained practitioners use the rhythmic motions of the visceral system to evaluate how abnormal forces interplay, overlap and affect the normal body forces at work. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.

Some common ailments that lead to adhesions in the Visceral Structure: Asthma, Tuberculosis, Childhood lung diseases, Digestive Disorders (Parasites, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Issues of the Colon/Small Intestine (Colitis, Appendicitis), Renal Ptosis ('fallen' kidneys), Bladder Infections and Ureter/Ovary difficulty.

Most adhesion in the Visceral System happens with the occurance of inflammation in the tissue. Due to the liquid and elastic nature of the Fascial Matrix of the Visceral Body, inflammation leads to a 'gummy, sticky' adhesion that limits movement. By inhibiting the sliding motions of organs upon one another, the external body is also restricted in its movement potential.