Time Magazine, citing his development of Visceral Manipulation, named Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral (physiotherapist and osteopath) one of the Top Healing Innovators to watch in the new millennium. According to Barral, 90% of all musculoskeletal issues are beginning in the viscera. He is also the developer of Neural Manipulation, along with Dr. Alain Croibier, osteopath.

Learn more about Visceral Manipulation at The Barral Institute where it is explained in depth.

How will the technique be used during my session?

Ideally, I will do a "listening" before we begin. I'll have you stand with your back to me while I place a hand on your head, gently pressing down and lifting up. This allows me to detect where there are tensions and pulls within your body. Then while lying down I'll repeat with a similar technique along your torso, looking again for tissue pulls. This "listening" will guide me to where you have restrictions in your tissues that require release. Many areas can be released while you are lying down, others are better in a sitting position. Typically I will hold a structure and follow its inherent motion encouraging it to release restrictions and find its physiological balance. The techniques are very gentle and respectful of the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Often I will do all of this while you are still clothed. If we decide to do visceral work after beginning your massage, I will adapt and fit it into the massage, perhaps doing some seated work after you redress.

What type of problems can Visceral Manipulation help with?

Here are a few of the issues for which Visceral Manipulation was found to be helpful:

• Whiplash
• Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries
• Digestive Disorders
• Bloating and Constipation
• Nausea and Acid Reflux
• GERD
• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Joint Pain
• Pain related to scar tissue