Dr. Jean Pierre Barral, an osteopath in Grenoble, France, developed Visceral Manipulation in 1971. Dr. Barral was treating a patient who had back pain. The patient confirmed he felt relief when “an old man” he’d been going to “pushed on his abdomen”. Dr. Barral noticed increased movement in his spine. This sparked his curiosity in the body’s internal relationship with the spine.

After years of research, thousands of clients, and his profound knowledge of the anatomy, he developed Visceral Manipulation. Europeans undergo vigorous testing in VM before earning their diploma on the internal structures. Dr. Barral will often say “IF YOU ARE CAUSING PAIN YOU ARE NOT DOING THE WORK CORRECTLY..THE BODY HAS HAD ENOUGH PAIN”.

There are 4 factors that they have found influence the function of the viscera. The soft tissue that is to be referred to as the viscera is the nerve tissue, blood vessels, organs and the brain.

1. Physical Factor: encompasses motor vehicle accidents, birth, falls surgery and abuse both physical and sexual.

2. Thermal: heat exhaustion, sunstroke, frostbite, hypothermia, burns.

3. Chemical: includes excess alcohol, smoking, poisoning and exposure to toxic substances, drugs, and infections be it viral or bacterial.

4. Emotional: increased stress, anger, depression, and fears.

The viscera is governed by the involuntary nervous system and does not differentiate between physical and psychological pain. For example receiving news of the death of a loved one can cause real physical symptoms of nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, etc.

In a treatment loose clothing is worn. The internal structures have a different tension in gravity than in lying down, so assessments are done in standing and in sitting.

The brain in also classified as viscera. The cranial osteopathic techniques release strain patterns in the membranes surrounding the brain therefore restoring balance in the environment around the brain. Yes, it directly affects the cerebrospinal fluid as in the Craniosacral work of Dr. John Upledger.

I have been studying with Jean Pierre since 1997. In October 1999, I travelled to St Etienne, France. At the International Osteopathic College I studied the urogenital manual techniques. In Ayr, Scotland I join the U.K. division of the Barral Institute to enhance my skills with Dr. Barral. He shares his new research and techniques. I await to return for the “Brain” Class once Covid restrictions lift.

I see amazing results and have had the personal experience through my chronic pain journey of this successful and profound work. I see it as a key to wellness….Naturally.