Gentle techniques are used to release layers of abdominal fascia and other connective tissue surrounding and supporting the muscles and organs of the abdominal cavity. Treatment techniques and protocols are based partly on the work of Jean-Pierre Barral, DO. The underlying theory that he put forward states:

“an organ or viscera in good health has physiologic motion. This motion is an independent one because of the serous membranes which envelop the organ, and fasciae, ligaments and other living tissue which bind it to the rest of the organism. Physiologic motion can be divided into two components: (1) visceral mobility (movement of the viscera in response to voluntary movement, or the movement of the diaphragm in respiration); and (2) visceral motility (inherent motion of the viscera themselves). All viscera should function properly, without any restrictions. Any restriction, fixation or adhesion to another structure, no matter how small implies functional impairment of the organ. The consequent modification of its movement, repeated thousands of times daily in the body, can bring about significant changes, both to the organ itself and related structures. It is our experience that through manipulation it is possible to bring about and improvement in function by restoring some measure of proper motion.”

Treatment includes restoring mobility through direct and indirect release of the visceral fascia and ligament attachments and restoring motility by monitoring the inherent motion of an organ and restoring motility in specific planes of motion by induction. The same techniques can also be applied to the sphincters of the digestive system. The resultant improvement in organ function can have far reaching effects both in overall health and in the reduction of pain in other areas of the body. The pain relief may be the either the result of direct attachments of the organ to muscle or bony structures, or as a result of visceral/somatic reflexes. Chronic recurring constipation or diarrhea may also be helped resulting in improved absorption and elimination.