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Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on the subtle mechanics of the whole body. It is based on the philosophy that all parts of the body function together in an integrated way. Osteopathy aims to treat and strengthen all the mobile structures of the body, whether structural (joints, muscles and spine), visceral (organs) or cranium (head).
During a typical therapy a broad range of gentle hands-on techniques – such as soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure and manipulation of joints – are used to improve circulation and balance the body systems.
If one part of the body is restricted, the rest of the body has to adapt and compensate for this loss of movement – this leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. In fact, the consequences of restriction of a part may be manifold and far-reaching.
For example, a restriction to the liver may influence the metabolism, which in turn may lead to digestive problems related to fat and sugar intolerances. Or it may influence the mechanics of the spine, which may lead to pain and reduced vitality. We have also seen the effects of a hysterectomy on other organs, and how these can result in digestive symptoms and bowel issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment can assist the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility, and in doing so, provide the body with the opportunity of healing itself. |
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Visceral manipulation is a gentle form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs (such as the liver, kidneys and intestines), their environment and the potential influence their restriction may have on the body system.
Developed by French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral, Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve imbalances throughout the body. It encourages the body’s own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism. |
Visceral Manipulation increases nerve ending communication within the body, thereby relieving symptoms of pain and dysfunction.
It does not focus solely on the site of pain or dysfunction, but evaluates the entire body to find the source of the problem. During a therapy the practitioner feels for altered or decreased motion within the organs, as well as restrictive patterns throughout the body.
The goal of visceral manipulation is to help the body's normal forces to remove abnormal effects, whatever their sources. Harmony and health can only exist when motion is free and the range of motion is full – when motion is not laboured, overexcited, depressed, or conflicting with neighbouring structures and their mobility. |
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