Visceral manipulation is a technique developed by French Osteopath, Jean Pierre Barral. It involves a very gentle (grams of pressure) mobilization of the internal organs so that they can move appro- priately in response to the downward push of the diaphragm. Adhesions between the viscera are fairly common and can result from surgical intervention as well as local inflammation of the organs. Adhesions disrupt the normal movement of the organ and can lead to disturbance of function.

I became interested in this work when it became apparent to me how many problems of the musculo-skeletal system were directly related to internal dysfunction. Frequently freeing a kidney's movement, for example, will improve leg or back pain. This technique is normally painless. It is not used when it creates pain or when medical treatment is necessary.