The viscera are all the organs and glands in your body, such as the stomach, uterus and gallbladder for example. These organs and glands are where most of our vital processes occur. When there is restriction or constriction, our health begins to suffer. All the organs move rhythmically automatically on their own without any conscious effort on our part. Part of this movement is called peristalsis. This is the movement that pushes the food through our digestive system.) esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine). It is kind of like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. The liver, spleen, ovaries, etc move in their own separate rhythm. This movement usually coincides with the movement of the bones in our head (cranial respiratory rhythm) or our breathing. Proper movement of the viscera is essential for good health. When this movement is restricted, blood and lymph flow to the organ or gland is diminished. Blood and lymph provide the nutrients necessary to keep the organ or gland healthy. Also this diminished flow of fluids causes stagnation, which leads to toxicity. This stagnation can impede the flow of food through our stomach and intestines. Constriction of organ movement can also interfere with the secretion of bile, enzymes and hormones as ducts become pinched off or blocked.

Covering and wrapping around all these organs is layers of fascia. The fascia covers all our organs, muscles, brain and spinal cord. It is that cellophane like layer of tissue you see covering a piece of chicken. And in between the tissues and fascia is the interstitial space. This can also get kinked up or stuck to the surrounding tissues or organs. The end result of all these problems is decreased health and vitality of the organs and glands and lower level of ability to do the work organ or gland is supposed to perform.

A couple good examples are: Hiatal Hernia and Gallbladder congestion. In Hiatal Hernias the stomach rides up and gets stuck or pushes through the hole (diaphragmatic hiatus) in the diaphragm that separates the abdomen and the thorax. This cause stomach acids to pass back up to the esophagus and cause heartburn symptoms. It also interferes with the normal movement of food and the production of stomach acids, which leads to poor digestion. Causes of Hiatal Hernias are: eating too fast, eating under stress, laying down too soon after eating, stress and improper breathing. (Most people don't breath correctly.) In Gallbladder Congestion the duct that allows bile to flow into the Small Intestine gets closed or blocked. The area of the Small Intestine where the Gallbladder drains into can also become spasmed, shutting off the draining of bile. This causes the Gallbladder to become distended and painful. In addition to being painful, bile is essential for the digestion of fats. Many who have Gallbladder problems will taste fats long after eating or feel bloated after eating fats. Proper Gallbladder function is also necessary for the processing of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Gallbladder Congestion is caused by: high or bad fat diets, eating under stress, liver toxicity and poor breathing. Other common areas of visceral mal-position or restriction are the Uterus, Kidneys, Liver and Large Intestine.

The good news is that these problems be helped with Visceral Manipulation. In my office I perform Visceral Manipulation both by hand and with the Fulford Percussor. Manual manipulation uses a gentle but constant force to mobilize the tissue and fascia. The Fulford Percussor is little more intense but generally comfortable. It goes deeper and helps break up the the restrictions in the fascia which bind the tissues and organs. Neuro Emotional technique is often important in resolving constricted viscera. Often there are emotional connections to the problems. Nutritional supplementation may needed to help heal the organs, glands or tissues involved.

The movement and function of the viscera is often ignored. But as you have seen above movement is life!