Viscera is the word used to name all the internal organs of the body such as the lungs, stomach and liver. Just as every bone in the body has it's own subtle, inherent motion, so too do the organs of the body. Organs also move in response to any movement of the body including breathing. If there is a disruption to the pattern of movement of the organ itself, or to the surrounding organs and tissues, the health and function of that organ may be compromised. Visceral manipulation, by working on the organ and its connections, helps to restore the proper healthy pattern of movement and function.

Visceral manipulation is useful for treating both recent and long standing problems. For example, A hiatus hernia occurs when the stomach gets pulled up through a hole in the diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe). This results in heartburn and digestive problems. The stomach cannot move properly and blood supply and nerve function are also negatively effected. Visceral manipulation will help drop the stomach back down to where it belongs and restore its proper, healthy movement, alleviating the heartburn and digestive problems.

Many women experience some difficulty with bladder function after they have given birth. The pressure of labour can push the organ down; it then gets stuck in that position. Visceral manipulation of the bladder lifts the organ, helping to restore control.

The technique of visceral manipulation involves exerting pressure from the surface of the body inwards. Sometimes a deep pressure is used to reach and move the organs being treated. If they are particularly restricted, patients may find the manipulation causes some discomfort, but don't worry, this doesn't last long!

I use visceral manipulation to treat a variety of conditions in a number of organs, including:

• Bladder: recurrent infections, prolapse, incontinence, prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bed-wetting in children
• Uterus: infertility, menstrual pain or irregularity, fibroids, post-partum, post-Caesrean section, polycystic ovaries, pain with intercourse
• Stomach and small intestine: hiatus hernia, ulcers (not bleeding), indigestion, excessive burping, colic in babies
• Large intestine (colon): irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, Crohn's disease, colitis, diverticulitis, flatulence, low back pain, diarrhea
• Liver and Gall Bladder: sluggish digestion, constipation, jaundice, gall stones, 'toxic' headache
• Lungs: post-infection, coughs, all respiratory conditions, eg. asthma, shoulder problems, rib restrictions
• Kidneys: post-infection, hip flexor restrictions, eg. psoas muscle