Visceral therapy

Visceral therapy is an osteopathic approach involving gentle manipulation of the viscera of the abdomen (liver, spleen, stomach, etc.).

Relatively recent, visceral therapy was developed by the father of osteopathy, the American Andrew Taylor Still, at the end of the 19th century.

Visceral therapy is based on the principle that disruption of the natural, subtle movements of internal organs can lead to nervous, vascular or mobility disorders. These disturbances, often due to adhesions, can be the cause of numerous ailments, including pain (knee, back, etc.), ENT disorders, stress-related disorders (nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, etc.), headaches and migraines, circulatory problems ("heavy legs"), urogenital disorders, digestive disorders (bloating, constipation, diarrhoea), etc.

Based on modern anatomy and physiology of the human body, visceral therapy represents a remarkable complement to the theories and methods of Chinese medicine. Indeed, organs have a very special place in Chinese medicine: they are not simply "anatomical viscera", but "governing centers" of a vast network, linking each organ to a specific tissue, sensory organ, coupled viscera, meridian system and body fluid.  

A disturbance in the "movement of Qi and Blood" in an organ can therefore give rise to a wide range of disorders. The fundamental aim of Chinese medicine is to restore the proper functioning of the organs, so that the network they are responsible for governing functions correctly.

Visceral therapy is therefore an excellent complement to the methods of Chinese medicine, and can easily be integrated with acupuncture or tuina treatments.