Benjamin Shield, Ph.D.
Visceral (Organ) Manipulation
Visceral manipulation is a fascinating technique and a crucial adjunct to bodywork that focuses on treating the ‘whole person.’ My goal within this work is to address common somatic symptoms that have a visceral origin. This approach is invaluable in the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of numerous conditions involving digestive, thoracic, pre- and post-pregnancy, and urogenital issues. It is also essential to gently evaluate and treat organs and organ systems after trauma, illness, and surgery, emphasizing the holistic nature of this practice.
When digestive disorders are present, evaluating and treating the diaphragm, stomach, small intestines, colon, liver, and gall bladder may be beneficial. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Referred pain patterns
- Restrictions of the diaphragm
- Liver and gall bladder disorders
- Hiatal hernia
- Gastritis
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- Ileocecal valve problems
- Colitis
- Chronic constipation
When dealing with urogenital disorders, it’s important to consider the external evaluation and treatment of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, uterus, and ovaries. Understanding the relationship of the urogenital viscera to its influence on the spine, pelvic floor, and lower extremities is of particular importance, as it highlights the interconnectedness of the body.
Some of the common urogenital symptoms that I evaluate and treat in my practice include:
- Ptosed (dropped) kidneys
- Bladder dysfunction, incontinence, hypersensitivity, prolapse, and adhesions
- Dysmenorrhea
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- terine retroversion and prolapse
- Prevention of obstetrical problems
- Mechanical and functional disorders of the ovaries and uterine tubes
- Visceral influence on circulatory problems, low back, and leg pain
When thoracic disorders are present, the evaluation and treatment of the thoracic viscera may be beneficial. Some of the common thoracic conditions include symptoms of the following:
- Lungs: including pulmonary complications, conditions of the pleura, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Heart and pericardium
- Thymus
- Lymphatic system
- Nerve and vascular plexi affecting these structures
The goal is to evaluate the position, anatomical relationship of the organs, movement, and function of the organs and organ systems. It is my philosophy that as we normalize structure, function will follow.