Principles of Visceral Manipulation
The body hugs the lesion. We find adhesions by tracing the lines of tension (felt by listening) to their source. This phrase states that these lines of tension have a focal point or focal area. The body naturally contorts toward the focal point or lesion. When someone gets punched or shot they clutch the wound. In the same way, when an organ becomes restricted, the body ‘clutches’ the area and actually lays down fibrous tissue in efforts to protect the area. The result is a shortening and thickening (with loss of elasticity) of the tissues around the restricted site.
Only the tissues know. The tissues of the body constantly respond to many stimuli. We may think we know a lot about a person or their body. Especially with our extensive knowledge of functional anatomy and health conditions, we recognize patterns and then may be able to predict or infer what is happening. In a way, this is what diagnosis is. Patients tell us their symptoms and we categorize them and then come up with a diagnosis and treatment strategy. But to truly know what is happing to the body at the present moment, we must listen to the body. All of the necessary information is in the tissues, not locked away in some abstract concept in the mind. Muscle memory affirms this type of tissue-based knowledge. In VM, we diagnose by pinpointing where the adhesion (the focal point of the tension) is. We make no inferences beyond that. To treat, we feel for which directions these tissues are restricted and then employ various techniques to release the restrictions. If the tissues are restricted and wound up, they can unwind. Our job is to help them unwind.
Maximum precision, minimum force. Anatomical understanding is of huge importance in VM. Our primary goal is to remove restrictions and adhesions. Knowing the anatomy is essential, especially in the intricate system of ligaments and tendons that support and guide the ROM of the organs. As for force, squashing an adhesion doesn’t work so well with organs. Most organs don’t take kindly to being squashed. These highly neurological organs respond very well to light stimuli. In the same way a feather is more ticklish than heavy rub, light touch can produce a stronger neurological response than a forceful or invasive touch. If we apply the treatment to the precise location, we maximize the result. This motto is also an acupuncture motto, since acupuncture uses the very gentle stimulus of a tiny needle, in precise points, to effect the body.
More specificity. Again, more precision means better results.