Have You Ever Considered the Motion of Your Visceral Organs?

by SharonHartnett | Sep 29, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

Perhaps Not- Visceral organs are not usually a commonly discussed subject, unless something feels wrong or a diagnosis states as such.

So I’d like to bring this subject up for common discussion so that the general public has a better basic understanding of organ dynamics. Visceral Manipulation, a specialized hands-on massage modality includes techniques that have moved us into the forefront of significant health improvement to affected organs and those to which it relates in a positive direction. With this said, visceral motion has become an interest of mine, and I hope this will open more minds to the benefits of this work.

My favorite Read: Osteopathic concepts discussed in Jean-Pierre Barral’s book Visceral Manipulation give us a whole new outlook on health and wellbeing by teaching us to listen and address visceral restrictions by supporting self-correction within the appropriate system. This book dives into testing and resolving adhesions and fixation so that the body can function more optimally.

Life is movement, and the structures in our bodies need to flow in their organic waves internally if to function properly. The two movements that I learned about and work with are:

1. Mobility- During the movement of diaphragmatic motion, the diaphragm drops with inhalation. The organs in that area operate in multiple planes, each with dynamic basic patterns. Each organ has its own unique way it responds and relates. The heart and cardiac motion dance with the the the other systems as well. Blood rushing and circulating nourish and stir. And not forgetting digestion- peristalsis sends its powerful waves throughout the visceral container along with the Craniosacral Motion and such. With all these systems working together, the organs, when healthy move in optimal patterns to support the whole body. Adhesions can lesson functioning.

2. Motility- These are the intrinsic movements that are independent for each organ. With motility, the axis and directions are created from the beginning of development. There are two phases of motility: 1. expire and 2. inspire. This is a much more quiet type of movement that deserves more mindful attention to evaluate the axis and amplitude. When examining motility, one begins by listening to pairs of organs with a very light touch.

Let’s take one organ briefly into account. The example, the liver which is the largest digestive organ, can be helped to increase energy. Mobility and motility testing can give show indications of restrictions which affect not only the liver itself, but most likely the other organs nearby.

Visceral Manipulation

By flushing out the liver, metabolism can improve and one feels more vitality.

Usually Visceral Manipulation can be inserted into your regular massage routine. A normal session for one organ pair and related issues take about 20 minutes or so.

At Lighten Up Therapies, I like to integrate some of this work into the Craniosacral Sessions as they both seem to work hand in hand together. They both require a “listening” and supportive measures to help the body to self heal.

If you are interested in this type of work, please check with:

http://www.barralinstitute.com

My practice uses the basics, but I am happy to help you find the best resources if you call at: 614 372-6598 with a free 15 minute consultation.

Sharon Hartnett CST and LMT

740 966-5153

Feeling Tight? Structural Integration…

by SharonHartnett | Sep 21, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, Structural Integration

Feeling tight doesn’t necessarily come from muscular signals.

In fact, most massage therapists and bodyworkers who are experienced with years of practice will tell you that most of contraction comes from feeling connective tissue that is tight, adhered or twisted in the body. The connective tissue, being the material that holds everything together through its wrapping web, supports all the muscles, bones, and viscera down to the cellular level. It is responsible for length and freedom in the body or on the other side of the fence- containment and inflexibility. Feeling tight is a signal that your body needs attention. When aligned with healthier functioning in regards to gravity, Structural Integration can improve the quality of life quite a bit.

The connective tissue, called fascia, when in its optimal condition, is key to helping you to live a healthy life style as well as supporting a more centered, easily functioning way of Being.

Tight? Free your body into a more flowing, better organized structure.

Structural Integration, whose foundation is based on the work of Dr. Ida Rolf, is founded on a 10 series where a massage therapist will work with the whole body based on a formula of moving from superficial sleeve work down into the deeper core as each session progresses. The approach is unique in each session with the recipe, and also determined by how your body speaks to the practitioner.

The work can be done with a lighter touch, or a more deep penetrating version of Structural Integration.

What I have found through the years, it that for the best results, the bodyworker needs to listen to the body, but also to the verbal dialogue if something feels uncomfortable. Sometimes patterns need to be rustled a bit, and at other times, the body release much more when it loses its need to defend or fight against the intrusion. In the long run, the best work is something that can be integrated, and that means the giver and receiver are in a peaceful relationship during the session.

There are a few well known schools for Structural Integration. As the work evolves, new techniques and different approaches develop. If you are looking for the best local SI practitioner, you can look up schools such as the Rolf Institute or the Guild, but what is most important is that you resonate with the practitioner who will hold space for you release and open up to your fullest potential. Interview- get your questions answered. After all, this is something that can change your life for the better when lying down into the right hands!

For a free 15 minute phone consultation, call Sharon Hartnett LMT 614 372-6598.

Columbus, Ohio