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Sounds strange doesn’t it? Most people don’t really know what it is but it’s less complicated than you think. Viscera is a term used for our organs and visceral massage works to release the adhesions around the organs and position them in proper alignment for optimal function.

Tension within the abdomen, pelvic dysfunction, and poor posture are some of the reasons why our organs tend to get compressed and strained. If they are strained how can they do the job they are meant to do without compromising their performance?

Think of it this way – our organs are somewhat soft, some more than others but they actually suspend more or less in our thorax with ligaments and fascia holding them in place. Some even sit within a sac! The stomach, liver, intestines, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas are enclosed in this visceral sac which is then surrounding by fluid and another sac. All of this fascia and fluid is supposed to slide and glide around each other to keep the organs soft and hydrated. Pretend you have a bean bag and you squish it on one corner – this pushes the beans over to one side, contorting it and this can happen with your organs. Say your hip has been really tight- abdominal muscles have been tight on that side so your pelvis bones get out of alignment then your ribs and low back get tight.This folding to the one side of your body isn’t going to allow your organs to sit where they should – they can get moved and compressed.

The fascia and abdominal muscles can be treated and released but the deep fascia around the organs can still be affected. This causes some other problems which may present as fatigue, constipation, indigestion, shallow breathing etcetera – many issues can arise from organ dysfunction.

Viscera massage is much like fascial release but gentle and yet much deeper. Often it is very relaxing and feels great. The name sounds aggressive but the technique is actually very fine tuned and you don’t want to be aggressive around these wonderful structures that run our bodily functions!

This technique is not done by all therapists so if you are interested make sure you ask for one that has taken Visceral Massage courses.

In the meantime you can self treat a little – try massaging your belly with a half moon sort of stroke – start on your lower left side and gently drag towards your pubic bone. Continue this stroke moving up the abdomen, along the lower rib cage and right side of your abdomen. Remember to always keep the stroke direction and pressure toward the left side where you started- this is following the large intestine and out to the rectum. This is a very easy technique to increase bowel movement.

The body is amazing isn’t it! Our therapists are nerds for this stuff so please ask us questions so we can teach you more!

Caroline Iwasaki, RMT