Advanced Visceral Manipulation; Neuroendocrine Approach to the Abdomen

This book is different, yet complementary to the book series of Visceral Manipulation and Visceral Manipulation II.

The Neuroendocrine Approach to the Abdomen presents a global approach to dysfunctions of the abdomen, with innovative considerations as to how manual practitioners can have an influence on the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Advanced Visceral Manipulation techniques are presented that work with the neuroendocrine system, together with their effects on the abdomen and implications for the lower extremities.

Certain intersections of the body frequently have tissue tensions that are difficult to treat. Such crossroads exist between cavities: the head and the thorax, the thorax and the upper limbs, the thorax and the abdomen, the abdomen and the pelvis, and their relationships with the lower limbs. In this book, we focus on the abdomen and its junction with the lower limbs. In addition, we cover the peritoneal organs, as well as the kidneys.

Crossroads involve interesting changes in direction, such as at vascular trunks, lymphatic vessels, nerve trunks, myofascial groups, and joints. A vulnerable zone can be found in any structure at the location of the change in direction. Circulatory disturbances, visceral spasm, muscle contracture, neural compression, and myofascial inflammation, are often the consequence. It is essential that our fingers be able to analyze and resolve abnormal tissue tensions at the body’s crossroads.

The strategic crossroads of the abdomen contain multiple nerve receptors that are sensitive to mechanical tension. They also detect pressure differences, however minimal. The neuroendocrine system is activated or inhibited, by these small pressure variations. Through precise manual evaluation techniques, learn to feel the pressure differences and to analyze many tissue fixations, with finesse and accuracy.

Each anatomical area (greater omentum, peritoneum, aorta, diaphragm, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, liver, small intestine, colon, kidneys, adrenal glands, and inguinal canal) is presented in the same manner: an introduction to anatomy, followed by vascularization, innervation, simplified embryology, and physiology.

Osteoarticular relationships complete each chapter. More than one hundred original anatomical drawings and photos accompany detailed descriptions of the various tests and techniques.

This comprehensive book is addressed to all osteopaths and practitioners of manual therapy who wish to strengthen their knowledge and learn new evaluation and therapeutic skills.