Visceral Manipulation is based on the specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera (internal organs) and their connective tissues. By using specific techniques, practitioners can evaluate how abnormal forces interplay, overlap and affect the normal body forces at work. 

The goal is to help the body’s normal forces remove abnormal effects, whatever their sources. Effects can be global, encompassing many areas of bodily function. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.

Practitioners using Visceral Manipulation assess the dynamic functional actions as well as the somatic structures that perform individual activities. They also evaluate the quality of the somatic structures and their functions in relation to an overall harmonious pattern, with motion serving as the gauge for determining quality.

Due to the delicate and often highly reactive nature of the visceral tissues, precisely directed gentle force reaps the greatest results. As with other methods of manipulation that affect the body deeply, Visceral Manipulation works only to assist the forces already at work. Because of that, trained practitioners can be sure of benefiting the body rather than adding further injury or disorganisation.