The ability of the organs to glide freely around each other is vital, not only for the physiological task of each organ, but also for overall movement through the torso. Exploration of these fascial layers surrounding organs starts with a 'topographical' tour of the anatomy: where are the organs, what is their shape and how are they accessed? Refining our palpation of soft-tissue structures is highlighted as a part of both assessment and treatment.
Learn techniques to release fascial restrictions in the following abdominal organs: liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen, small and large intestines, bladder and kidneys. The lungs, bronchi and mediastinum are included. We'll work with the client in a variety of positions, to give us flexibility and versatility when approaching the organs.
Manual treatment will focus on mobilization, rather than motility, using direct and indirect contact. We'll discuss how to gauge one's application of force to meet the restriction, so that we treat safely and effectively, without overriding the body’s limits. Includes consideration of:
- scar tissue as a possible limitation of movement
- how whiplash and chronic stress effect the organs
- post-partum recovery strategies
- releasing the diaphragm as the key muscular ‘operator’ for organ mobility, and
- simple self-care strategies for maintaining free movement of the organs
This is a good class for practitioners who focus on structural bodywork, deep tissue, sports massage and other biomechanical methods, and want to add this critical geography to your work. It’s also a good class for those who have studied light-touch methods and want to clarify their palpation and widen their skillset. (For those interested in motility-oriented visceral work, we will offer Visceral Listening in 2027.)
Pre-requisite: There is no pre-requisite. The ability to perceive motility (CRI or mid-tide) will enhance your learning, but it is not required.
- A deposit of $100 may be made to guarantee your place as long as full payment is made by the first day of class.
- If you would like to register by paying the $100 deposit, go to the right side of the webpage. Just below the class price, there is a "Class Deposit" section. Click on the white circle next to the "$100 Class Deposit" option.
- The price will change to the $100 deposit price, then click on the green "Add to Cart" button. If you purchase a class with the deposit option, $370 for Non-Members, $340 for Members, $210 for Reviewers will be due at class.
- If you would like to pay the full price, then bypass the class deposit option and click on the green "Add to Cart" button.
- Reviewer's Rate: $310 If you have taken this class previously through the Therapeutic Training Center, you may review it at $310. If are eligible for the reviewer's discount, please call 206-853-6875 to verify reviewer status and to obtain a coupon code to use during checkout.
- Member Price: $440 for enrolled, current or graduated Craniosacral Core Series or Certification Program students. To pay this price, please obtain a coupon code by calling 206-853-6875 and use your coupon code at checkout.
- Non-Member Price: $470 for all others interested in this class
- "I loved the focus on HOW to access layers (peritoneum, omentum, intestines, etc.) under superficial fascia and when Lauren came around to help us feel and engage different layers. I also really liked Lauren’s approach to contraindications. I feel more empowered to really sit with what I feel in the body and go from there (to adjacent organ or zoom-out, zoom-in). This class helped me think more about how best to serve the whole system. Wahoo!" ~ Olga V.
- "I loved it all! It was important to learn how to engage the organs in a gentle and effective way to promote mobility. The combination of visual, verbal and kinesthetic brought the class together in a way that anchored the information to the body. With more practice, I feel that visceral mobilization could easily become a big component of my current practice." ~ Jen C
- "I expect that my whole practice will evolve to include visceral and cranial work. My whole sense of the body is different now. I will work with less effort and greater effect! I really enjoy your teaching style and enthusiasm and the diverse ways you help to show the anatomy and treatments. I can easily see the anatomy in my mind." ~ Anon. LMT