What does "visceral manipulation" aim to address in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM)?

Visceral manipulation is a specialized technique within osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) that focuses specifically on addressing dysfunctions in internal organs. By improving the mobility and function of these organs, visceral manipulation aims to enhance overall health and restore balance within the body. The rationale behind this practice is that when organs are restricted or not functioning optimally, they can contribute to a range of symptoms and may lead to systemic health issues.

Practitioners of visceral manipulation utilize gentle manual techniques to identify and treat these restrictions, promoting improved circulation, nerve function, and overall organ health. This approach is particularly unique to osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes the interrelationship between the body's structure and function.

In contrast, other options like joint alignment issues or muscle tension and spasm are primarily addressed by different facets of OMM that focus more directly on the musculoskeletal system. Skin disorders related to stress do not typically fall within the scope of visceral manipulation, as this technique specifically targets internal organ function rather than external conditions.