Visceral Mobilization: Freeing Fascial Interfaces Among the Organs

Presented by Lauren Christman and Richard Polishuk

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. Includes consideration of scar tissue as a possible limitation of movement. 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 over-riding the body’s limits. 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.

Who is this workshop for?

Bodyworkers / manual therapists of all backgrounds.

Please check with the office before making non-refundable travel arrangements, on the chance that the course is under-enrolled and may be canceled. 

Lauren Christman’s love of teaching was sparked first as a faculty member at the Brian Utting School of Massage (1995-2003). Team teaching across all topics was the foundation of this licensing program, and this became a guide for her approach to the classroom. During this time, Lauren also entered the world of continuing education by assisting her mentors in craniosacral therapy, structural bodywork and professional ethics. In 2005, she completed a teacher training with Tom Myers and began teaching Anatomy Trains classes regionally and nationally. She later became a Senior Faculty member in Myers’ Structural Integration training (KMI), teaching nationally and abroad, from 2007-2013. Alongside these programs, Lauren began developing short courses with her husband, Richard Polishuk, in Intraoral Work, Pediatric Fascial Balancing and Myofascial Balancing. In 2017, she began teaching the Craniosacral—A Healing Art certification program based in Seattle. This program offers an expansive umbrella under which Lauren can share her love of anatomy, osteopathic principles and treatments as well as a rich exploration of the healing process.

About Richard: I began teaching at the Brian Utting School of Massage, and in Ben Benjamin’s CE courses, soon after becoming a massage therapist. I spent the first 12 years of my practice deeply involved in both studying and teaching. In retrospect, it’s clear that I was searching for clarity in assessing and problem-solving. Luckily, I found it! As of about 1999, I began to feel that I had something of my own to say about the field—what we now call Myofascial Balancing—and my work has evolved quite naturally since then.

Get in touch if you have questions about this course.