VM Study Group Overview
Welcome to your online Visceral Manipulation study group!
Each study group will be specific to the organs and tissues you learned in the core curriculum through the Barral Institute.
The pre-requisites to be involved in this exciting new study group model is completion of the level of training specific to each group through the Barral Institute.
My goals in creating this new online study group...
First, as manual therapists we can all benefit from a more precise understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Second, the online format provides us an incredible opportunity to connect with one another in a unique way that goes beyond what we are able to do physically. Each of us has very busy schedules and our lives are full of many things that can make it a challenge for some of us to travel long distances in order to engage in a physical hands-on study group.
I know that some of you live in remote areas, which can make it difficult for you to feel connected to your visceral colleagues.
We all know what it feels like when we take a class, or show up at a convention where all your like-minded colleagues are gathered with a single purpose, and focused attention. We are there to learn and grow as practitioners, and network as professionals.
This is the goal of this online VM study group; to create a community of like-minded VM practitioners, to help you grow in your understanding of how visceral manipulation can be integrated into your practices, and in the very fabric of your lives.
Another goal of this new online visceral manipulation study model, if you so choose, is to prepare you for VM certification through the Barral Institute.
Another benefit of this online formate is that you can take it one step at a time...at your own pace.
The VM study group consist of 7 modules. Each of the first six modules will be focused on a specific organ. They are organized in a logical sequence. Each module builds on the previous module. Although you can skip around from one module to another you may want to take them one module after the other, one unit after the other. This is a great way to organize your thinking and your studies. Make sure you click the "mark as completed" so you can keep a record of your amazing progress.
Within each module there are 5 units.
In Unit #1
I will provide you with an overview of what you can expect to learn from this particular module.
In Unit #2
You can read my chapters regarding that specific modules target organ. I am currently writing a new series of books titled "Physiological & Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation". As each new chapter is completed I will be loading them on the site for you to have first access.
Just as with everything, what you are able to achieve from this experience will be directly related to what you put into it.
After reading and studying each chapter you will have a better understanding of the embryology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology of each particular organ. This will only serve to enhance your clinical practice and integration of Barral's visceral manipulation.
In Unit #3
I have also chosen a few select articles you might find interesting to read from the medical literature. For those of you who are especially interested in reading scientific journal articles this unit will be of particular interest to you. I have also chosen a few select additional articles you might find interesting to read.
In Unit #4
You will have the opportunity to listen to a recorded layered palpation where I will guide you through the various layers of tissue and structures associated with that module's organ. They are, in essence, “visceral meditations”.
Each “visceral meditation” is set to soothing music, the goal of which is to help enhance your learning as it balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This allows you to listen and feel through the various layers without a lot of mental chatter.
Give yourself permission to feel everything! Some of these are very subtle layers of tissue and require you to use your wonderful ability to visualize. If you struggle feeling a structure please, do not get stressed by this but play and allow yourself the space to feel… even when you doubt yourself. Allow yourself the space to feel things completely new and different.
The first time you listen to a track do so with an anatomy book in front you. Visualize and imagine your hand feeling these various tissues. Then, the second time you go through this experience do so with your hand on a person.
Most importantly, have fun with this!
In Unit #5
I will provide you with an overview of the module, what you have learned, as well as a quiz designed to check your understanding as well as inspire you to fill in any gaps in your understanding.
In my introduction to each unit I will be giving you some assignments to complete. These assignments will be from the Netter Anatomy Coloring Book (2nd Edition). There are numerous anatomy coloring books on the market but this one stands out among them all. These assignments will stimulate your learning process and provide you with a fun way of learning anatomy and physiology.
You can purchase the Netter Anatomy Coloring Book (2nd Edition) on Amazon (CLICK ME).
How will you benefit from this experience?
At the end of these study groups you will have a greater understanding of the organs and tissues you are working with, which will translate into enhanced palpation skills and greater precision in your manual therapy practice and greater benefit to your patients.
You will have online access to my recordings of me guiding you through a layered palpation / visualization of each organ and it's surrounding tissues and layers. This will enhance your palpation skills.
If you plan on Barral Institute certification, this will become a wonderful way for you to prepare for that certification.