Course overview
Course Descriptions
This page is structured firstly with a course overview and then course descriptions. Please scroll down for course descriptions and pre-requisites for each class or click on class name to move to its description. They are in order of Visceral Manipulation Courses, Neural Manipulation Courses and then other courses including Visceral Approach to Women’s Health. Not all classes are currently offered by BIUK, although we hope to offer them all in the future. If you have a particular request for a class please do contact us.
Visceral Manipulation Courses
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1)
Course Length: 4 Days, 24 Hours course time
Synopsis: In VM1 you will study the models and theories of functional biomechanics as viewed from Barral's innovative approach.
Course Highlights:
Learn manual skills to locate, evaluate and normalize primary areas of dysfunction within the abdominal cavity.
Explore the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes and ligaments.
Examine the relationship of organs and structural or neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.
Assess the quality of functional activity and somatic structures as they relate to an overall pattern.
Prerequisite: Experience with sensitive, light-touch palpation
Required Advance Reading: Visceral Manipulation by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO; Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank Netter, MD, or A Regional Atlas of the Human Body by Carmine Clemente.
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2)
Course Length: 4 Days, 24 Hours course time
Synopsis: In Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 you will expand on the functional anatomy, hand placements and techniques you learned in Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 to give you a deeper understanding of the abdominal cavity and its relationship to the cranial and thoracic cavities.
Course Highlights:
Explore the deeper structures within the abdominal cavity, focusing on the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, greater omentum, peritoneum, and their connective or suspensory tissues.
Learn about the concept of restriction planes, mobility and motility.
Begin to incorporate multiple long-lever techniques into your VM work.
Participate in supervised, hands-on sessions that guide you through specific techniques for locating and evaluating each organ, along with the effects and contraindications.
Prerequisite: VM1 (Abdomen 1) or VMIA (Visceral Manipulation IA).
Required Advance Reading: Visceral Manipulation II by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3)
Course Length: 4 Days,24 Hours course time
Synopsis: Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) studies the relationship between functional and structural mechanics of the pelvis.
Course Highlights:
Learn to identify, receive and conduct Jean-Pierre Barral’s method of evaluation and treatment for the organ systems of the pelvic cavity, including the integration of the pelvic organs with the complex ligament systems of that body region.
Discover techniques for differentiating between somatic and visceral causes for pelvic and low back problems.
Discover how to integrate the pelvic organs with the complex ligament systems of the body region.
Explore additional principles of direct and indirect approaches and their appropriate applications.
Integrate the pelvis into the body with principles of Lines of Tension.
Prerequisite: VM2 (Abdomen 2) or VMIB (Visceral Manipulation IB).
Required Advance Reading: Urogenital Manipulation, by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4)
Course Length: 4 Days, 24 Hours course time
Synopsis: After taking Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 and 2, you've become acquainted with the feel of the different abdominal organs and local restrictions. In the Thorax workshop, you'll take an expanded look at the functional biomechanics of the thoracic cavity. You'll also explore the relationship between the hard frame and soft frame with its countless articulations for respiration, circulatory requirements and upper body movement patterns.
Course Highlights:
Explore visceral fascia of the throat and thoracic cavity.
Review the anatomy, biomechanics and function of the thoracic organs.
Study the biomechanics of the cervical, thoracic, rib cage and shoulder girdle complex.
Learn techniques to release the soft tissue components of the thoracic inlet and hyoid apparatus.
Practice listening techniques within the thoracic activity.
Understand practical integration of the thoracic cavity organs.
Learn integration of the thoracic organs with the complex ligament systems of that body region.
Discover techniques for differentiating between somatic and visceral causes for thoracic and spinal problems.
Special Focus on Pleura, Lungs, Pericardium, Heart, Mediastinum, Thyroid, Trachea, Oesophagus, Sternum, Rib Cage and Thoracic Plexuses.
Prerequisite: VM2 (Abdomen 2) or VMIB (Visceral Manipulation IB).
Required Advance Reading: The Thorax, by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5)
Course Length: 4 Days, 24 Hours course time
Synopsis: VM5 studies the use of Manual Thermal Evaluation to evaluate and improve organ functions.
Course Highlights:
Learn the use of Manual Thermal Evaluation to find restrictions and organ dysfunction in the body.
Explore the synchronicity between the body and brain, and how that affects the health of a person.
Discover how the brain uses the internal organs to discharge and express excess energy (often of emotional origin) and how that affects structural integrity.
Practice working with energy loss, locating structural restrictions contributing to pain, and managing a therapeutic session.
Prerequisite: VM3 (The Pelvis) and VM4 (The Thorax).
Required Advance Reading: Manual Thermal Evaluation by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO and Understanding the Messages of Your Body by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: Explore in depth the connections between our organs and our emotions.
Course Highlights:
Explore the body and the organism, physical energy, psychoemotional energy and release techniques all with respect to Jean Pierre Barral’s unique visceral approach.
Discover all three levels of Manual Thermal Evaluation, active and passive tissue emotional liberation, and psychoemotional liberation.
Understand the Chicken-or-Egg Syndrome in relation to organ dysfunction and emotions.
Learn how to break the visceroemotional cycle through Visceral Manipulation.
As a workshop that would typically be offered at the post-graduate level, this course engages course participants in a dynamic exchange of information tailored to advanced skills.
Prerequisite: VM5 (Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional).
Required Advance Reading: Understanding the Messages of Your Body by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Paediatrics (VAP)
Course Length: 4 Days, 24 Hours course time
Synopsis: Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Paediatrics applies Visceral Manipulation techniques to working with infants, toddlers and children
Course Highlights:
Learn how early therapy on newborns and infants can possibly reduce the percentage of problems later in life.
Explore embryology and the developmental landmarks (normal and abnormal) that occur month by month during and after gestation.
Discover how to evaluate a baby or child.
Learn general treatment ideas, such as how to work with babies, toddlers, and children, as well as working with those who are tactilely sensitive.
Understand the signs of trauma, as well as evaluation and treatment techniques.
Integrate specific treatment techniques for common visceral restrictions found in children, as well as Barral’s approach to cranial techniques.
Learn about Visceral Manipulation precautions and contraindications when working with children.
Explore special considerations, e.g. typical surgeries, prematurity, children with neuromotor problems and craniosynostosis.
Practice working with infants and children in a supervised environment.
Prerequisites: VM1 (Abdomen 1) and VM2 (Abdomen 2), as well as sound knowledge of cranial anatomy.
Any type of cranial training will enhance your seminar experience. NM1 (Neuromeningeal Manipulation), VM4 (Thorax) and LT (Listening Techniques) are recommended, but not required.
Required Advance Reading: We leave it up to each prospective student to assume responsibility for advance preparation. A student may feel frustrated if they do not study beforehand and come prepared with the knowledge from the prerequisite classes.
Visceral Manipulation: Viscerovascular Manipulation; Upper Body (VVM1)
Visceral Manipulation: Viscerovascular Manipulation; Lower Body (VVM2)
Course Length: 3 Days Each, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: This course explores evaluation and treatment techniques for the vascular system of the body.
Course Highlights:
Review the anatomy and physiology of the vascular system, particularly how arteries dilate or diminish in diameter depending on the function of the body.
Understand how compression along vascular structures creates restriction patterns and pain throughout the body.
Learn to locate and release restrictions along the vascular structures using direct techniques on the arteries like compression, decompression and elongation, as well as indirect techniques using the limbs.
Explore manipulation of the soft tissues of the heart itself, aorta, subclavian artery, along with all the arteries connected with the visceral system.
Enhance your understanding of how increased blood circulation to an organ improves function of the viscera, and learn how to improve the blood circulation to organs, directly and/or indirectly.
Learn treatment of the vaso-pressive system and the brain.
Discover the research done with doppler ultrasound to determine the best mobilizations of the arteries to improve local and general blood circulation.
Learn practical integration of vascular treatment into the therapeutic session.
Prerequisites: VM1 (Abdomen 1), VM2 (Abdomen 2), and VM4 (Thorax).
Required Advance Reading: Manual Therapy for Peripheral Nerves by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO; and Alain Croibier, D.O.
Visceral Listening Techniques (LT)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: LT is designed to reinforce powerful "listening" skills.
Course Highlights:
Discover a new listening skills (palpation procedure) that helps guide you to the proper manipulation site.
Learn to interpret the information the body is offering regarding imbalances and dysfunctions.
Explore through listening how to determine which body structures are involved, and identify the best approach for treatment results.
Practice listening to the body systems, as they respond to your treatments.
Learn to identify the correct approach and amount of force when working on different parts of the body and with different clients.
Prerequisite: VM1 (Visceral Manipulation), or VMIA (Visceral Manipulation IA), or NM1 (Neuromeningeal Manipulation), or CSI (CranioSacral Therapy I), or LDTI (Lymph Drainage Therapy 1) or MLI (Mechanical Link I).
Required Advance Reading: None.
Advanced Neuro-Visceral Manipulation of the Abdomen (VMAA)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
The workshop will
present specific and advanced techniques that
work with the nervous system of the abdomen.
Course Highlights:
Discover locations in the body where the nervous system of the abdomen can be influenced directly or via trigger points.
Evaluate and manipulate the nervous system in relation to the skin of the abdominal region.
Explore the nervous system structures within the abdominal cavity, focusing on the hiatus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, spleen, small intestine and large intestine.
Participate in supervised, hands-on sessions that guide you through specific techniques for locating and evaluating very precise structural points related to the abdominal organs to facilitate optimal release of restricted tissues.
Pre-requisite: Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) or VM1B
Required Advanced Reading - be familiar with the contents of
VM1 and VM2 and be aware of the anatomy of the abdominal nervous system.
Advanced Visceral Components of the Neck and Thorax (VMAT)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: The workshop will present specific and advanced techniques and explain the anatomy, breathing mechanism, function and physiology of the thorax.
Course Highlights:
Build on the knowledge of the thorax region as learned in VM4.
Review the myofascial structures of the thorax.
Explore the hyoid suspensory apparatus, thyroid, tonsils and pharynx.
Learn more precise techniques for the oesophagus, pleura, heart and pericardium
Classify retropharyngeal space.
Discover treatment techniques to enhance the breathing mechanism.
Prerequisite: VM4 (Thorax).
Required Advance Reading: The Thorax by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
Visceral Manipulation Dissection (VMD)
Course Length: 2 1/2 days
Synopsis: Explore human anatomy with a visceral manipulation focus.
Course Highlights:
Develop increased anatomical knowledge through hands-on dissection, palpation, exploration and discovery of specific individual organs, the systems they function within and the structural integrity of the entire body.
Observe dissection of the abdomen and pelvis, and dissection into the thorax.
Observe dissection of the cranium with a Visceral Manipulation focus.
Discover the detailed functional anatomy of abdomen, pelvis, thorax and cranium.
Learn topographical discernment of organs in relationship to the musculoskeletal system.
Break-out sessions with specific organs (liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lungs).
Study the disposition of the various organs/structures to discern pathological conditions.
Explore the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes and ligaments.
Prerequisite: VM1 (Abdomen 1) or VMIA (Visceral Manipulation IA).
Required Advance Reading: None.
Visceral Manipulation Certification (VMC)
Become Certified by Jean-Pierre Barral and the
Barral Institute
Visceral Manipulation Certification through the Barral Institute is much more
than a credential. The VM Certification credential establishes you as a
dedicated professional with the knowledge and skills to uphold high standards of
excellence. VM Certification increases your networking and referral status, as
your colleagues and potential clients see your commitment to excellence.
Techniques Certification Level (CVTP)
Synopsis: Earn your certification in Visceral Manipulation from the Barral
Institute - and assure patients your training comes straight from the source –
Jean-Pierre Barral.
Certification Highlights:
Ensures a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and Visceral Manipulation Therapy techniques.
Helps preserve the right of qualified healthcare professionals to practice Visceral Manipulation
Demonstrates your commitment to excellence and enhances your networking and referral status.
Paves the way to future healthcare legislation, licensing and insurance reimbursements.
Techniques Certification: Allows you to use the professional designation "CVTP" in your title.
Requirements:
1. Successfully complete the following seminars:
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1)
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2)
Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3)
Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4)
2. Successfully complete a Techniques-level at-home
objective exam for each class level.
3. Submit ten (10) case
write-ups following the required format. View the
format for the case write-ups.
4. Successfully complete a practical/oral/written exam with a
Certified BI Examiner that tests your ability to understand and apply VM
techniques from class levels VM1-VM4.
Certified Visceral Manipulation Practitioner Level (CVMP)
Synopsis: Earn your certification in Visceral Manipulation from the Barral
Institute - and assure patients your training comes straight from the source –
Jean-Pierre Barral.
Certification Highlights:
Ensures a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and Visceral Manipulation Therapy techniques.
Helps preserve the right of qualified healthcare professionals to practice Visceral Manipulation
Demonstrates your commitment to excellence and enhances your networking and referral status.
Paves the way to future healthcare legislation, licensing and insurance reimbursements.
Diplomate Certification: Allows you to use the professional designation "CVMP" in your title.
Requirements:
1. Successfully complete the following seminars/ certtification:
Visceral Manipulation: Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5)
Visceral Manipulation: VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6)
Techniques Certification Level Visceral Manipulation Exam
2. Successfully complete at-home objective
exam for each class level.
3. Submit ten (10) case
write-ups following the required format.
4. Successfully complete a practical/oral/written exam with a
Certified BI Examiner that tests your ability to understand and apply VM
techniques from class levels VM5-VM6.
Notes: A
person may take the Techniques and Visceral Manipulation Practitioner Level
practical/oral/written exams at the same time.
Visceral Manipulation Certification through the Barral Institute
certifies a person’s abilities in Visceral Manipulation (VM). Since
certification does not provide a legal right to practice, a person must have the
appropriate credential and/or license to practice manual therapy in their
locale.
Clinical Symposium with Jean Pierre Barral (SYMJP)
Course Length: 1 day
Synopsis: Enjoy this exceptional opportunity to witness Jean-Pierre Barral -- the developer of Visceral Manipulation and Nerve Manipulation -- as he demonstrates his skills on pre-selected cases and audience volunteers (time permitting). Observe hands-on presentations in particular areas, such as paediatrics, geriatrics, low-back pain or fibromyalgia. Then spend the afternoon with Jean-Pierre Barral as he discusses these and other cases from a Visceral Manipulation viewpoint. It's a rare opportunity to gain insight and expertise from one of the world's leading authorities in complementary care.
Course Highlights:
Receive detailed explanations as the instructor proceeds through each case.
Closely observe the nuances of Barral's distinctive treatment style.
Gain valuable information from other VM practitioners - the cases they're working on, areas they need advice in, patient successes.
Prerequisite: Any healthcare practitioner may attend; only alumni of VM2 (Abdomen 2) or higher-level courses may participate in question-and-answer sessions.
Required Advance Reading: None.
Neural Manipulation Courses
Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: This is a specialized course focusing on the impact of whiplash.
Course Highlights:
Study the three primary areas of trauma as they relate to whiplash: physical laws, evaluation and treatment.
Learn the appropriate anatomy and physiology for treatment of whiplash and trauma conditions.
Learn to locate and release restrictions along the meningeal system.
Assess injuries to the soft tissues of the cervical region and learn treatment protocols for optimal release.
Learn tests to determine restriction patterns of the cervicobrachial region.
Understand how whiplash creates restriction patterns throughout the body.
Identify techniques that encompass the whole body, as the whole body receives collision forces in a whiplash injury, not just the cervical spine.
Learn to evaluate restrictions in the lumbosacral region.
Discover new applications of visceral manipulation principles and techniques as they can be utilized for patients presenting whiplash and other conditions involving trauma.
Compare treatment sequence and tests for whiplash and traumatic injuries.
Prerequisite: Experience with manual listening skills.
Required Advance Reading: Trauma: An Osteopathic Approach by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO.
Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation; Upper Body (NM2)
Course Length: 3 Days,18 Hours course time
Synopsis: This course explores evaluation and treatment techniques for peripheral nerves of the upper body.
Course Highlights:
Explore in detail the anatomy and function of the peripheral nerves of the upper body.
Discover typical pain patterns that arise from dysfunction of these peripheral nerves.
Learn evaluation methods and treatment techniques to facilitate normal functioning of these peripheral nerves.
Discover various methods for releasing restrictions in nerves.
Explore practical integration into treatment sessions.
Prerequisite: Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1) or Visceral Approach to Trauma and Whiplash (VTW).
Required Advance Reading: Manual Therapy for Peripheral Nerves by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO; and Alain Croibier, D.O.
Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation; Lower Body (NM3)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: This course explores evaluation and treatment techniques for peripheral nerves of the lower body.
Course Highlights:
Explore in detail the anatomy and function of the peripheral nerves of the lower body.
Discover typical pain patterns that arise from dysfunction of these peripheral nerves.
Learn evaluation methods and treatment techniques to facilitate normal functioning of these peripheral nerves.
Discover various methods for releasing restrictions in nerves.
Explore practical integration into treatment sessions.
Prerequisite: Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1) or Visceral Approach to Trauma and Whiplash (VTW).
Required Advance Reading: Manual Therapy for Peripheral Nerves by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO; and Alain Croibier, D.O.
Neural Manipulation: Brain and Cranial Nerve Manipulation (NM4)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: This course explores evaluation and treatment techniques for nerves of the brain, and cranial region.
Course Highlights:
Explore in detail the anatomy and function of the brain and cranial nerves.
Discover typical pain patterns that arise from dysfunction of the brain and cranial nerves.
Learn evaluation methods and treatment techniques to facilitate normal functioning of these nerves.
Learn differential evaluation skills to determine skull, suture and brain fixation.
Explore how compressions of the brain cause dysfunction in the cranial nerves.
Discover how intracranial pressure affects the function of the entire body, and cranial techniques to bring about normal functioning.
Learn practical integration into treatment sessions.
Prerequisite: Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation; Upper Body (NM2) and Peripheral Nerve Manipulation; Lower Body (NM3) or Visceral Approach to Trauma and Whiplash II (VTWII).
Required Advance Reading: Manual Therapy for Cranial Nerves by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO; and Alain Croibier, D.O.
Visceral, Neural and Articular Advanced Clinical Synthesis (VNAC)
Course Length: 3 Days, 18 Hours course time
VNAC, developed by Jean-Pierre Barral, is designed to help
Visceral, Neural and Manual Articular trained practitioners sharpen their skills
by integrating these evaluation and treatment techniques in the clinical
setting.
Course Highlights:
Pre-requisite:
VM3 OR VM4; and NM2 OR NM3; and MALE OR MAUE OR MASP
Advance Preparation: To prepare for
the course we suggest that you review your class notes and study guides from the
pre-requisite classes.
Neural Manipulation Certification (NMC)
Description and Prerequisites to come.
New Manual Articular Approach to the Joints Courses
Course Length: 3 Days each course, 18 Hours course time
Synopsis: These courses explore a comprehensive approach to joints. They integrate all aspects of the joint including the nerve, artery, bone, capsule, and ligaments, as well as visceral and emotional connections.
Course Highlights:
Delve into the joints like never before. Examine the nerves of each joint, along with the arteries, meniscus, ligaments, capsule attachments and folds.
Work with soft tissue mobilization of the associated bones, while looking at direct and indirect relationships between the bones of the body.
Explore the relationship between the viscera and the joints.
Discover how the joints receive and emit messages with other parts of the body, as well as the emotional connections.
Learn how to evaluate and treat each major joint (spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, pelvis, knee, ankle) for its primary dysfunction from the anatomical or physiological systems that contribute to it.
Explore such indications as clinical pain, sprains, arthrosis, and inflammation in a brand new way.
Understand why Jean-Pierre Barral feels that this will become his most famous curriculum.
Prerequisite: Professional healthcare
practitioner, student in healthcare program or graduate awaiting
licensure/accreditation with experience in manual listening skills and must have
strong anatomy knowledge of peripheral nerves. Neural Manipulation: Peripheral
Nerve Manipulation; Upper Body (NM2) and Peripheral Nerve Manipulation; Lower
Body (NM3) recommended but not required.
Required Advance Reading:
Manual Therapy for Peripheral Nerves by
Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO; and Alain Croibier, D.O.
Visceral Approach to Women’s Health
Course Length: 4 Days, 30 Hours course time
Synopsis: This course is a unique class that does not fall under the Barral Institute. This course will introduce you to visceral manipulation concepts with reference to women’s health conditions. It has been created and is taught by Gail Wetzler, PT,CVMI, California USA. Gail has instructed visceral manipulation since 1992, and has been Director of the Visceral Manipulation Curriculum since 2000.
Course Highlights:
Visceral Approach to women’s health has been designed to educate participants on the anatomy, mobility, and motility of the pelvic viscera. Specific focus will include the bladder, rectum, uterus, ovaries, and an introduction to the kidneys.
Video and patient demonstration will focus on examination and intervention strategies. Internal pelvic techniques will be presented from Jean Pierre Barral’s, DO, MRO(F), advanced pelvic. Gail Wetzler has obtained special permission from Barral to teach this material for the Section on Women’s Health
You will also learn how the internal techniques can enhance your intervention outcomes for bladder, uteral, rectal, and pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Prerequisite: Only open to physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and medical doctors due to the internal pelvic techniques component. No previous visceral manipulation training is required.
Address: Barral Institute UK
26 Miller Road
Ayr KA7 2AY
Tel/fax: 01292 266335
Email: info@barralinstitute.co.uk