Visceral Manipulation Training According to J.P. Barral Method

“The organs speak a silent language—visceral manipulation is how we learn to listen, to feel, and to restore their forgotten rhythms”
J.P. Barral

What is Visceral Manipulation?

Visceral Manipulation – a gentle, hands-on therapy created by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral. It aims to restore internal organs’ (viscera) mobility and harmony with surrounding tissues, based on the idea that impaired organ mobility can cause various disorders throughout the body.

 

Using extremely light touch, the therapist detects tissue tensions, adhesions or scars that hinder organ movement. By correcting these disorders, organ function improves, pain decreases and overall body balance is restored.

 

This therapy can help with back or pelvic pain, digestive and respiratory disorders, post-surgical scars, emotional stress or internal organ dysfunctions. Suitable for both adults and children.

 

“Only tissues know.”
Jean-Pierre Barral

 

IKTA – Integrative Therapy Center Training Division – are the official and only representatives of Barral Institute in Lithuania. More information – video interview with Rene Assink.

Rene Assink Talks About Visceral Manipulation

Key Information at a Glance

 

ℹ️ What: Visceral Manipulation training according to Jean-Pierre Barral method – internationally recognized, scientifically based program. Courses are led by certified Barral Institute instructors. Graduates receive Barral Institute certificate and are included in international therapist registry IAHP.com.

 

ℹ️ Where: Training takes place at Integrative Therapy Center (IKTA), address Vytenio st. 4, Vilnius. Practical information about location, arrival, accommodation etc. – on our website, here.

 

ℹ️ When: Training is organized continuously in this sequence VM1 → VM2 → VM3 → VM4 ). If you miss a course in Lithuania, you can fill the gap in any country where Barral training is conducted. We also accept foreign students and assistants wanting to continue studies or complete missing courses in Vilnius.

 

ℹ️ How: Training is conducted in English with translation to Lithuanian – we ensure consistent translation in all level courses, so even those who don’t know English or know it insufficiently well can participate.

 

ℹ️ Price and discounts: Price depends on course (e.g., VM1, VM2 etc.) so please check the schedule. Discounts apply for early registration (code ANKSTI), returning participants(50%). Exact prices are in the schedule, and if you have questions or doubts, – be sure to contact us.

Students, Lecturers and Patients Speak

Ebba Boyesen

Daughter of biodynamic body psychotherapy creator Gerda Boyesen, method developer and co-creator, institute lecturer, therapist

Rita Guginė

Graduate of biodynamic body psychotherapy, practicing biodynamic biorelease massage specialist

Rasa Skrabutėnas

Graduate of biodynamic body psychotherapy, practicing body therapist, ITC co-founder

Studies

Visceral Manipulation training – modular system according to Barral Institute standards

 

Visceral Manipulation (VM) training follows modular principle, allowing gradual acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Training structure is based on Barral Institute international standards – each module is independent, but together they form a consistent professional development path.

 

🔹 VM1 – Visceral Manipulation 1: Introduction to visceral therapy principles – learning palpation techniques, basic abdominal cavity anatomy and internal organ mobility assessment.

 

🔹 VM2 – Visceral Manipulation 2: Deepening into thoracic cavity organs (heart, lungs, diaphragm), structural connections and biomechanical disorders.

 

🔹 VM3 and VM4 – advanced modules: Further organs, more complex clinical situations, work with scar tissue, energetic and emotional body imprints.

 

🔹 Diploma and specialized courses: Topics like urogenital system, central nervous system, somatoemotional integration methods. Also opportunity to prepare for international certification.

 

Participants can choose one or several modules (if meeting required sequence), or complete entire Barral Institute certification path. Acquired skills are internationally recognized, so courses can be continued or supplemented in other countries following the same program.

How to Start?

ℹ️ To participate in Visceral Manipulation (VM) training program, you must start with VM1 course. The nearest VM1 course in Vilnius will take place May 7-10, 2026, and registration is already open:

 

👉 Register for the course in Vilnius here

Next VM1 in Vilnius:

ℹ️ If you want to start studies earlier, you can attend missing courses in another country, then join our course in Lithuania. For your convenience – information about all courses taking place in other countries worldwide. A great opportunity to combine professional development with short vacations!

 

👉 Register for courses abroad here

Program

VM1: Abdomen

Course objective – to introduce the basic concept of J. P. Barral, founder of visceral osteopathy and most prominent representative of international visceral osteopathy community, focusing mainly on functional interaction between visceral and neuromusculoskeletal systems.

During this course you’ll learn diagnostic and treatment methods for liver, stomach, gallbladder, duodenum, small and large intestine.

Course content

  • Basic J. P. Barral visceral manipulation concept.
  • Abdominal examination and treatment methods.
  • Internal organs, membranes and ligaments function and movement restrictions.
  • Receptive listening exercises.
  • Interaction between visceral and neuromuscular-skeletal function disorders.

Duration and format:

  • 4 days/38 hours.
  • In-person.

VM2: Abdomen Part Two

Course objective – building on VM1 course foundations, expand skills and acquire more manual techniques to find and treat injuries and disorders of peritoneum, diaphragm, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Examples of such techniques: expanded listening and recoil technique. You’ll also gain basic knowledge about vascular and nervous systems.

Course content

  • Introduction to functional and anatomical connections between organs and neuromuscular-skeletal system.
  • Stages of diagnosing and treating abdominal cavity injuries and dysfunctions.
  • Liver and stomach treatment technique.
  • Abdominal cavity visceral layers organization and structure.
  • Advanced listening methods.

Duration and format:

  • 4 days/38 hours.
  • In-person.

VM3: Pelvis

Course objective – further delve into previously learned methods and learn additional methods – how to identify, assess and treat injuries and disorders, focusing mainly on urinary bladder, ureters, prostate, uterus, ovaries and pelvis.

By course end you’ll be able to contextually evaluate all manual examination and treatment methods and meaningfully integrate them into your daily work.

Course content

  • Deepening what you’ve learned and expanding additional techniques for working with urogenital system and rectum.
  • Practicing pelvis (hard and soft framework) treatment techniques.
  • Using listening techniques in pelvic area.
  • Pelvic area anatomy and connections with neuromuscular-skeletal system.
  • Creating targeted concepts based on techniques learned in VM 1-3 courses.

Duration and format:

  • 4 days/38 hours.
  • In-person.

VM4: Thorax

Course objective – become more familiar with thoracic cage functional biomechanics. Also examine relationship between hard and soft framework with countless breathing, circulation articulations and upper body movement patterns. As usual in this training series, at course start we’ll refine knowledge and manual techniques acquired in previous courses.

In fourth VM course we examine thoracic cage, mediastinum, heart, lungs, thymus and esophagus disorders treatment. You’ll learn how thoracic cage and mediastinum relate to nervous, muscular and skeletal system and what this means for your treatment.

Course content

  • Diagnostic and treatment methods, focusing mainly on heart, pericardium, lungs, pleura, esophagus and thymus.
  • Introduction to Adson and Wright test and glenohumeral test and their application.
  • General thoracic cage, thoracic cavity and mediastinum overview.
  • Using thoracic cage listening method.
  • Understanding and illuminating deepest thoracic cage visceral layers.
  • Interaction between thoracic cage, abdomen and pelvis and nervous, muscular and skeletal system.

Duration and format:

  • 4 days/38 hours.
  • In-person.

Together!

In the photo – first VM group at our center. We’re proud of our students who already successfully apply visceral manipulation working with patients! One inspiring example – family doctor, endobiogenic Jurgita Šukevičienė, combining endobiogenics with visceral manipulation.

Certification

🏅 VM Techniques Level Certification (CVTP)

 

This certification confirms your ability to apply basic Visceral Manipulation (VM) techniques according to Barral Institute methodology. To obtain it, you need:

 

🔹 Have valid license or qualification allowing to work with people (e.g., physiotherapist, massage therapist, doctor, nurse etc.).

 

🔹 Successfully complete these courses:

    • VM1 – Abdominal Cavity 1
    • LT1 – Listening Techniques 1
    • VM2 – Abdominal Cavity 2
    • VM3 – Pelvic Area
    • VM4 – Thoracic Area

 

🔹 Complete 5 written case descriptions according to set format.

 

🔹 Pass home-based theoretical test (VM1-VM4 material).

 

🔹 Pass practical and oral exam with Barral Institute examiner (listening, mobilizations, organ testing, theoretical questions).

🎓 VM Certified Practitioner Level Certification (CVMP)

 

This is advanced certification level for practitioners seeking deeper competence and work with visceral-emotional connections. Requirements:

 

🔹 Have valid CVTP certificate.

 

🔹 Successfully complete these courses:

    • VM5 – Manual Thermoevaluation and Visceral-Emotional Connections
    • VM6 – Emotional Processes and Their Impact on Organ Function

 

🔹 Complete 5 additional case descriptions (in VM5-VM6 context).

 

🔹 Pass home-based theoretical test.

 

🔹 Pass extended practical, oral and written exam covering material from VM1 to VM6.

Certificate Maintenance

 

To maintain certified practitioner status you need every 4 years to complete at least 24 hours of Barral Institute approved continuing education. This can be advanced courses, assisting, mentorship programs or symposiums.

IAHP – International Therapist Registry

Visceral Manipulation therapists who obtain CVTP or CVMP certificates can be included in IAHP (International Association of Healthcare Practitioners) registry: This public catalog allows clients worldwide to find qualified therapists by their geographic location and specialization.

 

Being listed in IAHP registry provides these benefits:

 

🔹 Increases visibility and accessibility to potential clients.

 

🔹 Confirms your qualification and certification level.

 

🔹 Allows using BI logo in promotional materials and business cards.

For example, therapist Vilius Montvidas from Vilnius is included in IAHP registry indicating his qualifications and contact information.

To browse IAHP registry and find therapists by location or specialization, visit: IAHP therapist search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are studies conducted only in-person, or is there possibility to participate in some seminars remotely?

Studies take place in-person, only few theoretical modules are planned online.

What to do if I missed one of the courses?

If you missed one of courses but want to continue, you have 2 options: wait for next group in Lithuania, or fill the gap in another institute and continue according to schedule. Our courses are fully compatible with standard Barral program.

Can I try visceral manipulation as patient?

Yes, both our centers have specialists applying visceral manipulation and combining this therapy with other treatment forms:

Is discount available?

Each seminar price differs therefore please check by dates. When registering early (>1 month) we have discount code ANKSTI, providing discount. We also offer up to 50% discount for those repeating same course.

What's included in price, what's not?

Seminars take place in Vilnius, in our premises and participants don’t need to pay anything additional – there is instructor, assistants, translators, free coffee, tea, fruits and small snacks/sweets, all equipment needed for training. In premises we walk without shoes – if someone forgets slippers, we gift socks. Those arriving by car may need to pay for parking(if not electric vehicle) – yellow zone around. For those wanting lunch in cafes, there is large lunch selection around, from simple and fast for 5 eur to tasty and luxurious for 35. Our small kitchen has microwave, so those bringing own food can heat it.

At later stages, during individual consultations or supervisions, if translator from English/German is needed (lecturers usually speak both English and German) – this costs additional 25-30 eur for 5 hours, depending on language and translators.

Can I study if I don't know English?

Absolutely you can! All seminars are translated literally into Lithuanian, live. Only printed seminar material is in English – there are many illustrations, Latin terms used, but basic English knowledge would help.