Based on the premise that movement is essential for life and any restriction will affect our health, visceral manipulation starts with the core, the viscera (organs), and extends throughout the entire body to address pain, structural imbalances, tensions, and restrictions. The practitioner uses specifically placed manual pressure that promotes normal movement, tone, and internal movement of the organs, their supporting structures, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels. The ultimate goal is improved health by allowing the body to perform and move optimally.

Illustrated with nearly 100 instructional photos and anatomy drawings, A Pathway to Health begins with general information about visceral manipulation, describing the method, goals, philosophy, and history of the practice. The book also explains the evaluation process and what a patient can expect to experience during and following a treatment session. Author Alison Harvey covers each major structure of the body including the organs, fascia, muscles, bones, and nerves, and discusses the causes of dysfunction. The second half of the book focuses on each system of the body, presenting physiological information and treatments as well as case studies. Harvey also explores emotional issues and their effects on the body and gives an authoritative summary of current research in the field. “Here is a book that explains in simple terms what Visceral Manipulation is all about, and why it is such a valuable modality for people seeking help. I wish I had had this book available for the general public when I started practicing Visceral Manipulation ten years ago.”
—R. August Axelsson, director of the Barral Institute Scandinavia, Copenhagen, Denmark

“This book is refreshingly written and informative, explaining in layman’s terms what the ‘normal function’ of the body organs could be. It empowers the reader to understand how his or her body functions and how Visceral Manipulation can help improve the state of one’s health. It is a great contribution to the education of the public, as well as to the individual on his or her own pathway to health.”
—Christoph Sommer, certified Rolfer and teacher for the Munich Group, Munich, Germany

“A Pathway to Health is an excellent resource for understanding how Visceral Manipulation improves one’s sense of well-being—physically and emotionally—by enhancing proper movement of the organs and other related structures in the body.”
—Annabel Mackenzie, registered Shiatsu therapist and Visceral Manipulation teacher for the Barral Institute, Vancouver, Canada