Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Pediatrics
Prerequisites VAP: VM2 (Abdomen 2) and NM1 (Neuromeningeal Manipulation 1). VM4 (Thorax) and Listening Techniques (LT) are recommended, but not required. Typically a 4 day class. Prerequisites VMPED: VM2 (Abdomen 2), NM1 (Neuromeningeal Manipulation 1) and Listening Techniques (LT). Typically a 3 day class. Prerequisites PGFA: NM4 OR VVMU OR VVML OR CSP1 OR CCPB1 OR VAP+SER1 OR Manual Osteopath. Participants must be licensed to treat pediatric and adult populations.. Typically a 3 day class, plus ½ day virtual program. PGFB follows, and requires PGFA attendance. Prerequisites VAPI: No course pre-requisites, as this is an introductory course. This course is open to pediatric PTs, OTs, SLPs, pediatric DOs and pediatric DCs, who work with babies and children in their practices. If you have already attended Barral Institute's VM1, VM2 and NM1 courses, you should attend the Visceral Applications for Pediatrics (VAP) course instead.
Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Pediatrics (VAP)
VAP applies Visceral Manipulation techniques to working with infants, toddlers and children.
VAP 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.
Testimonials for VAP
"I love the workbook. It is so detailed that I don't have to concentrate on getting things down for the future, but can soak in the lecture in the now."
"Thank you, now I understand why embryology is so important. I just knew there was something I was missing!"
"[This seminar was] one the best - lots of information balanced with labs."
"I’ve had the pleasure of organizing, and attending a Visceral Pediatrics class in my home state. It was a lot of work but it was one my most rewarding experiences of my life. I will never forget how it all came together so beautifully, it was honestly the best marriage of therapists and children coming together! I get teared up at remembering how devoted my attendee’s were and how great the therapists worked with them. Everyone benefitted. The families got care and ideas of what was needed for their child, and the practitioners worked in small groups using techniques they learned in class and from each other for an amazing learning experience. In the months since that class, every time I’d see either the practitioners or families that attended that weekend of training, I was told how much of a positive impact they had and that it was a great and memorable experience."
Visceral Manipulation and Pediatrics (VMPED)
This course is typically offered outside North America.
VMPED Course Highlights
Specific anatomy and physiology, focusing on differences between adults and children;
Embryology: different theories and thoughts about the causes of the onset of symptoms in children;
Pediatrics and the Growth Forces of the Skull (PGFA and PGFB)
This program is a combination of two three-day in-person courses, plus ½ day virtual presentation prior to each in-person course. The in-person courses are separated by a period of 9-18 months.
PGFA Course Highlights
Pediatric Osteopathic Examination
Pediatric listening
The pediatric osteoneural approach
The work of the base of the skull: Anatomy of ossification centers and different synchondroses; Average age of fusion of the different parts; Neuromeningeal relationships; Vascular relationships; Relationship to the contents of the spine and the sacrum; Palpation and mobility tests; Techniques adapted to the infant
Work on the vault of the skull - Anatomy and physiology of fontanelles and sutures; Palpation and mobility tests; Neurosutural techniques; Vascular techniques
Clinical interest of the manipulation
Testimonials for PGFA
"This curriculum gives me tremendous hope! To have tools to affect profound change in the youngest and most valuable among us is such a gift."
"One of the best courses from BI I have taken. Thank you for all the work on this!"
Visceral Applications for Pediatrics Introduction (VAPI)
This engaging, hands-on course introduces pediatric therapists to Jean-Pierre Barral’s groundbreaking work with babies and children. Learn how gentle, specific manual techniques can help release restrictions in the abdominal and neuromeningeal systems -improving comfort, function and regulation for your pediatric clients.
VAPI Course Highlights
Study abdominal organ anatomy, cranial structures, and the autonomic nervous system’s role in regulation.
Practice visceral manipulation for key abdominal organs and cranial-dural palpation to address issues like colic, reflux, constipation, digestive imbalance, and discomfort.
Recognize trauma signs, support emotional regulation, and learn approaches for common pediatric concerns such as sleep disturbance, irritability, and recurrent infections.
Observe demonstrations, practice gentle induction techniques, and gain tools to teach parents calming, supportive methods.
