Book Review: Naturopathic Approach to Visceral Manipulation, Volume I: The Abdomen
Stacie Deyglio, N
Naturopathic Approach to Visceral Manipulation, Volume I: The Abdomen
Developed by J. P. Barral in 1971, visceral manipulation is a gentle physical therapy that depends on the palpation of normal and abnormal forces within the body. By using specific techniques, therapists assess how abnormal forces affect the normal function of the body. The aim is to balance organ mobility and motility; with the objective of normalizing organ function(s) as well as eliminating the root cause of musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Naturopathic Approach to Visceral Manipulation, Volume 1: The Abdomen, presents a synthesis of visceral manipulation techniques along with naturopathic treatment modalities. It is the outcome of Dr. Mariotti’s 18 years of clinical experience as an ND and visceral manipulation practitioner.
The book has been created as a clinical resource physicians may refer to often in clinical practice. There are 16 chapters, each organized by a specific abdominal organ or region of a large organ. The individual chapters are maintained with relevant content specific to Frank Netter’s anatomical plates, and embryological delineation of the organ. Additional information for each organ includes normal anatomy and physiology, mechanical problems, pathologies, and signs and symptoms of 
dysfunction. Each chapter also provides a detailed description of methods for evaluating and providing treatment using visceral manipulation techniques. An organ-specific naturopathic medicine section is included and provides recommendations in the areas of cell salts, homeopathic remedies, botanical medicines, orthomolecular medicine, and nutritional advice. Each chapter culminates in a summary of current medical research. Dr. Mariotti also incorporates his interpretation, from a visceral manipulation perspective, following each summary. There are many useful photographs that demonstrate the correct hand placement for the techniques.
Naturopathic Approach to Visceral Manipulation best supports the naturopathic principle of Tolle Causam, or identify and treat the cause of disease. The therapies in Dr. Mariotti’s book encourage the natural mechanisms of the body to improve the functioning of the organs to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of disease in order to bring the patient back to a state of health, vigor and well being.
Stacie Deyglio, ND received her baccalaureate degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Mt. St. Vincent in New York. Her personal health issues paved the way to discovering naturopathic medicine in 1999. Resonating with the philosophy and principles of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Deyglio graduated from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003. As a medical student, she was involved in student government, fundraising and the generation of two successful student-run health fairs. Dr. Deyglio’s interests include relating integrative therapeutics to the health of pediatric and geriatric populations. Currently residing in Phoenix, Dr. Deyglio is an avid bookworm, and is actively creating her practice.
