When I talk about working with the organs, I’m also talking about their attachments. The organs are part of the whole body, and the way they connect matters to the way I work.
What I mean by the roots of the organs
I use a model of the small intestine to show the mesentery and its attachment toward the back of the body. It makes the idea of a “root” easier to see: the organs have connections and supports rather than simply floating loose.
I also discuss how different organs have different attachments. This is why knowing anatomy matters so much when working in the abdomen. I credit my study with Jean-Pierre Barral for helping me understand the importance of a gentle approach.
Watching the demonstration
With a person on the table, I show how I approach the areas we have been discussing. I feel for resistance, relax and wait. I ask about tenderness and give the person time to breathe.
You will hear me remind myself to relax my shoulders, too. I can feel more when I am not holding unnecessary tension in my own body. The attention goes in both directions: to the person I’m working with and to the quality of my own contact.
A related pattern to explore
At the end, I mention the eight-pointed star. That video shows an abdominal pattern and the difference between deeper and more superficial work. Together, the two demonstrations give a fuller picture of my approach; they do not replace hands-on training.
This abdominal bodywork demonstration is for education. It is not a diagnosis of digestive or back symptoms, and it is not an instruction to apply deep pressure at home. Discuss symptoms and suitability with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Notes adapted from Judith’s spoken demonstration. Watch the video for the full explanation.