Culture of the Core - Module 1

Based on the work of Liz Gaggini, M.A.

One of our goals in structural work is to affect the alignment, balance and kinetic behavior of the structure. Sometimes organizing the myofascial components does not fully aid in the sustaining support and full embodiment we hope to impart to our clients. In these cases, a fascial visceral restriction may be the cause and/or a part of the problem of misalignment and imbalance of kinetic dysfunction. If so, we need to be able to assess for a visceral component and, if found, address it.

Organs:

The 8 day Module One of this course will cover the fascial anatomy of the following organs, along with each organ’s relationship to surrounding organs and the myofascia and bony structure.
• Peritoneum
• Large Intestine
• Small Intestine and valves • Stomach and Liver
• Greater Omentum
• Diaphragm
• Uterus

The 8 day Module Two of this course will address kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, lungs and bronchi, pericardium and esophagus, and deepen the integrative techniques needed to support lasting changes.

Focus:

The unique fascial relationships of the organs to one another and their different textures, densities, functions, sizes and shapes begin to define what we call the “culture of the core”.
During this course, students will learn:
• How the culture of the core is different from the culture of the myofascial and bony structures.
• Direct or indirect effects that the culture of the core have on the myofascial and bony structures of the body.
• How to adapt touch and listening skills to better support the visceral fascia.
• How to differentiate one organ from the other and surrounding tissues.
• How to develop kinesthetic abilities to perceive the different textures and densities of the visceral fascial system.
• How to integrate any work done within the core into the myofascia.

Learning Method:

The course will consist of lectures with discussions and questions of the fascial anatomy and function of the organs. Visual, movement and palpatory assessment skills will be emphasized and practiced. Each organ technique will be demonstrated by the instructor and then practiced by students.
A typical day or half day for each organ consists of:
• Lecture and discussion of anatomy.
• Assessments: visual, movement and palpatory.
• Discussion of integrative techniques.
• Demonstrations.

• Exchanges.
• Discussion and questions.

Skills:

By the end of Module One, practitioners will have the skills to start incorporating visceral work on the organs covered into both their series and post-series work. Module Two will help practitioners deepen their understanding and skills, and cover the remaining eight organs not covered in Module One.

Skills taught in the course include:
• A respectful, discriminating, “no bossy” touch.
• An ability to observe and experience motility of each organ.
• Visual, movement and palpatory assessment skills for each organ.
• Working with an “indirect” approach to resolve restrictions in the visceral fascia.
• The ability to encourage harmony within the core while keeping discrimination between each organ and related systems.
• Knowing what clues to look for when a structural problem could actually be a restriction within the visceral fascia.
• Strategies to include visceral work within the goals of the series and post- series work.