Manual Approach to the Brain 1
Foundational brain anatomy through structural and functional approaches.
The first level of Jean-Pierre Barral’s four-part brain program. Structural and functional brain anatomy meets manual therapy.
MAB1 is the entry point to Barral’s Manual Approach to the Brain — a four-level progression developed over decades of clinical research. You will study foundational brain anatomy through two complementary perspectives: structural (vascular, nervous, meningeal, ocular and cerebrospinal fluid systems) and functional (sensory perception, language, coordination, emotions and proprioception). The course emphasizes balance between the ease of minimum manual effort and the finesse of maximum manual precision — a principle that enables you to help restore neural connections within the brain itself. This is not cranial therapy as you know it: this is direct, specific work with the brain’s own mobility.
What you will learn
- Master structural anatomy of the brain and its coverings
- Understand functional anatomy of perception, language and coordination
- Apply Barral’s balance of minimum effort with maximum precision
- Begin hands-on work with brain mobility
Prerequisites
VM1, VM2, VM4 and NM1
Common questions
Who can enroll in this course?
Barral Institute courses are designed for licensed healthcare professionals — physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, physicians, nurses and related disciplines — or for students in the final stages of their healthcare studies. Prior palpation skills and anatomical knowledge are required for most courses.
In what language is this course taught?
Our Madrid centre offers courses in both English and Spanish. You can follow the instructor in either language, and course materials are provided in your preferred language.
What happens if I cannot attend after booking?
If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending, contact us as early as possible. Depending on the timing, you may be able to transfer your place to a later edition of the same course. Specific cancellation terms are set out in the booking confirmation and apply fairly to every student.
Train in Madrid
Upcoming dates for this course are confirmed individually by our Madrid centre. Send us a quick enquiry and we will share the next edition, prerequisites and how to enrol.