Frequently asked questions

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.

Our Madrid center offers courses in both English and Spanish. You can follow the instructor in either language, and course materials are provided in your preferred language.

Yes. VM1 — Visceral Manipulation Abdomen 1 — is the entry point to the entire Barral curriculum and is a prerequisite for most advanced courses in the visceral program. If you come from another manual therapy tradition, VM1 will reframe your understanding of the body.

Most students take three to five years to complete the core curriculum (VM1–VM5 and NM1–NM4). Advanced programs and certification typically add another two to four years of continuing education. Mastery is ongoing.

Yes. The Barral Institute offers formal certification programs in Visceral Manipulation and Neural Manipulation. Certification requires completion of the core curriculum, documented clinical case work, and successful written and practical examinations.

Barral Institute International maintains a global directory of independent affiliates. You can consult the full list at barralinstitute.com. If you are considering training with us in Madrid — in English or Spanish — you can see our course calendar on the courses page.

Comfortable clothing (scrubs or similar), a large towel, a notebook and your curiosity. Course materials are provided on the first day. Most courses run 3 to 4 days and combine theory, demonstration and hands-on practice.

Yes. We work with local hotels near the training center and can help you find accommodation that suits your budget. Madrid has excellent public transport, so staying anywhere in the center works well.