Chi Nei Tsang: Abdominal Massage

Chi nei tsang is a special type of massage that focuses on the abdomen, the energetic center of the body. This area is considered to be the place where we process, absorb, and assimilate all types of things, separating out what to keep from what to let go. This includes not just nutrients, but emotions and life events as well. If the functioning of the internal organs is compromised, toxins and negative emotions can accumulate here, sometimes in a very real, tangible way as excess weight gain, and sometimes in the more abstract sense. Sugar, drugs, processed foods, and excesses of fear, anger, anxiety, grief, and worry are all examples of things that can negatively affect the internal organs. Just like the rest of the body, this area needs to be free of tension, knots, adhesions, toxins, stagnation, and accumulations so that the chi can flow freely both in and out. 

Internal organs that can benefit from abdominal massage include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, spleen, small intestine, large intestine, uterus, ovaries, kidney, and bladder. The diaphragm, which is located at the top of the abdomen under the ribcage, can also be massaged, freeing the breath and allowing chi to flow more smoothly between the thoracic cavity, where the heart and lungs are located, and the abdominal cavity. Benefits of chi nei tsang include improved digestion, more energy, reduction of abdominal pain, regular menstrual cycles, detoxification of the internal organs, stronger immunity, emotional balance, better circulation, and deeper freer breathing. When appropriate I include chi nei tsang in my acupuncture sessions at no extra charge. My toolbox also includes herbal medicine, tui na (Chinese medical massage), zhi ya (acupressure), ba guan (cupping), gua sha (massage with jade and horn tools), topical herbal formulas for pain, and 5 element nutrition.