What is Chi Nei Tsang?
Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is an ancient Taoist abdominal massage that clears energy blockages in the internal organs, supports digestion, and relieves emotional and physical tension stored in the belly.

How does abdominal massage help digestion?
CNT stimulates the gut’s natural detoxification pathways, enhances organ function, and can relieve issues like constipation, bloating, and gut-related pain by unblocking chi (life force energy).

Can Chi Nei Tsang help with menstrual pain?
Yes, many women report significant relief from menstrual cramps with regular CNT sessions, especially when done 5–7 days before the cycle begins.

Is it true we store emotions in the gut?
Yes—CNT practitioners and modern science agree that the gut is our "second brain" and a key center of emotional processing, with 90% of serotonin produced in the digestive tract.

Our Journey With Chi Nei Tsang: A Transformational Practice

Chi Nei Tsang entered our lives while studying Thai massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Although I was initially hesitant to have someone work on my abdomen, the curiosity lingered after hearing classmates rave about the benefits. It wasn’t until months later, when my partner Michael began experiencing chronic gut pain during our travels through Southeast Asia, that we decided to explore this healing art deeply.

We eventually trained in CNT with a student of Mantak Chia—an internationally recognized master of this modality—and what we discovered changed everything: for our health, our practice, and our purpose.

1. Supports a Healthy Digestive System

Michael’s gut pain resolved after just a few sessions.
Chi Nei Tsang works by stimulating chi—life force energy—through both gentle strokes and deep pressure on the abdomen. The technique helps awaken the internal organs, clear energetic blockages, and activate the body's natural detox pathways.
We later discovered Michael’s issue stemmed from parasites contracted during travel, but CNT helped his body eliminate waste more efficiently and recover faster.

✨ “After a few weeks of abdominal massage, my system felt reset—my gut was no longer inflamed, and my energy returned.” – Michael

2. Relieves Menstrual Cycle Discomfort

Personally, I found incredible relief from menstrual cramps by incorporating Chi Nei Tsang into my self-care.
Our teacher, Yu, recommended monthly sessions 5–7 days before menstruation—and the results were undeniable. The massage helps release stagnation in the lower abdomen and supports hormonal balance naturally.

🔥 "I now look at my cycle as a sacred time, rather than a source of pain."

3. Unlocks Emotional Healing

The gut is often called the second brain—and for good reason.
With 90% of serotonin being produced in the digestive tract, it’s no wonder we “feel” so much in our bellies. Nervous? Butterflies. Stressed? Nausea. Sad? Tightness.
Chi Nei Tsang gently helps unravel these stored emotional knots, allowing a natural release that can feel like a wave of relief, clarity, or calm.

🌀 “CNT doesn’t just work on the body—it speaks directly to the subconscious, clearing what words cannot.”

4. Rewires the Nervous System

Many of our clients enter a meditative, trance-like state during sessions.
CNT activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest mode), making it an excellent support for those with anxiety, adrenal fatigue, or trauma stored in the body. It’s not uncommon for people to experience emotional releases or feel deeply reset afterward.

Why This Modality Matters

According to the Universal Healing Tao:

“Tensions, worries, and stresses accumulate in the abdomen. These disturbances can cause physical knotting of nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes—leading to indigestion, bloating, insomnia, and emotional imbalance.”

Through regular Chi Nei Tsang sessions, we’ve seen firsthand how abdominal massage can:

Improve digestion
Ease period pain
Reconnect people to their body
Support deep healing of trauma
Reawaken life force energy

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Gut

We believe that gut health is foundational to whole-person healing. Whether you're looking to rebalance digestion, relieve pain, or finally face what’s been emotionally weighing you down—Chi Nei Tsang can be a powerful ally.

✨ This practice changed our lives, and we love sharing it with others. Your gut is more than a digestion center—it’s a gateway to freedom.

Want to experience it for yourself?

👉 Book a 1:1 Chi Nei Tsang session
💌 Learn more about our abdominal healing offerings

How Abdominal Massage Changed Our Lives: A Deep Dive into Chi Nei Tsang