Chi Nei Tsang: More Than Just a Stomach Massage

By Azusa Segawa, Wellness Practitioner, Chi Nei Tsang Specialist and Visiting Master at AyurMa

What Is Chi Nei Tsang?

Chi Nei Tsang (often abbreviated as CNT) is sometimes misunderstood as a simple “stomach massage”. At first glance, it may look like someone gently pressing or kneading the abdomen.

But Chi Nei Tsang is far more than that. It is a holistic therapy that not only works on the physical organs but also on the flow of energy, emotions, and even ancestral connections that live within us.

Breaking down the words:

• Chi = energy, life force

• Nei Tsang = internal organs

So Chi Nei Tsang literally means “working with the energy of the internal organs”.

It is a hands-on therapy rooted in ancient Taoist tradition, infused with the principles of Qigong healing. Developed thousands of years ago in China, this method was designed to clear blockages in the abdomen so that energy—known as chi or qi—could flow freely throughout body and spirit.

Beyond Digestion

Because CNT works directly through the abdomen, people often first associate it with digestive health. And it’s true- this therapy can be remarkably effective for issues like:

• bloating

• constipation

• indigestion

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Many women also report relief from menstrual cramps, lower back pain, and symptoms related to poor circulation or coldness in the body.

But digestion and physical relief are only part of the story. The deeper purpose of Chi Nei Tsang is to address the roots behind symptoms. Discomfort and imbalance often arise not just from structural or dietary issues, but from emotions, thought patterns, lifestyle choices, and stress.

CNT gently unravels these knots - both literally and metaphorically - helping the body, mind, and energy system return to a state of balance.

Flow Is Health

The abdomen is the centre of our being. In many traditions, it is called the second brain, the hara, or the dantian. It is where we store not only physical tension but also unprocessed emotions.

By softening and releasing the belly, the rest of the body begins to relax:

• shoulders drop

• the jaw unclenches

• breathing deepens

This is the essence of health: flow. Life is not meant to be rigid or stagnant. Just as rivers move, seasons change, and emotions rise and fall, our bodies too are healthiest when everything is circulating—blood, breath, energy, and feelings.

Emotions like worry, anger, or sadness are often labelled “negative”, but in reality, they are part of the natural digestion of life. The danger comes not from the emotions themselves, but from suppressing them. Over time, suppression creates stagnation, which may manifest as depression, fatigue, or physical illness.

CNT creates a safe space for these emotions to be acknowledged, processed, and released.

The Navel Connection

One of the unique aspects of Chi Nei Tsang is its focus on the navel. While many bodywork modalities massage the abdomen, CNT regards the navel as a central gateway for energy.

Think about it: the navel was our very first lifeline. Through the umbilical cord, it connected us to our mother, and through her, to our grandmother and all our ancestors. In Taoist understanding, the navel carries this deep ancestral imprint - sometimes even described as karma.

Each navel has its own unique shape - round, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. These patterns are believed to reflect the condition of the organs and energy pathways. Under stress, the navel often becomes tight, knotted, or sore to the touch.

A Simple Practice for You

Most people rarely touch their own navel, yet it can be an illuminating practice. Try this:

1. Find a quiet space and place one hand gently over your navel.

2. Breathe slowly and notice what you feel. Is the area soft and open, or tight and resistant?

3. If you find hardness or knots, gently massage in small circles. No need to press deeply—just invite the area to soften.

4. You may place a drop of natural oil on your fingertip and lightly massage, imagining you are cleansing and refreshing this energy gateway.

   
   

This simple practice can help you tune into your body’s messages and create a sense of spaciousness in your centre. By clearing stagnation, you welcome fresh, positive energy into your life.

Coming Back to Centre

Chi Nei Tsang is more than a therapy - it is a journey back to your centre. It reconnects you with your body, your emotions, your energy, and even your ancestral roots.

By working with the belly, we touch the whole of life, inviting flow, softness, and balance to retur