The stomach in Chinese medicine
In chinese massage, the belly is considered an important energy center for the overall health of the body. The belly massage, called Chi Nei Tsang in Chinese, is a massage technique commonly used in this practice to stimulate energy circulation in this region and promote good digestion.
Chi Nei Tsang is a deep abdominal massage. It uses deep, gentle pressure to help remove energetic blockages and release built-up tension in the internal organs, muscles and connective tissues of the belly.
According to traditional chinese medicine, the belly is the center of digestion, assimilation and elimination of food, as well as the place where emotions are stored. Therefore, belly massage is considered an effective way to treat abdominal pain, gynecological disorders, digestive disorders as well as emotional imbalances such as anxiety and stress.
Chi Nei Tsang in Courbevoie
My approach to massage Chi Nei Tsang integrates this into a global approach where I do not limit myself to massaging only the stomach. Depending on the person's complaint and so that the effects of the session are multiplied, I will also work on other points which may be on the back, on the skull or on the lower or upper limbs.
Indeed, by working on these acupuncture points which are located on the meridians of the body, it is possible to act on the stomach. This can be very useful when the person being massaged cannot tolerate having their stomach touched because of the pain.
Chi Nei Tsang: the art of visceral massage
Belly massage Chi Nei Tsang which means 'Work of the internal energy of the organs' will act directly on the internal organs namely the stomach, spleen, intestines, liver, gallbladder and bladder. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the belly is considered an important center of vital energy Qi in the body. Stomach massage can help stimulate this energy and improve blood and lymphatic circulation.
Stomach massage can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, including digestive disorders (constipation, bloating, gastroesophageal reflux GERD) and menstrual disorders (abdominal cramps). Massage can also help reduce stress and anxiety as it helps calm the mind and promote relaxation.
There are different belly massage techniques in Chinese medicine, one of the most common is called "acupuncture point massage". This technique involves massaging acupuncture points located on the stomach to stimulate energy flow and relieve tension. This will have a visceral action on the stomach, for example by massaging Zhongwan point, on the intestines by massaging Tianshu points and on the bladder by massaging Guanyuan.
By massaging points located on the lower abdomen such as Zhongji, the action will be directed on the gynecological system in women and will thus be able to act on problems such as period pain or endometriosis. This point can also act on sexual problems in men such as impotence or spermatorrhea. By massaging the points in front of the ovaries, it will be possible to have a beneficial effect in women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
What are the benefits of Chi Nei Tsang massage?
By improving the circulation of energy, belly massage can have many health benefits, including:
- Pain relief : belly massage can help relieve abdominal pain and menstrual cramps;
- Improvement of the digestion : belly massage can stimulate digestion by activating blood and lymphatic circulation in the abdominal region;
- Stress reduction : belly massage can help reduce stress by relaxing the abdominal muscles and promoting relaxation;
- Constipation relief : belly massage can help relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements;
- Reduction of bloating : belly massage can help reduce bloating by stimulating digestion and reducing water retention;
- Elimination of toxins : Stomach massage can help eliminate toxins by stimulating lymphatic circulation in the abdominal area.
In short, belly massage can help improve overall health by treating a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, constipation, abdominal pain, stress and anxiety.
How to do a belly self-massage?
The belly massage can be performed by your practitioner, but you can also practice it on yourself or a family member.
Here are the steps to follow to perform a belly self-massage:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor;
- Place the palm of your hand on your navel then make circles clockwise. The idea is to make small circles while keeping your palm on your navel. It is important for this technique and the next to feel the friction of your palm on your stomach;
- Still in the same direction, which corresponds to that of transit, make circular movements with your hand in large circles in order to follow the path of your colon;
- Appliquez une pression verticale avec vos doigts sur les points autour de votre nombril comme Zhongwan, Tianshu et Guanyuan. Une fois que vous ressentez une résistance, faites des petites rotations avec vos doigts en faisant attention à ce que ces derniers ne glissent pas ;
- Repeat these movements for 10 to 15 minutes to relax your muscles and get energy flowing again.
It is important to remember that belly massage should not be performed if you have recently had abdominal surgery, have an abdominal infection, or have inflammatory bowel disease. The same is true for pregnant women. It is also important to see a healthcare professional if you have severe or persistent abdominal pain.
Stomach massage is not therapeutic in nature and does not replace medical monitoring.