Chi Nei Tsang: The Art of Abdominal Healing

The Ancient Roots of Chi Nei Tsang

Chi Nei Tsang is an ancient Taoist healing practice that emerged thousands of years ago in China. Originally developed by monks seeking to harmonize their internal energy and promote longevity, this gentle abdominal massage technique became a cornerstone of their holistic approach to wellness.

The name itself translates to “working the energy of the internal organs,” reflecting its purpose: to support the body’s natural rhythms of detoxification, circulation, and emotional balance.

My First Encounter: A Seed of Curiosity

My own journey with Chi Nei Tsang began in 2007, during my studies in Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand. At the time, we only briefly touched on the belly, learning a few gentle points and techniques. But even this small introduction planted a seed of curiosity within me. I felt that working with the abdomen wasn’t just about physical relief—it was a doorway into something deeper and more intuitive.

Years later, I returned to this curiosity and delved deeper into the art of Chi Nei Tsang. Through dedicated study and practice, I discovered the profound connection between our digestion and our emotions, and how this healing touch can help us find a greater sense of ease and vitality.

Supporting My Students on the Detox Path

Since 2010, I have been teaching yoga in detox resorts—almost my entire journey as a yoga teacher has been dedicated to supporting students on their detox journeys. Over time, I’ve witnessed how cleansing the body can also stir up old emotions and stuck energies.

Chi Nei Tsang has become one of my favorite practices to share with students in these moments. It works hand in hand with detoxification, helping the body to release what is no longer needed—physically and emotionally—while also inviting a sense of softness and calm into the belly and the mind.

How Chi Nei Tsang and Yoga Complement Each Other

Whether or not you’re on a detox journey, Chi Nei Tsang beautifully complements a yoga practice. Both invite us to listen inward, soften where we hold tension, and cultivate spaciousness in the body and mind.

Yoga guides us to move and breathe with awareness, opening the pathways of energy throughout the body. Chi Nei Tsang works directly into the core—releasing tension, improving digestion, and softening the belly, which in turn supports greater freedom in our postures and breath.

For yogis, Chi Nei Tsang can:

✅ Enhance breath awareness and deepen diaphragmatic breathing

✅ Improve digestion and reduce bloating, creating more comfort in movement

✅ Release emotional holding patterns that can manifest as stiffness in the body

✅ Foster a greater sense of calm and presence in the practice.

The Organs: A Map of Emotions

Chi Nei Tsang recognizes the belly as a landscape of both physical and emotional states. Each organ has its own function and corresponding emotional energy:

🌿 Liver – Filters the blood and detoxifies the body. Emotionally tied to anger and frustration—when stagnant, these feelings can become stuck.

🌿 Gallbladder – Stores bile to digest fats and works with the liver in detoxification. Linked to decision-making and courage—imbalances can create indecision or bitterness.

🌿 Stomach – Begins digestion and prepares food for absorption. Connected to worry and overthinking, which can slow down digestion and create discomfort.

🌿 Spleen – Transforms food into vital energy. Related to nurturing and empathy—over-giving or mental strain can deplete it.

🌿 Small Intestine – Separates what nourishes from what doesn’t, absorbing nutrients and moving waste onward. It’s about clarity and discernment.

🌿 Large Intestine – Releases waste and what is no longer needed. Linked to letting go—physically and emotionally.

🌿 Kidneys – Regulate fluids and filter blood, holding the energy of fear and willpower.

🌿 Heart – Though not physically in the abdomen, the heart’s warmth and joy are deeply felt in the belly. Supporting the organs below also lightens the heart.

The Physical and Emotional Benefits

On a physical level, Chi Nei Tsang:

✅ Improves digestion and organ function

✅ Supports natural detoxification processes

✅ Enhances circulation and reduces tension in the abdomen

✅ Encourages deep relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing

On an emotional level, Chi Nei Tsang:🌱 Releases stored emotions like grief, anger, worry, and fear🌱 Nurtures emotional clarity and balance🌱 Cultivates a feeling of calm and grounded ease.

A Journey of Healing and Reconnection

Today, Chi Nei Tsang is one of my most beloved offerings. Each session becomes a gentle dialogue between breath and touch, inviting the belly—and the whole self—to soften, release, and reconnect with the natural flow of life.

If you’re here on Koh Phangan and would like to explore Chi Nei Tsang, I invite you to book a session or reach out to learn more. Let’s create space for deep release and a soft return to harmony. 🌿

👉 Contact me here to book your Chi Nei Tsang session.

May your belly be soft, your heart light, and your spirit at ease. 🌿✨