What is Chi Nei Tsang?
A Taoist abdominal massage. The lesser known sibling of acupuncture.
Origins of the practice
Chi Nei Tsang is a Taoist healing practice developed and systematised by Master Mantak Chia, whose foundational text on the subject, written with Maneewan Chia, remains the definitive guide to the work. Jake has studied directly under Mantak Chia and brings the lineage to every session.
The name translates as “internal organs Qi massage” and shares its roots with acupuncture. Where acupuncture accesses the body's energy channels through fine needles at specific points, Chi Nei Tsang goes directly to the abdomen, where the organs themselves reside.
"Organs contain the essences of the spiritual force of a human being. When obstructed they store unhealthy energies that can overflow into other bodily systems and surface as negative emotions and sickness."
Mantak & Maneewan Chia, Chi Nei Tsang: Internal Organ Chi Massage, 1990
Enter the gut-brain axis…
Modern research has arrived at what Chinese medicine has long held. The gut and the brain are in constant communication through an extensive network of nerves, hormones, and immune signals. This is the gut-brain axis, and it runs in both directions. What affects the organs affects the mind, and vice versa.
Chi Nei Tsang works at this exact intersection. Using massage to releasing congestion and tension from the abdominal organs, it creates conditions in which both the digestive system and the nervous system can regulate more effectively.
How it can help you?
Chi Nei Tsang draws people who have a sense that something is held, stuck, or not moving, whether that shows up physically, emotionally, or both. Common presentations include:
Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, IBS, and a belly that feels chronically tight or reactive
Chronic stress or anxiety, particularly when it lives in the gut
Emotional heaviness including grief, unexpressed frustration, or a flatness that is hard to name
Fatigue that sleep does not always resolve
Lower back pain with no clear structural cause, often connected to tension in the psoas or deep abdominal muscles
What actually happens in a session
Expect a new experience. Sessions are quite unlike a standard massage. Traditionally this is a firm, substantive practice, yet Jake’s body literacy and attentiveness, makes it well tolerated even for those new to abdominal bodywork.
You lie on a massage table in loose comfortable clothing. The abdomen is the primary focus, though the work can extend to the chest, lower back, and hips as needed. Jake uses varying degrees of pressure, moving attentively through the different organ territories soothing stagnation.
Some areas will feel fine, while others may hold surprising tenderness or resistance. All the functions of the mind-body-spirit revolve around the navel for it is the doorway to restore health and purity. Breath is woven throughout the session. You may be asked to lightly voice a sound or hold a colour in mind. These are traditional elements of the practice and amplify the effect.
Is it right for you?
Chi Nei Tsang is suitable for most mature bodies and requires no prior experience. An open mind and a willingness to slow down for an hour is all you need. However it is not suitable if you are:
You are pregnant or fewer than 3 months postpartum
You are currently menstruating (please book outside of your bleeding days)
You have a cardiac pacemaker or implanted heart device
You are experiencing a fever or acute infection
You have active cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma
You have a diagnosed aneurysm or blood clots (thrombosis)
Reach out before booking if you have an IUD, artificial hip, hernia, colitis in remission, recent abdominal surgery or other abdominal condition
Before your session
Fast for at least 3 to 4 hours beforehand. A small snack is fine if needed, but avoid a full meal.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
After your session
Keep the remainder of the day gentle where you can. Drink plenty of water and eat lightly.
Some people feel energised after a session; others feel sleepy. Both are normal responses.
Mild fatigue or an emotional shift following your session is common