Chi Nei tsang: the healing benefits of organ massage
Just after his studies in 2003, Michiel Kaemingk came into contact with massage and that has never left him. I myself recently lay on the table with him for a Chinese abdominal organ massage, or Chi Nei Tsang. That was special. Especially since a lot of trust is needed between the client and the masseur for an optimal result. The relaxation afterwards was great. In this interview, Michiel tells you all about this deep-working massage.
Michiel: “From the moment I started massaging I have been immersing myself in this profession. In addition to my work as a masseur, I am a certified yoga teacher and breath work coach. And I also completed my 3 year training as a coach and trainer at Phoenix Opleidingen in 2018. For me, head, body and mind are inextricably linked. With these three disciplines I can bring everything together. To me massaging is one of the deepest ways of making contact, beyond the word. To see someone come in with a question or wish and after the session completely Zen, and perhaps get rid of their complaint, to see them step off the table always gives a grateful feeling.”
What exactly is a Chi Nei Tsang Massage?
Michiel: “This form of massage is also called organ massage and is part of Chinese Medicine. According to the Taoists, life starts from the navel. This cosmic gate also connects us to the universe after birth: energies from outside are transformed here into vital life force. Also, toxins from the organs leave the body through the navel area. All body systems are connected from the navel (blood vessels, lymphatic, nervous and muscular systems and the meridian system) and the body unites with the mind and soul. During a Chi Nei Tsang treatment, the abdominal organs are massaged and the corresponding organ points on the navel ring are opened. The intestines, stomach, spleen, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, heart, lungs, kidneys, reproductive organs, diaphragm, plexus and psoas muscle are treated and the lymphatic system and blood circulation are balanced. (source: shiatsu-online.nl, this is the place where I was trained)”
Is Chi Nei Tsang Known in The Netherlands?
Michiel: “This form of massage is generally known to people who study Shiatsu, acupressure or related Chinese Medicine, although not everyone offers it in their practice. Many masseurs skip the abdomen. That is a pity because there is so much profit to be made in massaging the organs. It is also a vulnerable area where emotions are stored. For that reason, a relationship of trust must first be built up before you as a masseur are given permission to work on it.”
Where do the painful pressure points in the belly originate from?
Michiel: “These are energetic blockages that settle in the organs in the abdominal area. The causes can be diverse, such as unprocessed grief to daily work pressure, and all related complaints that settle in the abdominal area. Just think of a situation that is not pleasant. The first place you often feel it is in your stomach. Your stomach turns, you get intestinal complaints, bad stools, etc. Usually the painful pressure points are characterized as 'shooting pains' to the genital zones. But also locally at the place where the masseur applies pressure you can experience a painful sensation from dull to somewhat sharper pain. Once you relax under the hands of the masseur, being coached on your breath and guided through it, you will notice that the pain slowly fades away. You feel that everything starts to flow and a relaxation manifests itself in your stomach. This is accompanied by a warm glow. In the end, you always have to go to the toilet after an abdominal massage. You will notice that you can suddenly go to the toilet much better and then have a wonderfully empty and clean feeling in your stomach.”
When do you advice someone to take an organ massage?
Michiel: “Actually, it is good for everyone to receive because it overturns the necessary energetic blockages. Chi Nei Tsang also ensures a better supply of blood to the organs and drainage of waste that does not belong there. In this way you create a situation in which your organs can perform their tasks optimally and the self-healing capacity of the body is addressed. But also if you suffer from specific ailments like Colitus Ulcerosa or a type of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohns, this type of massage can take away the sharp pains that people experience in their bowel. Another interesting symptom that can be treated with this type of massage is when people suffer from ticks. Uncontrolled movements of the head for example. Although difficult to explain what is causing the ticks, stress is often a good indicator. After a thorough organ massage, clients sometimes can go without these ticks for weeks to even months.”
Can you give yourself an organ massage?
Michiel: “I sometimes massage my stomach, but that's not the same as when someone else does that for you. Still, for example, by sitting on a chair and pressing my fingers into my stomach, slowly leaning forward with my ring and middle fingers, I can get deep into my stomach and look for pain points. I then slowly put more pressure and then wait a while for the pain to subside. What also works is using a trigger point ball or yoga foam block and lay on top of it. Gently apply more weight and search for the areas that are most painful. It is important to take your time and let the belly become soft again.”
How can you recognize a signature massage session by your hand?
Michiel: “My massages are a nice mix of Eastern and Western disciplines. I firmly believe in the holistic functioning of body and mind. That is why I combine the deep relaxing work of Deep-Tissue massage with the beautiful stretches of Thai Yoga massage. If the time (or sometimes even necessity) is there, I would like to conclude with a short abdominal massage at the end when you are completely relaxed. Within our studio I am one of the few who has specifically done a training in Chi Nei Tsang. But know that all therapists are capable of providing deep healing abdominal massages. From the Ayurveda and Thai Yoga massage there are also specific abdominal massages, which are given, for example, with warm oil or herbal stamps. They all work according to the same principle: opening the energy pathways, so that blockages are resolved and blood flow to the organs is optimized.”
