Dear nécessité,
Here I am in my true raw element with this beautiful being who exudes a healing, calming, soothing spirit of energy. She has been working on me for the past 5 years. I am not getting just a massage, I am receiving the blessing of Chi Nei Tsang (CNT). As you may be able to discover by now, I am into real 360 holistic health for all parts of my mind, body, spirit, and emotions beyond mental and physical work. Sometimes life shakes us up and brings things our way that we never see coming. Those things can come in different forms like a partner, a pet, a career, a new recipe, a new friend, or even a new healing modality you may have never heard of or experienced.
As you may be able to discover by now, I am into real 360 holistic health for all parts of my mind, body, spirit, and emotions beyond mental and physical work. Sometimes life shakes us and brings things the way that we never see coming. Those things can come in different forms like a partner, a pet, a new recipe, a new friend, or even a new healing modality you may have never heard of or experienced.
This was the case for me not only at one point in my life but at one specific moment. I was so lost and unsure of what to do with my life and my purpose. I went to college and graduated as that was a goal for me, but I never ever knew to my core what I wanted to do or be at this point beyond obtaining my college degree. It finally came through much self-discovery and connecting to self (I am still learning and loving myself more).
My journey where I became more aware of myself was in the 90s. A lot happened for me in that decade — challenging health-related lessons and beautiful things. When my mother was living in the Bay Area at one point and one of my sisters was attending the University of Berkeley, I started doing yoga. My mother and I would take a class with Tim or with Rodney Yee(way before Rodney became the Hampton’s Rodney Yee, and yes, I still have the schedule on an orange piece of paper with his name on it as the instructor, I am organized, but not a hoarder, sentimental some but not a hoarder, it is a bookmarker-I recycle…). I had heard of yoga, but I had never really done yoga. With a visit to see my mom, I not only started yoga, but I also came across a massage technique that was completely foreign to me.
Of course, I had heard of “massage,” but I did not know all of the ways one can experience a massage until I heard of Chi Nei Tsang. Talk about a healing, emotional release, and restorative way of a massage, wow!
What is it? Well, it may and may not be for you and that is okay, just keep reading on with me.It’s a very special technique and is not something you hear or see offered at most spa establishments. Not many people are trained in this manner of bodywork like in other styles of massages. It is special and one that I connect well with, I receive the blessings of this modality, and I simply honor it and love it.
A little background story on Chi Nei Tsang (CNT). Many many many years ago (think thousands!)
Taoist monks used this energetic practice to help strengthen and detoxify their bodies amongst other things. It is hands-on with direct contact to the abdomen and is known to help release emotional stagnation, send energy to the abdominal organs by stimulating the lymphatic system and can help strengthen the immune system. We hold so much emotional pain and trauma in our core that we may not even be aware our emotions are settling here. Things become stuck and need to be released and moved on and out. Let that junk go, baby…release the angst and constipation. I too have to release my load that can sometimes be heavy and toxic.
The stomach has organs, muscles, nerves and food waste and so many parts in there to keep moving for us. If it gets stuck in traffic, so to speak, it can cause much stress on us. I have learned this and it requires much work like anything else we are trying to improve or work on.
I have laid on the table plenty of times, not only feeling free, light, more aware and so great afterwards, but also those good releases of crying as a therapeutic effect. Those tears just roll down and I do not hold back. Crying is a way my body is speaking to me, telling me, “Let me out!” and so I honor that.
I know some of my health issues came from my digestion being hit hard. One thing I used to help bring healing and relief is CNT. I started in the ’90s with it and I am still a supporter of this practice because I have personally reaped the benefits each time. I respond well to it. I allow myself to be open to receive the intention of it.
I had to share this with you. Maybe you are desiring a release too. It is not a fluffy pamper moment it is moment of release from our system.
The stomach is part of the body, and when a masseuse is not massaging my stomach in some simple manner, they are not giving me a full-body massage. I always ask any masseuse working on me to gently rub my belly. The tummy is the main part of the body and after all, it is called the core for a reason. It has muscles and it can get knotty, and like anything else, it requires some love, attention, and TLC.
How else can one receive feel-good energy from this beautiful area? As I mentioned earlier, the stomach has many organs, muscles, nerves and food waste and so many parts in there to keep moving for us.This area does so much for us. Stop and say hello. If you are looking for some relief, are feeling constipated, or mentally and emotionally blocked, fearful, afraid, unsure, requiring support, or looking to have some gentle energetic gut health work, investigate and learn more about Chi Nei Tsang. It may be what you are needing today.
If unsure if this type of massage is for you, talk with the masseuse before allowing them to touch you anywhere and ask all questions to have understanding. This is an abdominal massage, therefore, I did not do this type of massage while pregnant at all, and I personally do not advise it during this special and extra fragile time of life. If you have certain health challenges or limitations, always ask for being certain safety health decisions for yourself, even though they usually only work from below the breastbone to the top of the pelvic area, take your own health in your hands with precaution.
Please keep in mind, everyone’s touch is different. Some healers go deeper than others.
Look for a specialized abdominal masseuse in your area or reach the Chi Nei Tsang Institute to possibly get more assistance and guidance. Learn more and grow, it is never too late. www.chineitsang.com
Please tell us here, have you ever had a massage? If so, what is your favorite type?
Much love and gratitude,
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Certified in Gut Health
Author of The Thriving Child, Shut Up and Cook!
Erica Reid, Founder of nécessité
