Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is a taoist form of “applied qigong” (pronounced: “chee-gung”). This abdominal massage cultivates your life-force-energy (“qi”) by releasing spasms in the muscles of digestion/elimination and allowing the qi to flow freely--throughout these organs, and throughout the body!

There are several approaches to CNT and I follow the teaching of Gilles Marin, from Berkeley, CA., author of Healing from Within, With Chi Nei Tsang and Five Elements, Six Conditions.

Our style of CNT is based on the idea that we process emotions with our gut, the same way we digest food. We’ve all felt our stomach/intestines tighten with fear, anxiety or stress, then relax when the situation has passed; but if an emotional charge is “indigestible”, it creates a long-term spasm in the small muscles of the gut. We no longer breathe into that area and are better able to block out ---but not resolve--- our emotional discomfort. Let’s face it: no one wants to feel bad!

As long as there are a limited number of these emotional charges, this can be a great safety valve--- It allows us to go about our business (relatively sanely), despite stress and traumatic life events! But, as we build up a lifetime of unresolved charges, we may begin to experience digestive or eliminative symptoms and discomfort in other areas of the body, as these spasms pull on the fascia: the continuous membrane which surrounds and penetrates all the muscles and organs of our bodies.

In many cases, we are also faced with scar tissue and adhesions, as a result of abdominal surgery, injury, PID, or endometriosis, etc.

I work, first, to get you to breathe deeply and fully, using the movement of the diaphragm to massage your own organs from inside, and draw your consciousness back to areas of contraction. I then stimulate the lymphatic system by massaging around the navel and rocking the large intestine, then massage and hold all areas of the belly more deeply, as tension begins to release. I also stretch and begin to soften any scar tissue and gently encourage adhesions to release.

During the first session, I’ll have you feel your own belly, both before and after the session. The difference can be dramatic and is often a real eye-opener--- Most of my clients experience a much greater ease in breathing! I then teach you a daily self-care CNT treatment and, possibly, a little qigong. Depending on the situation, I may recommend the use of a castor oil pack.

  • Release of emotional tension and trauma
  • Digestive/eliminative problems
  • Fertility enhancement
  • Menstrual difficulties
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Scarring/adhesions from abdominal surgery
  • Prostate discomfort
  • Chronic back and neck pain

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This type of massage speeds up movement of lymph, the clear fluid which carries the natural waste products of the cells, excess hormones, germs, environmental toxins, etc. through a system of lymph nodes. These nodes (located primarily at the big joints, throat and deep in the abdomen) remove the toxins and clean the lymph well enough to be dumped back into the bloodstream, where it becomes part of the blood plasma.

This varies greatly, depending upon the reason for the treatment.

In general, this work is a very gentle pumping motion, which mimics the natural flow of the lymph; with deeper work in the areas of the nodes. It tends to be very relaxing and hypnotic. Because of my strong shiatsu background, I like to include neck work and arm and leg rotations, which greatly enhance lymph flow.

We can do a full-body, general session, or take the same amount of time to address more detailed and specific, local issues.

A session always includes work on the neck and around the collar bones. Issues involving the arms or breasts require work in the armpits, and drainage for the legs, butt and lower abdomen require work in the area of the groin.

I often use part of the session to teach “dry-brushing” or self breast massage and, if the treatment is for cellulite, I include both a massage oil and a bath oil for home use.

Of course, any of us can benefit from regular sessions to improve the efficiency of our lymphatic system, helping to maintain a cleaner cellular environment.

I have had great results with clients coping with:

  • environmental illness/ heavy metal detox
  • pre- / post- surgery (including dental surgery and liposuction) to greatly reduce swelling and discomfort and speed healing
  • Breast issues: water retention and tenderness, fluid-filled cysts, fibrocystic breasts, surgery for augmentation or reduction, and redirection of lymph flow following cancer surgery with lymph node removal
  • Sinus problems
  • Cellulite
  • Younger looking skin

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The Chinsese medical system is based on the idea that “qi” (life force energy) flows through the body in pathways called “channels” or “meridians”. When it is flowing freely we are in good health. When the qi is blocked, due to injury, surgery, stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, etc., we may become ill, uncomfortable, or out of sorts.

The Japanese adopted this Chinese medical theory (which is also used in acupuncture) and created shiatsu as hands-on bodywork to stimulate the free flow of qi, helping your body/mind/spirit to function at it’s best.

“Shiatsu” translates from Japanese as “finger pressure”. ...It is also pressure from thumbs, palms, elbows and knees along lines of energy that run throughout the body. I add in rotations and stretches for all the joints and muscles.

Thanks to my tutorials with Ohashi, my neck work is exceptional!

You will feel much more open, relaxed and refreshed---- either energized and ready to get out and tackle the world, or in touch with your need to go home and get some sleep.

I do shiatsu on a futon on the floor--- but will accomodate you by working on the table, if getting up and down is problematic for you.

~ Recovery from sore muscles from over-exercising
~ Improved mobility and flexibility
~ Relief from stress and reduction of stress induced symptoms
~ So you can feel your best!


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