Alleviating Pain
Alleviating Pain with Chi Nei Tsang
My work with Chi Nei Tsang has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The other day, I had a full schedule of CNT clients, and my heart felt like it was singing. Every time I practice qigong at home in my house or yard, I feel this inspiring energy. Taking care of myself means I can do more of this work that I love.
Over the next two years, I expect my style of treatment and the sessions I offer to evolve greatly. I want to do more than just massage techniques! I want to offer deeper insight and options for providing relief and healing to my clients.
My journey with Chi Nei Tsang began in 2019 when I took my first seven days of training with Peter Melnychuk. Once I opened my books and began taking clients, it was love at first session! My practice started growing rapidly in 2021, and with more clients came a bout of imposter syndrome. In 2022, I decided to deepen my knowledge and flew to California for nine more days of training with Gilles Marin. I have many more hours of training to complete, as Chi Nei Tsang is the kind of modality one could explore and learn new things for the rest of their life.
I want to share the work I've been doing over the last four years, watching CNT’s effect on many different pains in the abdomen including endometriosis, post-hysterectomy pain, and other surgical scars.
CNT is an ancient healing art that focuses on the abdomen, the body's energetic and emotional center. This powerful practice is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and helps individuals find relief from pain by addressing imbalances on a physical, emotional, and energetic level. By working on specific pressure points and employing gentle, deep abdominal massage techniques, Chi Nei Tsang practitioners can promote circulation, release toxins, and stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.
Our bodies are made up of many layers, including our emotions and our energy. We often think of them separately, but as the years go on and the more people I have the honor of working with, the more I find the evidence that they are interconnected. Even if we cannot see or feel the connection, it is there.
CNT, deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, focuses on clearing stagnant qi (energy) in the body. By addressing blockages and promoting the flow of energy through the meridian system, CNT helps restore balance and vitality. When qi flows freely, the body's natural healing processes are activated, allowing for improved overall well-being and the alleviation of various physical and emotional issues.
In cases of endometriosis, post-hysterectomy discomfort, and abdominal scarring, Chi Nei Tsang not only addresses the physical pain by working with the fascia surrounding the scar tissue and organs below; But also helps clients process the emotions surrounding these experiences and the organs most effected. The gentle, deep and slow techniques allows a safe space for emotional exploration and healing. The process of releasing pain and tension can, in turn, create a profound emotional release, helping clients come to terms with their experiences, pain and scars.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body's organs are not only seen as functional entities responsible for physiological processes but are also believed to be closely linked with emotions. According to TCM theory, each organ is associated with a specific emotion, and imbalances in the organ's energy can manifest as emotional disturbances. So while you may not be able to see the link between the scarring or pain in your abdomen and your emotional state, you may be surprised at the changes or insights you receive during a session!
I have had the privilege of witnessing this technique provide relief to individuals who, after exploring various modalities, believed they might never overcome their pain. Numerous times, I have been thrilled by the success that manifests as a name missing from my booking schedule – someone now living life free of pain and no longer in need of constant treatment. That person may return for maintenance or deeper self-discovery, but they have successfully navigated the healing process for that specific issue.
The human body is a powerful, astonishing, and adaptable work of art. I genuinely believe that I could devote the rest of my life to exploring and appreciating the human body without ever fully grasping its complexities. I am incredibly grateful for discovering the practice of Chi Nei Tsang and even more so for the individuals who humble me with their trust and transformations. Healing is not an easy journey.
As an Instagram post from @gendersauce aptly states, "It is work to heal. It is noble and stupid work. Sometimes pain waits until you are well-rested and ready."
This quote encapsulates the courage it takes to delve into oneself for healing, which I often witness on my treatment table. As I like to remind all of my clients, their experiences during sessions are more about their willingness to explore themselves and navigate through emotions they'd rather not confront, rather than being about me.
I hope to see you on my table for a Chi Nei Tsang session soon!
Samantha M.