“Massages aren’t just a way to pamper yourself; they should be part of your healing journey and a way for you to unwind,” shared Radwa Etman, a certified Chi Nei Tsang practitioner who’s been practising for over five years.
There are different types of massages, and each one answers a specific need in your body. Today, we dive deep into the Chi Nei Tsang massage, a therapeutic massage derived from traditional Chinese medicine principles. These principles look at the emotional blockages that are hosted in our bodies and how they can provoke physical pain, and treatments such as massages can free our organs from such pain.
“I believe everyone is in need of this massage, even if they don’t suffer from any physical ailment, as it will help them maintain their body’s functions”. Etman found her true calling in the art of healing, and she enlightened us with the benefits of Chi Nei Tsang that will amaze you.
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Cairo Gossip: How is Chi Nei Tsang different from other messages?
Radwa Etman: Chi Nei Tsang is translated to internal organ energy transformation. While most massages work on the whole body, this one works only on the abdominal area, focusing on the internal organs. This massage is derived from Chinese medicine philosophy that focuses on the internal organs and the energy channels. The difference between Chi Nei Tsang and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that Chi Nei Tsang works directly by applying acupressure on the internal organs, while TCM practitioners work on the energy channels with needles or acupressure.
CG: And which parts of the body does it target?
RE: We apply pressure with our hands and fingers in certain areas in the abdomen to work on the internal organs directly, and this method is known as the acupressure technique. It helps boost the blood and energy flow of the area pressed, which assists in releasing withheld toxins. When improving the blood circulation in the internal organs, the blood circulation in the entire body is improved.
Holistic alternative medicine techniques [like Chi Nei Tsang] look at the body as a whole. Each organ is connected, and they all affect one another. For example, the digestive system isn’t only responsible for digesting food; it’s also responsible for digesting emotions and feelings. For instance, if you’re having a bad day, you will find your stomach acting out, right?
CG: That’s very interesting. What are the changes people can expect after a massage?
RE: One of the aims of the massage is to release withheld tension and accumulated toxins, especially if the body’s capability of doing so on its own is impaired, such as with constipation, for example. The toxins leave the body in the form of stool, sweat, or pee. Thus, after the session, one of these things could take place.
As TCM views the function of internal organs not only on a physical but also an emotional level, releasing tension from the organs ultimately assists in balancing our emotional state. One may feel sleepy after the session as the nervous system enters a parasympathetic (rest and repair) state, which creates space for deep healing and relaxation.
The massage helps with different digestive system issues like those who suffer from chronic constipation or IBS. It also assists with period-related problems and infertility issues.
CG: How do you set the mood for a massage?
RE: I, myself, like to keep it quiet to give my clients the space to talk, as I believe that verbal release is just as important. I’m a facilitator of healing and I like to give my clients this chance to open up.
