Man has always searched for the means to live a full, healthy and extended life. But in the fast- paced world in which we live, we cannot avoid succumbing to tension, stress and negative emotions which, in turn, sooner or later obstruct our chi.

Chi the unseen life force energy or cosmic breath. It is the vital force that permeates and nurtures everything in the universe. Chi activates all body processes and moves throughout the body's internal ,channels, nerve system, blood vessels and lymph glands. If the chi is not allowed to flow freely, the body becomes damaged and sickness follows. In its full state of health and harmony, the body has the ability to monitor and regulate the chi by itself. But with the constant bombardment of everyday stresses, it tends to become blocked and stagnate.

The Taoist sages of ancient China observed that humans often develop energy blockages in their internal organs that become knots and tangles in the abdomen region. Emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, depression and worry cause the most damage. Problems can also be caused by overwork, accidents, surgery, drugs, diet, bad posture and traumatic incidents.

These obstructions occur right at the center of the body's vital functions. When the chi is obstructed, the internal organs store unhealthy energies that can overflow into the other bodily systems and surface as negative emotions and sickness. Always in search of an outlet, these negative emotions energies create a perpetual cycle of negativity and stress. If the negative emotions can not find an outlet, they fester in the organs or move into the abdomen, the body's "garbage dump".

The energetic center of the body located at the navel becomes congested and cut off from the rest of the body resulting in lack of energy and subsequent illness. Some examples of manifestations of this phenomenon include a weak immune system, constipation, low or mid back pain, weak organ groups, indigestion, menstrual cramps, infertility, toxicity accumulation and skin problems.

The Taoists discovered that most maladies could be healed once the underlying toxins and negative forces were released from the body. This has since evolved into "Chi Nei Tsang", a specialised technique developed by a Thai-Chinese named Master Mantak Chia.

Chi Nei Tsang defined Chi Nei Tsang is a method of internal organ massage, based on ageless Taoist techniques, that makes use of energy flow of all major systems in the body: breathing, vascular, lymphatic, nervous, muscular and meridian points. With this practice one is able to increase the energy flow to internal organs by specific manipulations and massaging a series of points in the navel area. It is around the navel area-the centre where all systems meet-that Chi Nei Tsang internal organ chi massage is mostly directed. It is a holistic approach to self-care, including coaching on proper breathing, nutrition, visualisation and self-manipulation. The Chi Nei Tsang frees the blockages in the abdomen and guides the healing energy through the entire body. It helps detoxify the body and rid it of negativity. As an art and science, Chi Nei Tsang complements reflexology, psychology, reiki, shiatsu, Swedish massage and similar therapies. It is also the most comprehensive approach to energising, strengthening, and detoxifying the internal system. It clears out negative influences and is particularly useful in relieving intestinal blockages, cramps, knots, lumps, scar tissues, headaches, poor blood circulation, back pain, infertility, impotence, menstrual cramps, depression and anxiety.

It embraces the holistic approach to massage therapy, treating the person as a whole integrating physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. It goes to the very origin of health problems including psychosomatic responses. The healing method encompasses various ailments from simple ones like constipation, bloating, gas, muscle pains, to serious diseases like ulcers, high blood pressure and endometriosis.

Chi Nei Tsang and stress management
Among the different stress situations that modern men and women encounter in their lives, the ones that affect them most quickly are emotional and work-related stresses. In both cases, the first organs to be affected are the internal organs, particularly the small in testine and stomach. This creates a tight, painful bloated stomach, poor digestion, constipation, PMS problems and other symptoms. This in turn causes problems in the liver and gall bladder.

Emotional stress can come from a bad relationship or anticipation of the end of a relationship. This stress affects the heart, the heart controller and the lungs.

Work-related stress is the most frequently encountered health problem. In modern commercial life the constant pressure to succeed drains the life force energy from the kidney and adrenal glands, causing fatigue. Anger and frustration can also severely damage the liver. Fear of losing a. job, money or business damages the kidneys. Working in an unpleasant location weakens the functions of the stomach, pancreas and spleen.

With Chi Nei Tsang, through, a special technique of untying the knot close to the navel area, the chi can begin to flow again. For stress arising from emotional reasons, a special maneuver can help in detoxifying the liver and gall bladder. With loss appetite irregularities, detoxifying the spleen, pancreas stomach and liver is particularly helpful. And aside from the physical rejuvenation, Chi Nei Tsang also helps detoxify and cleanse the inner soul and mind with the gush of the chi.