Constipation is a chronic condition for many of the patients coming in for treatment. Some patients manage their constipation by drinking sufficient water and eating an adequate amount of vegetables every day. Others may need to supplement with drinking prune juice or eating more papaya and dragon fruit. There are also those who need to use laxatives to help their bowels move.
Chi Nei Tsang releases restrictions in the lower abdomen, especially as the stool transits from the ascending colon to the transverse colon, drops into the descending colon and the sigmoid colon, and finally exits from the rectum and the anus. There is often restriction and blockage at the sigmoid colon, although the areas of blockage do vary from person to person.
Chi Nei Tsang belly massage is a form of colon massage. It enlivens the intestines and helps to dislodge waste stuck on the intestinal walls. After the massage, most people leave with a flatter stomach.
Chi Nei Tsang helps to release blockage in the upper digestive tract too. Constipation is not always only associated with the lower digestive tract. People coming in to get treated for constipation often suffer from gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is when food is not moving in your digestive tract – think bloatedness and indigestion. Chi Nei Tsang stomach massage clears a bloated tummy and treats indigestion.
Chi Nei Tsang helps to release restrictions near the liver and gallbladder. The liver and gallbladder are organ that help with digestion. Alcohol, anger, frustration or an overly rich diet may compromise liver and gallbladder function. How Chi Nei Tsang helps is by releasing restrictions in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, resulting in better liver and gallbladder function.
Gentle massage of the liver is extremely helpful to facilitate digestive function.
Chi Nei Tsang relaxes the entire digestive tract. Most people suffering from indigestion, bloating or constipation also come in with some level of stress, worry and disturbed sleep. In fact, stress is a big reason why people suffer from digestive problems.
When there is emotional stress, your entire gut function is compromised, there is reduced peristalsis and it just takes longer for transit and bowel movement. Chi Nei Tsang helps by releasing areas of restriction and by encouraging bowel movement. More importantly, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage turns on the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitates vagal regulation and relaxes the entire nervous system.