The Belly Holds More Than Digestion: Understanding Chi Nei Tsang

Dr. Jacintha "Jaz" Roemer
Aug 8
4 min read

Updated: Nov 16

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” or felt your stomach tighten with anxiety? In Traditional Chinese Medicine and somatic therapy, the belly is more than a digestive center — it’s an emotional storage unit. The abdominal organs are deeply connected to the nervous system. Unprocessed emotions often take root here, affecting both our physical and emotional well-being. That’s where Chi Nei Tsang comes in.

What Is Chi Nei Tsang?

Chi Nei Tsang (氣內臟) is a Taoist abdominal massage therapy designed to detoxify and release physical and emotional blockages in the internal organs. It works directly on the navel and surrounding belly area — what Taoist practitioners call the “second brain.” This work isn’t just relaxing; it’s transformative.

You may already know that emotional stress can trigger digestive issues, tension, or fatigue. Chi Nei Tsang does the reverse: by releasing tension in the belly, it can help release the emotions trapped there, too.

The Connection Between Emotions and the Body

In both somatic therapy and TCM, emotions correlate with specific organs:

Liver: Anger, frustration
Stomach/Spleen: Worry, overthinking
Lungs: Grief, sadness
Kidneys: Fear
Heart: Joy, trauma from emotional shock

When we experience difficult emotions and don’t have time or space to process them, the body doesn’t forget. They may manifest as tension, pain, or chronic discomfort in the belly — or linger as anxiety, burnout, or depression.

Chi Nei Tsang gently helps release these stored emotions, encouraging both physical detox and emotional healing.

What a Chi Nei Tsang Session Feels Like

Each session is customized to meet you where you are. You lie comfortably while I use intentional touch, breathwork, and acupressure techniques to unwind knots, stagnation, and stuck energy in your abdomen.

You may feel warmth, tingling, or deep emotion arise — this is normal. Many clients report clarity, emotional lightness, improved digestion, and deeper connection to themselves afterward.

Who Can Benefit from Emotional Belly Work?

Chi Nei Tsang is especially supportive for:

People healing from trauma or emotional overwhelm
Anyone in somatic therapy looking to integrate bodywork
Those with gut-brain issues like IBS, bloating, or anxiety
Women navigating postpartum healing or hormonal shifts
Empaths, caretakers, and therapists who hold space for others

Emotional Healing Is Physical Healing

You don’t have to talk it out to let it go. Chi Nei Tsang helps your body do the talking — and the releasing. Whether you’re holding on to stress, trauma, or the weight of things unsaid, this sacred belly work offers a path back to center.

Schedule Your Chi Nei Tsang Session in San Diego

If you’re ready to explore how your body is holding your story, let’s begin. Chi Nei Tsang is offered in-person at our San Diego clinic and may be integrated into a deeper healing program. 👉 Book Your Session or 👉 Explore the Buddha Belly Program for a guided 6-week journey. 👉 Not sure where to start? Try the 3-Day Gut Reset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to be in therapy to benefit from Chi Nei Tsang?

A: Not at all. This work stands alone or complements talk therapy, somatic experiencing, or trauma healing.

Q: What if I feel emotional during or after a session?

A: Emotions are welcome. We create a safe space for release and integration.

Q: Is Chi Nei Tsang painful?

A: Some areas may be tender, but pressure is always adjusted to your comfort level.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: Everyone is different. Some feel major shifts in 1-2 sessions; others benefit from a series of 4–6.

Q: Can this help with anxiety or overwhelm?

A: Yes. By calming the nervous system and supporting digestion, Chi Nei Tsang often reduces anxiety and helps people feel more grounded.

🌿 Ready to Go Deeper?

The Buddha Belly Program is a 6-week guided experience combining Chi Nei Tsang, breathwork, food therapy, and emotional clearing — designed to help you digest more than just food. If your belly has been holding more than it should — stress, trauma, anxiety, or burnout — this program is your invitation to release, reconnect, and renew from the inside out.

👉 Explore the Buddha Belly Program

👉 Book a Chi Nei Tsang Session in San Diego

Conclusion: Embrace Your Healing Journey

In conclusion, Chi Nei Tsang offers a unique approach to emotional and physical healing. By addressing the belly as an emotional storage unit, this therapy provides a pathway to release and renewal. Whether you are dealing with stress, trauma, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, Chi Nei Tsang can be a transformative experience. Embrace your healing journey today and discover the profound impact of this ancient practice on your well-being.

📍 Visit Us in San Diego — Or Start Your Healing Journey Online

Dr. JazHands Acupuncture and Therapeutic Massage is located at San Diego Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture is centrally located in Hillcrest, San Diego, and serves the surrounding areas including Downtown San Diego, North Park, Mission Valley, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach. We also work with patients from Los Angeles, Orange County, Escondido, Oceanside, Irvine, and Huntington Beach, as well as virtual clients worldwide from India, Singapore, Europe, and beyond.

🌀 Whether you're seeking digestive relief, emotional balance, or a deeper connection to your health through Chi Nei Tsang, Acupuncture, or our signature Buddha Belly Program, we're here to support your journey—in person or online.