Most therapeutic techniques such as acupressure, Shiatsu, acupuncture, reflexology; Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, chiropractics, osteopathy, Dr. Voder's Lymphatic Drainage Method, etc. work from the periphery of the body toward the center to eventually affect the center of the body. Chi Nei Tsang's power lies in working from the center toward the outside by focusing on the abdomen and the navel area.

The lower abdomen is the very center of the body, the place from which breath and movement originate. It is the structural center of gravity and the center for metabolic processes such as digestion, detoxification, and energy processing. In Traditional Oriental Medicine and martial arts this center, called the hara in Japanese, or tantien in Chinese, is believed to be the body's center of energy; the powerhouse where vital energy originates.

The abdominal area, with the internal organs and their internal structures, holds the secrets of a person: things we hide from ourselves. The body holds all kinds of strategies for addressing conflict, personal history, personality, and tendencies. Thus, the abdominal structure holds the secret of the future, of a person's life purpose. Any deviation from that purpose brings us in direct conflict with ourselves and causes illness. When practitioners work on the structure of clients' navels and are able to localize tensions and obstructions, they are also putting clients in touch with the direction of their lives. Chi Nei Tsang helps people to reconcile internal conflicts that prevent self-realization and self manifestation.

Through focusing on the abdomen, Chi Nei Tsang brings about healing from within, from the center, the roots, the origin of life itself. This abdominal massage, in its modern context, works in four main ways.

ONE Detoxifying. Chi Nei Tsang manipulations help relieve the body of excess stagnation. It improves elimination, stimulates the lymphatic and the circulatory systems, and strengthens the immune system's resistance to diseases. In doing so it helps achieve optimal results in other health care modalities; for example, clients using it before and after surgery recover more quickly and easily.

Two Restructuring and Strengthening. By addressing the visceral structures and positioning of internal organs, Chi Nei Tsang stimulates them, and corrects postural problems resulting from visceral imbalances and congestion in the structural pattern of fascia. It releases deep-seated tensions and restores vitality. Chi Nei Tsang has been helpful with chronic pain in the back, neck and shoulder pains and problems related to misalignment of the feet, legs, and pelvis.

THREE Balancing Emotions. Unprocessed emotions are stored in the digestive system waiting to be addressed. Poor emotional digestion is one of the main reasons for ill health. Chi Nei Tsang allows emotions to unfold, making it possible for individuals to evolve and grow. Chi Nei Tsang has been successfully used in combination with psychotherapy.

FOUR Bringing Self-awareness. Each of us is responsible for our own health. Several practices help receivers know themselves.Fundamental Chi Nei Tsang self-help manipulations and techniques improve breathing. The diet and other health-related lifestyle matters are areas to consider improving upon. Visualization and meditation practices enhance effects of manual treatments.