Mantak Chia's uncle had to be carried to his first appointment for stomach massage with Dr Mui Yimwattana. Stunned to find him walking after just one session, Chia, a world-renowned Chinese-Thai chi-kung master, signed up as Mui's student, incorporating the massage techniques into his Taoist system and creating what he called "chi nei tsang", or "massage of the internal organs".

"Traditionally, masseurs didn't touch the stomach, as this was considered a private area. So they massaged the feet," says Jutta Kellenberger, explaining why foot reflexology is a common practice in traditional Chinese medicine. Kellenberger is a senior Taoist instructor and chi nei tsang teacher at Tao Garden in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai.

Strong pressure applied to a healthy stomach can be beneficial.

For Taoists, the abdomen is considered to be the strongest energy centre, as the life force is stored in the dan thien, a point just below the navel. The theory goes that massaging the abdominal area will draw life force directly to the centre of the body as well as clearing blockages and toxins in the intestines that cause disease.

"We can see the healing effects of chi nei tsang instantly for people with irritable bowel syndrome," says Nitchara Yimsuk, a nurse and chi nei tsang practitioner at the Chiva-Som Health Spa in Hua Hin. "It also works well for chronic fatigue syndrome, PMS and people with emotional problems. Chinese medicine says that negative emotions are hidden in the internal organs and once they are physically released, the body returns to its normal function."

What are the important skills that a chi nei tsang therapist needs to heal patients? "Focus - total concentration on the massage, energy in the hands, and a heart that wants the patient to be well," answers Jutta, almost without thinking. "It is the Tao's mind, eye, and heart power."

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>> 'Chi nei tsang' abdominal massages are offered in many Thai spas. A list of certified practitioners and courses can be found at www.Tao-Garden.com.

This article was first published in Daily Xpress on June 8, 2008.