FAQ
What does GUTS mean ?
GUTS refers to guts, the belly, what we have inside. It evokes both the courage to face challenges and the act of trusting one’s intuition. It refers to diving into oneself to find one’s source and connect with intuition.
What is a belly massage by GUTS ?
The massage I offer is a Taoist abdominal massage (Chi Nei Tsang).
It is a deep massage of the organs performed while dressed, with the belly exposed.
It is Taoist in that it is based on traditional Chinese medicine, considering the human being as a whole — body, heart, and mind — integrated into an environment. Positive and negative emotions are seen as energies that lodge in the body, and if they are not acknowledged or poorly managed, they become tensions that obstruct the smooth flow of energy, which in turn generates physical, psychological, and mental discomfort.
By massaging the body, we allow the release and circulation of energies, thereby harmonizing the body, heart, and mind.
Why the belly?
Because it is our second brain, our enteric nervous system. It contains hundreds of thousands of neurons and autonomously controls some vital functions. It is our emotional center and represents our psychological state. In traditional Chinese medicine, each organ is linked to an emotion, and it is essential to take care of them !
In the West, oral tradition makes the clear link between emotions and the belly (broadly speaking, the whole torso): butterflies in the stomach, sick to the stomach, be hit in the gut, a knot in the stomach….
This shows that even we, Westerners, have long understood the interdependence between emotions and our mind.
Why receive a belly massage?
To release tension in the belly, thus aiding digestion, reducing stress and anxiety, improving the circulation of fluids (blood, lymph), relieving abdominal pain, and of course, harmonizing energy within the body.
Then, if you wish, to dive into the body, listen to its messages, and explore your true questions; to help you gain perspective on a complex situation, or on a decision you need to make; to better understand yourself, go to the root of your desires, and find your own light.
How does a session unfold?
The session begins with a conversation, as I need to gather some information about you, especially to understand what brings you here!
Then, we work together on your whole body using movements, massage, and breath to activate energy and create the necessary openings.
Finally, I massage the belly.
How is this massage different from a regular massage?
It is indeed a massage in the sense that I will touch you and apply traditional massage techniques, so it will have a detoxifying effect on the organs and a relaxing effect on the body. However, because the focus is on the abdomen and the intention is to cleanse the organs of negative emotions, stress, and to restore energy flow, the effect encompasses the body, heart, and mind in a profound way.
Is it dangerous for the mind?
The body does not deliver a message that the mind cannot handle. In other words, when you are ready, the massage surfaces. However, being ready to manage, resolve, or transform does not mean the process will be easy. Sometimes, the release of energy is itself a resolution, and the mind does not have to work on anything specific. Other times, the message delivered requires intense work to be processed.
Does it hurt?
Most of the time, it is not painful, but the massage can be uncomfortable. You can talk to me about it if you wish. This discomfort is also a message we can explore!
Are there any contraindications for receiving this massage?
People prone to phlebitis or thrombosis cannot receive this massage, especially since it affects blood circulation.
Additionally, I am not currently trained to work with pregnant women.
What about the clothed body massage and the back and kidney oil massage ?
For those who wish to meet me and experience my approach before going further (= working on the belly), I offer two other types of massages: a clothed body massage or a back and kidney oil massage.