Chi is a Chinese word which means "energy force". Our bodies have direct connections with our health. We all know the world of acupuncture and the positive health benefits, but in the western world, chīangmi is not well known. As the foot, face, hands and back have direct connections with certain aspects of health, our inner groin holds the secrets to vast amounts of chi energy.
The coccyx region is the focal point of Chīangmai. In this massage, the region extends from the lower back at the base of the spinal cord nerve region to the front of the pelvis. The massage is for both men and women, although it is said this technique improves the lives of men more than women, so this will focus on male health.
Chīangmai basics
Disclaimer: This massage is not for the timid. It can be painful, make sure your patient raises any and all medical concerns before starting. Also, this involves them being completely bottomless through the entire procedure.
Bùfèn fāngshì
Start the patient on their knees, legs spread apart. Massage the back of the thighs working in to the lower back and buttocks. There is no particular order to follow here, take their lead on if this is too painful. Everyone has their own energy paths, but be sure to connect in one steady path to the coccyx region. This will be the main point of bùfèn fāngshì. It is directly above the anus.
The next region to focus on is the Perineum. Connect the coccyx region to the perineum. Chi is about pathways to the body. The stronger the pathway can be connected, the better the energy. Follow a path around the anus to the perineum using a steady force. The perineum region is located between the scrotum and the anus, opposite to the coccyx.
Massage this pathway making sure to feel for the nerve fibers directly behind the scrotum.
Once the perinea has been thoroughly massaged, we will now continue onto the scrotum. This can be painful for some, but remind your patient that this region is the road to good health and bare with it. The best technique I have seen is to grasp the base of the scrotum, close towards the penis, clasp, then move down in a milking fashion one teste at a time. Left, right, left, right then work the pressure up with both hands at the same time. Build pressure slowly and throughly until thoroughly massaged, then connect the pathway to the coccyx.
As with acupuncture pain is misunderstood in western society. In eastern cultures, pain is healing and health. Once you pass the threshold of pain, healing is right around the corner, and what heals, heals better. This has to be said because the next method of Chiangmai is called "Qiú kùxíng".
Qiú kùxíng
Qiú kùxíng is the 2nd phase. It literally translates from Chinese to "scrotal beating". This is a main avenue to release chi. The patient will need to be instructed to take deep breaths and remain still. They should not anticipate the blow.
To start this phase, you will need a warm towel soaked in warm water. Wrap this around the patients scrotum, and another dry towel around that. Have the patient lie flat on their back, eyes covered and give them at least 5 minutes for the warmth to settle in. This ensures the scrotum is loose and hangs away from the body.
Once the time is up, have the patient get on their hands and knees, legs far apart. Some therapists use a "shā dài" which is a bag of sand tightly bound in fabric weighing about 1 kilogram (just over 2 pounds) which is tied to a string. The string is measured from the coccyx to the mid scrotal area. One hand holds the string to the coccyx and the other hand lifts the shā dài a quarter of a meter (about 1 foot) from the scrotum and releases it. This pain is bad energy leaving the body. It is repeated until the patient has released their comfort level.
If a shā dài is unavaible, or something similar cannot be fashioned, Qiú kùxíng can also be done by a slapping, tapping or hitting in the scrotal region. Some therapist prefer this method as, in trained hands, it can be those most precise. Some use both methods.
Pèihé lóng
Pèihé lóng is the chīangmi 3rd step. This will require a rope of any fashion so that it is small enough to suit the scrotum.
There are many many methods to perform pèihé lóng. Many variables, the length of the rope, the skill of the therapist, the comfort level of the patient contribute directly to the effectiveness of this step. This is a skill hundreds, if not thousands of years of eastern medicine. Don't worry if you struggle with it.
Have your patient lie flat on his back. Cover their upper body and face in a towel or blanket. This is the relax period. Music, lower energy movements, no speaking. Their hands should be on their chests and under the blanket, legs spread, knees out, feet touching. This step is to prevent bad energy from coming back in. We do not want to increase anxiety, which increases bad energy.
Place the rope in the middle of the scrotum to separate the testicles. Wrap each side around each individual teste then tie the rope around the base of the scrotum, then back around over the top of the penis. Apply steady pressure with your hand, or use the shā dài at a distance for a few minutes.
After the time is up, release the rope and wash the area gently with a warm towel. The patient should be in a state of bliss.
