Acupuncture For Shoulder Tension

Shoulder pain is one of the most common things seen in Acupuncture. There are various reasons for shoulder tension or pain. The good news is Shoulder pain can be relieved through Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.

Do you notice where shoulder tension or pain is? Is it at the top of the shoulders? How about behind the shoulder blades? Does it go up back of your neck? Is it the side of the neck to the ear or jaw?

All these areas connect to different meridians. Below is a table showing the area & the channel associated.

• Top of the shoulders = Gallbladder
• Back of the Neck = Urinary Bladder
• Shoulder blades = Small Intestine
• Side of the Neck = Triple Burner, Large Intestine, or Gallbladder

Shoulder pain/tension is caused for various reasons. A general rule of thumb is: if its stiff or you feel pain there is a lack of qi & blood circulation. Specifically, shoulder tension can result from…

Modern Lifestyle

One of the biggest reasons for neck and shoulder tension or pain is one's lifestyle. Many people these days are constantly in front of computers. Over time the consistent repetition of typing along with positioning of the desk takes a toll. Typing is a fine motor skill which uses many small muscles and tendons. The chair & desk force a forward-leaning position when using the computer. Both of these engage the shoulder & neck which causes traffic jams of Qi. Acupuncture for shoulder tension moves the Qi. 

Qi Traffic Jams

The area of shoulders is an intersection of multiple channels. Some of these channels even inter lap! As with any intersection, a small congestion can easily turn into a big one.

Flu & Cold

Didn’t expect this did you? Flu and colds in Traditional Chinese Medicine come from the outer environment. First, it starts at the skin, usually the neck & shoulders. The channels influenced are the Urinary Bladder (back of neck) & sometimes the Gallbladder (top of shoulder) channels. The effect of the flu & cold is a constricting energy. This energy impedes Qi flow of the meridians. Acupuncture for shoulder tension may relieve this. 

Stress

Stress is another factor which can relate to shoulders. This is due to the Gallbladder & Liver relationship. The Liver and Gallbladder are related organs & channels. Stress is the opposite of smooth Qi flow which the Liver is responsible for. When people stress, the shoulders & neck tense up. This is a reaction of the Gallbladder channel storing stress trying to assist the Liver.

The cause of pain, tension or imbalance is highly unique to the individual. Acupuncture for shoulder tension is specific to the person. In Traditional Chinese Medicine through a professional, one can get a formal TCM diagnosis via questions, pulse & tongue to get a customized treatment. We offer two services, community acupuncture & private acupuncture to help you. Book now. 

Note: This is a general information article & one should go to a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Traditional Chinese Practitioner (TCM.P) for an individualized diagnosis of your specific condition.