Neck Pain
Chinese Medical Protocols for Neck Stiffness and Pain
The causes of neck pain are varied according to Western medicine and include aging, stress, strains, and trauma. Chinese medicine includes a few other causes of neck pain and stiffness including External Wind exposure and Qi and/or Blood Stagnation of the acupressure-acupuncture Channels that travel through the neck.
We have characterized and differentiated types of neck pain according to Chinese medical theory so that you can more effectively use self-care to resolve this condition. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.
Acupressure Points for Neck Pain
Learn How to Effectively Activate Acupressure Points Linked Here!
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Bladder 62
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Small Intestine 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point San Jiao 5
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Gallbladder 41
Cupping Therapy for Neck Pain and/or Stiffness
Self-care cupping has grown in popularity in recent years due to its' effectiveness and ease of application. Apply our Alleviate Cupping Solution to maximize the effect of cupping, help to break up Blood and Qi Stagnation, and expel pathogenic Wind.
Related Article:
Neck Pain and Stiffness Due to Trauma and/or Sports Injury
This would include repetitive stress, whiplash, and strains. Trauma causes Blood and Qi Stagnation that blocks the free flow of energy of the Acupressure Channels according to Chinese medicine. Cupping self-care therapy, Dit Da Jows, and Aroma Acu-Therapy all work to promote the free flow of Qi and Blood and can be used together in self-care.
Neck Pain and Stiffness Due to Stress
Those with chronic stress sometimes tense up, especially in the area of the neck and shoulders causing pain, tightness, and stiffness.
Related Articles:
Neck Pain and Stiffness Due to Aging
According to Chinese medicinal theory, the Kidney energetic organ system houses the Jing, or Essence, which nourishes the marrow. If neck pain is due to the deterioration of the cervical spine, it may be due to Kidney Deficiency and the exhaustion of Essence.
Related Articles:
Neck Pain and Stiffness with Headache
The Liver and Gallbladder energetic organ systems are both part of the Wood Element of Chinese medicine and are connected. The Gallbladder Channel traverses the neck and carries Liver Heat to the head causing headaches. Often, the base of the occipital bone at acupuncture point Gallbladder 20 will be tender with palpation, and pressure applied to this point will help to relieve the headache.
Related Articles:
Neck Pain and Stiffness Due to External Wind
According to Chinese medical theory, exposure to wind can cause pain syndromes and disease. Wind enters at the area of the neck and it is advised that one wear scarves and protect the body from an external pathogenic invasion when in windy environments.
Related Articles:
- Causes of Disease in Chinese Medicine (ex: Wind)
- Chinese Medical Self-care for Shoulder Pain
- Bell's Palsy Causes and Chinese Medical Self-care
Using Chinese Medical Channel Theory for Self-care
There are quite a few acupuncture meridians, or channels, that traverse the neck. Points located on distal limbs are more effective at resolving pain than the acupuncture points located right on the neck.
The channels that are typically implicated with neck pain include Large Intestine Acupressure Channel, Du Mai, Bladder Channel, Small Intestine Channel, Gallbladder Acupressure Channel, and the San Jiao Acupressure Channel. Self-care Aroma Acu-Therapy Points can be chosen by Channel Theory as described linked here.
Pro Tips:
- It is not necessary to choose points located directly above pain; master practitioners often use distal points to the pain and often state that the points located the furthest from the pain are the most effective.
- Palpating points along the channels can help determine an effective protocol as the most tender points are often the most appropriate points to apply Aroma Acu-Therapy™.
- We provide detailed information for many commonly used acupressure points; you can research the related articles to see which points are the most appropriate for your specific condition.
- Keep in mind that you are trying to apply Aroma Acu-therapy to only 5-8 points daily for a focused therapy.
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.