How Does Acupressure Affect the Shoulders and Neck? 3+ Precautions Before Acupressure

How does Acupressure affect the Shoulders and Neck? Acupressure treatment for shoulder and neck pain is an age-old method still trusted and widely applied today. So how does acupressure affect the shoulders and neck? How effective is it? Let Sorella Beauty & Spa provide more information in the article below!

1) How does Acupressure affect the Shoulders and Neck?

How does Acupressure affect the Shoulders and Neck? Acupressure, originating from traditional Eastern medicine, is believed to be an effective treatment for shoulder and neck pain, also known as “kiên tý” syndrome. The primary cause of this syndrome is the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness into the body, resulting in impaired blood and qi circulation and damage to the meridians.

When this condition occurs, the patient often feels pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and back, along with other symptoms like numbness, loss of sensation in the hands, reduced mobility, and increased sensitivity to cold.

Acupressure, an ancient healing technique that has evolved alongside traditional medicine, involves using the hands to apply pressure to specific points on the body using the fingertips, thumbs, palms, and elbows.

For shoulder and neck pain, acupressure offers several significant benefits:

• Promoting blood and Qi Circulation: During acupressure, the practitioner applies direct pressure on the skin, muscles, and blood vessels to ensure smooth blood and qi circulation, eliminating problems like wind, cold, and dampness, and alleviating nerve-related pain.
• Stimulating endorphin production: Research shows that acupressure can stimulate the body to produce more endorphins—a hormone produced by the central nervous system and pituitary gland that helps reduce pain signals to the brain. Endorphins also improve mood, reduce stress and fatigue, and promote better sleep.
• Improving circulation: The acupressure movements enhance blood flow, increase nutrient exchange, and support recovery from shoulder and neck injuries while preventing degeneration.
• Enhancing mobility: Acupressure helps relax tendons, muscles, and ligaments, reducing pressure on nerves. This alleviates pain, numbness, and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and hands, increasing joint flexibility and allowing easier movement and posture changes.

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2) Pros and Cons of Acupressure for Shoulder and Neck Pain

Acupressure offers numerous advantages for treating shoulder and neck pain:

• Acupressure is performed entirely by hand without medical instruments, making it relatively safe and painless.
• It is a non-pharmacological treatment method, avoiding dangerous side effects of long-term medication use such as stomach ulcers, liver, and kidney damage.
• Acupressure can be combined with other treatments like Western medicine, traditional medicine, acupuncture, under a doctor’s guidance, providing quick pain relief and long-term benefits.
• The treatment duration and sessions are relatively short, saving costs for patients.
• Acupressure can be applied to a wide range of individuals, including men and women of all ages.

However, acupressure also has some drawbacks:

• Patients may need to spend considerable time visiting reputable centers or medical facilities for treatment.
• Acupressure is a temporary supportive method, suitable only for mild to moderate pain for short periods.
• Incorrect acupressure techniques can lead to serious complications like blood vessel blockage, fractures, sprains, strokes, and worsening symptoms like pain, numbness, and swelling.
• This therapy is not suitable for individuals with malignant diseases, bleeding disorders, infected or ulcerated skin, and similar conditions.

3) How to perform Acupressure for Shoulder and Neck Pain

Before acupressure

At reputable centers, patients will receive consultations and detailed explanations about the process and pressure points. Any concerns should be discussed with the practitioners. The treatment can be performed in a sitting or lying position.

Preparatory steps include:

• Massaging: The practitioner gently massages using circular motions with the fingertips from the neck to the shoulders and down to the upper back. This helps relax the body, warm up the muscles, and acclimate to the hand pressure. Talcum powder or oil may be used to reduce friction and prevent skin irritation.
• Rubbing: The practitioner presses lightly on the skin, moving slowly in circular motions from the neck to the shoulders for 3-5 minutes. The pressure can be adjusted according to pain levels, deeply stimulating nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, and muscles, significantly reducing swelling and pain.
• Kneading shoulder muscles: Using both hands, the practitioner continuously pinches large muscles like the sternocleidomastoid, deltoid, and trapezius to address stiffness, promote blood circulation, and effectively reduce pain.
• Tapping the Neck and Shoulders: The practitioner may use a fist or open hand to gently tap the painful areas. This deeply affects the skeletal system, relaxes muscles, and provides a soothing sensation.

Acupressure treatment

After warming up with massage and kneading, the practitioner proceeds to press specific pressure points deeply and effectively, reducing neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, numbness, and limited arm movement.

Commonly targeted points include:

• Feng Chi Point: Located in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The practitioner gradually increases pressure until a dull ache is felt, treating conditions like tinnitus, dizziness, headaches, and neck stiffness due to weather changes or incorrect posture.
• Feng Fu Point: Found in the depression at the base of the skull, 1 cun above the hairline, and level with the first cervical vertebra. Gentle pressure for 1-3 minutes helps clear the mind, benefit sensory organs, release heat, and dispel wind pathogens, alleviating neck pain, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, nasal congestion, and neck stiffness.
• Jian Jing Point: Located in the depression above the shoulder, at the highest point of the outer end of the clavicle, at the intersection of the Da Zhui and the line across the nipples. Pressing this point creates a dull ache, relieving neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, and aiding in easier head and neck movements.
• Tian Zhu Point: Located at the back of the neck, 1.3 cun lateral to the posterior midline, at the level of the lower border of the second cervical vertebra. Pressing this point for 3-5 minutes addresses wry neck, neck pain, headaches, and insomnia. Due to its sensitivity, appropriate pressure is essential to avoid soft tissue and nerve damage.
• Du Shu Point: Situated bilaterally, each 1.3 cun lateral to the posterior midline at the level of the second cervical vertebra. This area, near the intersection of the outer end of the clavicle and the Tian Zhu point line, helps reduce neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, and symptoms like headaches and dizziness.

Each acupressure session should be repeated 3-4 times daily for several days for optimal results.

After acupressure, patients should stay for a short period for the practitioner to monitor their condition and address any complications. Subsequent treatment sessions will follow the practitioner’s schedule.

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4) Precautions Before Acupressure for Shoulder and Neck Pain

• Seek treatment at reputable centers for thorough examination, guidance, and consultation. Avoid self-acupressure to prevent serious complications like blood vessel and nerve damage.
• Adhere to the full treatment course for the desired results.
• Middle-aged and elderly individuals, pregnant women, patients with central disc herniation, myelitis, syringomyelia, spinal tumors, etc., should consult experts before treatment.
• Acupressure is suitable for mild to moderate pain. For severe symptoms, patients should seek specialized medical treatment.
• During treatment, patients can combine prescribed medications, maintain a healthy diet and rest, and engage in regular exercise for better and faster results.

Conclusion

Understanding the precautions for acupressure is crucial when using this therapy to alleviate pain and improve neck and shoulder health. Acupressure positively affects the neck and shoulders by stimulating specific points, reducing tension, relaxing muscles, and enhancing blood circulation.

However, ensuring safety and effectiveness requires adherence to the recommended precautions. Seek professional, experienced practitioners who understand pressure points and appropriate force. Discuss with a doctor or healthcare provider to ensure no personal health issues may be affected by acupressure.

Lastly, monitor body responses during acupressure and inform the practitioner of any discomfort or pain. With proper attention and expertise, acupressure can provide significant benefits for neck and shoulder health, promoting a healthier life.

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