A 45-year-old woman, came to my acupuncture clinic seeking relief from chronic neck and shoulder pain and tightness that had...
Read MoreAugust 20, 2024
Neck pain is one of the most annoying disorders people in the united states suffer. Unfortunately, 20% to 70% of adults have experienced neck pain during their daily activities.
In this blog, I would like to introduce three acupuncture points that can help release some pain instantly.
Acupuncture is an oriental medicine that uses acupuncture needles on specific spots in the body and helps balance the body and increase its healing process.
Acupuncture points are spread all over the body, with more than 365 points in total. These points are interconnected like dots, forming a network of meridians like railroads. Each point has a specific function, just like a train station, and when activated, it can stimulate the whole meridian. For example, a foot acupuncture point can help reduce headaches by activating the corresponding meridian. This is because Qi or energy flows through the meridians, just like a train.
If you are in pain, the train is stuck somewhere in the meridian called Qi Stagnation, causing pain.
The neck is composed of two muscles: the trapezius and the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM). To relieve neck pain, it’s important to release both muscles simultaneously. In traditional Chinese medicine, the right side of the neck represents stress, while the left side represents digestion. These are connected to the autonomic nervous system in the human body.
First, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves arise from the spinal cord segments.
The sympathetic nervous system prepares for activity.
On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system conserves body energy.
A lot of parasympathetic nerves arise from the brainstem and the spine.
The Vagus Nerve is one of the significant parasympathetic nerves.
It ritually targets most organs and tissues and carries information like pain and temperature from the throat, inner and outer ear, and near the back of the head.
It also receives information from the internal organ in the neck, chest, and abdomen.
And it controls muscles in the throat that function for speaking and swallowing.
Thus, vagus nerves are easily affected by digestion or stress.
For example, when you are stressed out, anxious, or depressed, your vagus nerves get irritated, causing digestive problems such as stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or gas.
As I said, the vagus nerve carries 75% of parasympathetic nervous function.
It travels from our brainstem to the intestines, including other organs and glands.
The Vagus nerve runs right behind the Sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and right in front of the scalenes muscles in the neck.
In addition, the spinal accessory nerve also goes to the SCM and upper trap muscles. Once it is irritated, it can cause muscle tightness.
Neck muscle tightness which is irritated by vagus nerves.
There are three acupuncture points called LV3, ST43 & SJ5.
Lv3 is one of the most important acupuncture points to release the right side of the neck pain from stress. It is between the big and 2nd toe, and you can find the most tender spot.
ST43 is essential to release the left side of the neck pain from digestive issues like stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. It is between the 3rd and 4th toes and the most tender spot.
SJ5 is a valuable acupressure point to release the SCM muscles. SCM is the neck muscle on the side, which is 2 inches or three-finger away from the wrist.
You should start to feel loosening up neck pain. Please try these acupressure massages daily to release your neck pain.
We'll be happy to answer your questions.
Acupuncture points are great tools to release your neck pain. The good news is that it’s free. You can take care of it by yourself whenever you want. At desk work, on the couch, and even before you go to bed. It is either you do it or not. If you still have an issue with your neck, you can call us at (972) 777-0836 or request Free Initial Consolation at our clinic in Plano, TX. I hope this helps and see you next time. Sayonara!
These blogs are about natural remedies, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Chinese herbs, and health tips.
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Read MoreSatoru Ozawa, L.Ac, ATC
hariQ acupuncture & herbs
Licensed acupuncturist, Certified Athletic Trainer and Chinese herbal specialist. With his 10 years of experience in Oriental Medicine, he will recommend the best natural Remedies, including Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and health tips to relieve your suffering.
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