Sunday, October 30, 2011

Chnonic Neck & Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder tension are common complaints from our clients. Prolonged sitting at the computer, driving, and stress are some of the many causes of neck and shoulder pain. The rushed lifestyle of our culture also greatly contributes to pain in this area of the body. Tension arises as the neck muscles attempt to pull the head backwards to keep it in its proper place on the shoulders. Hunching the shoulders from stress also tenses this meridian.  Jobs that require us to keep our heads in a fixed position for a prolonged period of time may also cause neck pain.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, this area of the body is traversed by the gallbladder meridian. A region of this meridian travels from the base of the skull on either side of the head and across the top of the shoulders. Smooth movement of Qi throughout the gallbladder meridian is essential for the neck and shoulders to be pain free. Movement of Qi brings healing energy to the region to relax the muscles. When there is free flow of Qi, there is no pain.

So the next time you are in pain and ask someone to rub your shoulders, tell them that you need help moving the Qi in your gallbladder meridian!