By Dr Qing | Dragonfly Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (Ferntree Gully) & Rebalance TCM Clinic (South Morang)
Why Do We Get Neck & Shoulder Pain?
Neck and shoulder pain have become almost an expected part of daily life for many people today. Between long hours at desks, frequent phone and computer use, stress, and poor posture, it’s no surprise that so many people carry tension in their upper body. But chronic tightness and discomfort don’t have to be your “new normal.”
How Chinese Medicine Helps
In Chinese Medicine, pain is often described as Qi and Blood stagnation. This simply means that circulation is blocked — whether from stress, repetitive strain, or old injuries — leading to tightness, pain, and stiffness. Instead of merely masking these symptoms, Chinese Medicine focuses on restoring smooth flow and addressing the underlying root.
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to relieve neck and shoulder pain. It works by stimulating specific points along the body’s meridians (energy channels), encouraging blood flow to tight muscles, reducing inflammation, and releasing deeply held tension. Many patients notice improved range of motion and a deep sense of relaxation after even one session.
Cupping therapy is another traditional approach often used alongside acupuncture. It uses gentle suction to lift the skin and underlying fascia, releasing knots and improving microcirculation. After cupping, people often feel immediate relief and a pleasant lightness in their shoulders.
Additionally, herbal liniments and medicated plasters can be applied between treatments to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Heat therapy, such as using a warm compress or hot water bottle, is also encouraged to relax muscles and encourage circulation.
Chinese Medicine also emphasizes lifestyle and posture habits. Simple adjustments such as setting up an ergonomic workspace, taking regular movement breaks, and practicing gentle stretches can help prevent tension from returning. Daily stress management techniques like breathing exercises or gentle Tai Chi movements also play a supportive role.
Try These Acupressure Points at Home
LI4 (Hegu) — Located on the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Apply firm, circular pressure for 1–2 minutes on each hand. This point helps relieve neck and shoulder tension, as well as headaches.
GB21 (Jianjing) — Found on the top of the shoulder, halfway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder. Gently press or squeeze for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This point is great for releasing shoulder tightness.
Be gentle and avoid GB21 if you are pregnant.
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References
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474.
➤ This large meta-analysis confirms that acupuncture is effective for chronic pain conditions, including neck and shoulder pain, with effects persisting beyond placebo. - Lee MS, Kim JI, Ernst E. (2011). Is cupping an effective treatment? An overview of systematic reviews. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 4(1), 1–10.
➤ A comprehensive review of cupping therapy showing positive effects on musculoskeletal pain, particularly neck and shoulder tension. - Zhou W, Benharash P. (2014). Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture based on the principle of meridians. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 7(4), 190–193.
➤ Explains how acupuncture affects blood flow and nervous system regulation, supporting its use for tightness, Qi stagnation, and musculoskeletal complaints. - Yamashita H, Tsukayama H, Tanno Y. (2002). Use of Kampo herbal compresses and liniments in the treatment of shoulder stiffness. Journal of Traditional Medicines, 19(1), 8–13.
➤ Discusses the clinical use of herbal liniments and compresses for musculoskeletal pain, including shoulder and neck stiffness, in Japanese and Chinese medicine.
Dragonfly Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine 