Acupuncture for Neck and Shoulder Tension
I see it everywhere - hands rubbing their necks, hoping to soften whatever tension lies beneath… heads stretching left and right, maybe a crack or two to release the pressure.
Neck and shoulder tension affects so many of us. For some, it might also present as jaw tightness and clenching.
We get massages and it feels great, but it’s temporary and it isn’t getting to the root of the issue. Acupuncture not only targets the tight muscles, but it also supports the nervous system, circulation, and your overall imbalances which may be causing the chronic tightness.
How does acupuncture support neck and shoulder tension?
(Which are almost always linked)
Releases tight muscles - it increases blood flow to the area to bring in oxygen, fresh blood and nutrients, to help soften, hydrate, and release knotted muscles
Regulates your nervous system - when your body is under stress or in a fight-or-flight dominant state, your muscles automatically hold tension as a protective mechanism. By regulating your nervous system and releasing the stress, acupuncture can prevent this chronic tension from occurring
Supports posture - by supporting muscular stagnation or imbalances, acupuncture can help to release the areas that may be contributing to your tension. You can help by strengthening certain muscle groups to support your posture too!
Reduces inflammation - acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation in the muscles, relieving the pain that comes with tension
What will happen in a treatment?
A thorough consultation of your lifestyle experiences and habits help me to better understand what may be contributing to your tension. Pulse and tongue analysis can provide insight into internal imbalances. Palpation of the neck, shoulders, jaw, and upper back can show patterns of tension.
If I find your pattern to be fitting, treatments may start off with fire cupping of the neck and shoulders. Then, a few pins around the feet, ankles, and hands to soften the tension and begin inducing change in your internal body systems.
Finally, a 20-25 minute rest in a comfy room, accompanied by deep breathing (or snoring!).
These sessions aim to offer more than just short-term relief. I hope to support your body in breaking the cycle of habitual tension, allowing it to move toward a more relaxed and functional state of being.
