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Neck & Shoulder Pain
Bane of the IT Age
It is a familiar story for many of us. We spend hours at a desk, in front of a computer, probably sitting badly. The world condenses into a small dimension that consists of our eyes, a screen, our hands in front of us, the list of tasks that we have no time to complete, and a nagging sense at the back of our minds that it would be nice to be somewhere peaceful, where there is at least some natural light.
Adrenaline flows into our veins. Our fight or flight instincts are set to ON, although they are left bemused and unsatisfied. The headache begins, our necks become stiff, our shoulders follow suit, we become snappy and grumpy. The muscles of our mid back tighten up like a rope...
Fear Not. Help is at Hand!
Neck, shoulder and back pain are some of the most commonly seen ailments in the acupuncture clinic. In the language of Chinese medicine, pain is a result of stagnation. The milder the pain, the milder the stagnation and vice versa. All of our pent up fight or flight energy is unable to move so it stagnates. This, combined with poor posture and the fact that our breathing becomes more and more shallow when we get 'locked in' to the computer creates a recipe for PAIN.
Tuina Does the Trick
 Tuina (Pron. 'Twee Na'), a Chinese system of medical, acupressure and deep tissue massage, often in combination with acupuncture is the treatment of choice in the treatment of neck and shoulder pain. Firstly, light, warming moves are used to warm up the affected areas, getting the circulation moving, allowing the muscles to breathe. Then, slowly, the massage becomes slower and firmer, finally leaning hard into the painful points just before reaching the 'ouch' level. The process is then reversed to 'warm down' so that rebound stiffness is minimised. Acupuncture is used before or after to augment the effect. Usually a significant improvement is felt within 2-3 sessions.
(Re)Learning How to Breathe
Learning how to breathe is one of the key ways of getting on top of neck, shoulder and back pain. When the breathing becomes shallow, the muscles begin to tense. We become hunched, and stagnation creeps in. For this reason it is very helpful to do some kind of exercise that requires coordination between breathing and moving. This could be Yoga, Pilates, Swimming, Tai Chi, Qigong, or even walking if done in the right way. This is a great way to keep pain at bay and to stay in good health. After all, breath is life!!
Richard Steven
Richard Steven
Appointments
Saturdays
Shine Holistic:
Call 020 7249 9671
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Shine on the Green:
Call 020 7812 9306
Tuesday Mornings
Belsize Health
Call 020 7483 2345
(low cost clinic)
Call Richard Direct:
07811885597
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