Acupuncture and Natural Therapies for Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of
the most common reasons for doctor visits. It is estimated that
approximately Million people currently suffer with chronic neck
pain. Acupuncture is one of the most widely used treatment
options for neck pain, as it has a proven history of effectively
treating this condition.
In Acupuncture theory, pain is said to be caused by the
stagnation of either Qi (energy or life force) or blood in the
body. When energy gets stuck, pain results. Pain that is due to
qi stagnation tends to be rather mild or achy in nature, whereas
pain due to blood stagnation is more severe, sharp, fixed, or
stabbing. Acupuncture is often effective in either case, as it
has the unique ability to regulate the circulation of Qi and
restore blood flow through painful areas.
Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi in meridians,
which can be seen as networks that distribute Qi through the
body. The meridians correspond to the major organs of the body.
The bladder meridian runs along the nape of the neck and is,
therefore, primarily implicated in the treatment of neck pain.
The energetic of the bladder meridian relate to fear, anxiety,
ambition, will power, and urgency. Therefore, many people with
neck pain also have deeper layers of fear that need to be
released, either from whiplash as occurs in a car accident, or
in relating to the daily life circumstances of work, money, and
survival. The Qi tends to get stuck around the point Bladder 10
at the nape of the neck, which is a central point for clearing
fear and anxiety.
Acupuncture should be a relaxing, gentle treatment approach,
even if the painful area is being stimulated. There are
occasions where the neck won’t be touched at all, as the
treatment will be more effective by stimulating distal points
that correspond to the imbalanced meridian.
While acupuncture is an excellent treatment option for all kinds
of neck pain, Chinese herbs are used frequently as well. The
following formulas are used regularly for this purpose:
-
Neck Formula by Plum Flower:
This formula has been found to be 92% effective in Chinese
hospitals for treating all kinds of neck pain.
-
Ease Plus by Health Concerns:
Helps with neck and upper back tension due to excessive
stress and worry
-
Ge gen tang: Often used for
neck pain due to the onset of a cold, but has been applied
for many types of chronic neck pain as well. This formula
has also been found to be useful for helping chiropractic
adjustments hold for longer periods of time.
Regular yoga
practice is also of great benefit for most kinds of chronic neck
pain. The following poses all have a direct action on creating
space between the cervical discs and relieving muscle tension
through the upper back into the occipital region:
-
standing
forward bend
-
downward
facing dog
-
bridge
-
plow
-
shoulder
stand
-
fish
Meditation and deep
breathing exercises can also be helpful, as most people with
chronic neck and upper back pain tend to breathe quite
superficially. Training yourself to breathe more deeply
oxygenates the muscle tissue and provides an internal massage
for the deepest layers of your musculature. To learn mindfulness
meditation, go to http://www.mindfulnesscd.net
Most of my patients with chronic neck pain commit to acupuncture
once a week for 4-6 visits, at which time we reassess for
progress. Most patients find that they feel much better after
each treatment, not only in relation to the neck pain, but in
their overall sense of health and well being.
Call North York Acupuncture today at 416-455-0351
to set up your first appointment today!
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