How does Chinese medicine relieve stiff neck?

　　Stiff neck is a common thing in our daily life. Stiff neck not only affects our daily work and life, but it may also be caused by disease. So, do you know how to relieve the pain caused by stiff neck through massage?

　　The true method of massage

　　Massage for stiff neck with Ashi point as the center

　　The Ashi point here refers to the most painful part of the neck. First, use the tip of your index finger to gently press the neck to find the Ashi point, and then massage with your thumb from the upper part of the neck on the side of the Ashi point to the back of the shoulder. Massage the Ashi point with force until you feel obvious soreness and swelling. Repeat this massage 2 to 3 times, then make a hollow fist and gently tap the massaged acupoints 2 to 3 times.

　　The acupuncture points that require massage and tapping include Fengchi, Tianzhu, Jianjing, Tianzong, etc. This massage technique is simple, effective within a short period of time, and has a good effect on soothing muscles and relieving pain.

　　Neck and shoulder massage

　　First, use your palms to rub from the front of the neck, especially the two acupoints Tianding and Qishe. Secondly, gently make fists with both hands and tap your shoulders from the front of your body. Third, use your hands to massage the most painful part of your neck. Fourth, bend the head and neck forward, backward, sideways to the left and right, and rotate. This movement should be as gentle as possible and should not be too harsh. This set of movements focuses on the activities of the neck and shoulders.

　　Repeated several times, it is very effective in reducing stiff neck pain and even eliminating symptoms.

　　After Massage Xi Point

　　Houxi point is an important point on the small intestine meridian and the intersection point of the eight extraordinary meridians. It leads directly to the Du meridian. Massaging Houxi point can invigorate Yang Qi, dredge the meridians, promote the circulation of Qi and blood, and has a good therapeutic effect on acute sprains and cervical spondylosis. It is very symptomatic for the treatment of stiff neck. The method is to use the tip of the thumb of one hand to press the Houxi point hard until it feels sore and numb. At the same time, gently rotate the neck. Generally, pressing for 15 minutes can relieve neck pain. This method is the most effective in treating painful stiff neck in the neck and shoulders.

　　Massage acupuncture points

　　Lieque point is a collateral point of the lung meridian and the intersection point of the eight extraordinary meridians. It leads directly to the Ren meridian. Massaging the Lieque point can unblock lung qi and promote the smooth flow of qi and blood in the meridians throughout the body. In the key points of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine, there is a saying that "the head is found in the head and the neck is missing", which shows that this acupoint has been an important acupoint in the treatment of head and neck diseases since ancient times. When massaging, place one hand on the table and use the thumb of the other hand to vertically press the Liequ point on the wrist, once per second. Generally, pressing for 10 to 15 minutes can relieve neck discomfort. This method is most suitable for painful stiff necks in the neck and back.

　　Massage Ashi point

　　The Ashi point is the part where you feel the most pain. When massaging, you do not use your hands. Instead, use a thicker round stick or a wine bottle on your head. After heating it over a fire, place it on the painful part while it is hot, and roll it from top to bottom. This massage method uses heat to resolve stasis caused by cold air, and uses rolling pressure to clear the meridians. After more than ten times of massage, you can obviously feel the symptoms relieved and the range of neck movement increased.