Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects the joints and discs in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the neck and shoulders. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, cervical spondylosis is commonly seen as a result of Qi and blood stagnation in the channels and collaterals of the neck and upper back region, which can cause obstruction of the flow of Qi and blood, leading to pain and stiffness.
The TCM theory believes that the neck area is governed by the Bladder meridian, which runs from the head to the toes. The Bladder meridian runs through the neck area, and any disruption or imbalance in this meridian can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. TCM also identifies various underlying causes of cervical spondylosis, such as external factors like cold, dampness, wind, and internal factors such as emotional stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.
In TCM, the treatment of cervical spondylosis and neck pain usually involves regulating the flow of Qi and blood, promoting circulation, and resolving any underlying imbalances. Here are some common TCM treatment methods for cervical spondylosis:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood, relieve pain and inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing process. Specific acupuncture points are selected to target the Bladder meridian and other relevant meridians.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation in the affected area. Herbal formulas may be tailored to the individual based on their specific symptoms and underlying imbalances.
Tuina Massage: Tuina massage is a form of Chinese medical massage that involves applying pressure to specific points and meridians in the body. It can help to release tension and improve circulation in the neck and shoulder area.
Cupping Therapy: Cupping therapy involves using suction cups to create a vacuum on the skin, which can help to increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension in the neck and shoulder area.
Lifestyle modifications: TCM practitioners may also recommend lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction techniques, to help address any underlying imbalances and promote overall health and well-being.
Overall, TCM treatment for cervical spondylosis and neck pain focuses on restoring balance and promoting the body’s natural healing process. By addressing underlying imbalances and promoting circulation and relaxation, TCM can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in the neck and shoulder area.
20 acupuncture points for cervical spondylosis and neck pain
Cervical spondylosis refers to the degeneration of the cervical spine, which can cause neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing.
Here are 20 acupuncture points that may be used for cervical spondylosis and neck pain:
Fengchi (GB20): Located on the back of the neck, between the base of the skull and the top of the neck muscles. It is said to help relieve neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.
Tianzhu (BL10): Located below the base of the skull, at the midpoint of the muscle that runs from the ear to the spine. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Jianjing (GB21): Located on the top of the shoulder, midway between the base of the neck and the end of the shoulder muscle. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Hegu (LI4): Located on the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. It is said to help relieve headaches and neck pain.
Yanglingquan (GB34): Located on the outside of the lower leg, below the knee. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Fengshi (GB31): Located on the outside of the thigh, in the depression between the greater trochanter of the femur and the hip joint. It is said to help relieve neck pain.
Shousanli (LI10): Located on the forearm, on the outside of the elbow crease. It is said to help relieve neck pain and stiffness.
Jianwaishu (SI14): Located on the back, on the outer edge of the shoulder blade. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Zhongzhu (TE3): Located on the back of the hand, between the bones of the ring finger and little finger. It is said to help relieve neck pain and stiffness.
Waiguan (TE5): Located on the back of the forearm, on the outer edge of the wrist crease. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Quchi (LI11): Located on the outer side of the elbow crease. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Neiguan (PC6): Located on the inner forearm, about two finger widths above the wrist crease. It is said to help relieve neck pain and stiffness.
Yangchi (SJ4): Located on the back of the hand, between the bones of the ring finger and little finger. It is said to help relieve neck pain and stiffness.
Jianliao (TE14): Located on the shoulder, in the depression between the collarbone and the shoulder joint. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Shifeng (SJ17): Located on the back of the neck, in the depression behind the earlobe. It is said to help relieve neck pain and stiffness.
Tianjing (SI18): Located on the side of the neck, in the depression just below the earlobe. It is said to help relieve neck pain and stiffness.
Dazhui (GV14): Located on the midline of the back, between the shoulder blades. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Jianzhongshu (SI15): Located on the back, below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. It is said to help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Linggu (LR4
Cervical spondylosis and neck pain is an excess condition or deficiency and whether to stimulate or sedate acupoints
Cervical spondylosis is a medical condition that affects the joints and discs in the cervical spine (neck). It is a type of arthritis that occurs due to wear and tear of the bones and cartilage in the neck over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Neck pain can be caused by various factors such as poor posture, stress, injury, or underlying medical conditions like cervical spondylosis. It is important to determine the underlying cause of neck pain to determine the appropriate treatment.
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for neck pain and cervical spondylosis. However, the choice of acupoints and the method of stimulation may depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
In traditional Chinese medicine, excess conditions are typically treated with sedation techniques, while deficiency conditions are treated with stimulation techniques. In the case of cervical spondylosis, the condition is generally considered to be an excess condition due to the presence of stagnant energy and blockages in the neck region. Therefore, sedation techniques may be used to treat this condition.
However, if the neck pain is caused by deficient energy or weakness in the neck muscles, then stimulation techniques may be more appropriate. It is best to consult with a licensed acupuncturist who can assess your individual condition and recommend a tailored treatment plan that suits your needs.