Everyone has experienced the phenomenon of waking up with a stiff neck. Can cupping be used for stiff neck? Who knows about cupping for stiff neck?
Pictures of Cupping for Stiff Neck
Dazhui Acupoint
1. Location of Dazhui Acupoint:
Dazhui acupoint is located in the spinal area, on the midline of the back, in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebra spinous process. It can be accessed by bowing or prone position.
2. How to locate Dazhui Acupoint:
The patient sits with their head down, and Dazhui acupoint is located on the midline of the back, at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebra spinous process, approximately level with the shoulders (or the highest point of the neck bone when sitting with the head down). If the bone protrusion is not very obvious, ask the patient to move their neck, and the immobile joint is the first thoracic vertebra, approximately level with the shoulders.
3. Functions of Dazhui Acupoint:
Tonify Qi and invigorate yang. Dazhui acupoint has the functions of releasing the exterior, activating yang, nourishing deficiency, calming the mind, relieving heat, stopping spasms, and so on.
Jianjing Acupoint
1. Location of Jianjing Acupoint:
Jianjing acupoint is located on the shoulder, in the middle of the line connecting Dazhui and the shoulder peak.
2. How to locate Jianjing Acupoint:
Jianjing acupoint is located on the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line connecting Dazhui acupoint and the shoulder peak. Alternatively, with the fingers close together, the index finger against the neck, the acupoint is reached when the tip of the middle finger reaches the location.
3. Functions of Jianjing Acupoint:
Disperse water and fluid. Jianjing acupoint has the functions of promoting meridian circulation, resolving phlegm, opening the orifices, dispelling wind, clearing heat, and reducing swelling.
Tianzong Acupoint
1. Location of Tianzong Acupoint:
Tianzong acupoint is located on the scapula, in the central depression below the acromion, level with the fourth thoracic vertebra. It belongs to the small intestine meridian.
2. How to locate Tianzong Acupoint:
In a forward-leaning or prone position, locate Tianzong acupoint at the intersection of the upper third and middle third of the line connecting the lower edge of the acromion and the lower angle of the scapula. Alternatively, draw a straight line connecting the lower edge of the acromion and the lower angle of the scapula, level with the space between the fourth thoracic vertebra spinous process and the diaphragm shu and Jianzhen acupoints, forming a triangular area.
3. Functions of Tianzong Acupoint:
Generate yang qi, relax tendons, activate meridians, relieve swelling, and widen the chest. Tianzong acupoint has the functions of expelling wind, activating collaterals, invigorating blood, relieving pain, soothing the mind, and so on.
Xuanzhong Acupoint
1. Location of Xuanzhong Acupoint:
Xuanzhong acupoint is located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the outer ankle, along the anterior edge of the fibula.
2. How to locate Xuanzhong Acupoint:
In a sitting or supine position, locate Xuanzhong acupoint 3 cun above the outer ankle, in the depression between the posterior edge of the fibula and the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles.
3. Functions of Xuanzhong Acupoint:
Clear heat and generate qi. Xuanzhong acupoint has the functions of draining gallbladder fire, clearing marrow heat, dispelling wind and dampness, promoting meridian circulation, regulating the liver, extinguishing wind, and nourishing the kidney.
Kunlun Acupoint
1. Location of Kunlun Acupoint:
Kunlun acupoint is located on the back of the foot, between the outer ankle and the Achilles tendon.
2. How to locate Kunlun Acupoint:
Kunlun acupoint is located in the ankle area, between the outer ankle and the Achilles tendon. It can be accessed in a sitting or lateral lying position.
3. Functions of Kunlun Acupoint:
Disperse heat and activate qi. Kunlun acupoint has the functions of expelling wind, promoting meridian circulation, activating blood, relieving pain, soothing the mind, and so on.
Non-fixed Acupoints
These types of acupoints are generally determined based on the location of the pathology, either near the affected area or in distant locations. They do not have fixed locations or names. The method of locating these acupoints is based on the presence of tenderness, known as "where there is pain, there is an acupoint."
Does Cupping Work for Stiff Neck?
A stiff neck is often caused by cold or phlegm during sleep, which leads to stagnation of qi and blood in the neck, affecting the flow of meridians. Cupping can eliminate dampness and cold, promote meridian circulation, invigorate qi and blood, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. Therefore, cupping is effective for relieving stiff neck.
Cupping Methods for Stiff Neck
Fire Cupping Method
Use flash-fire method to attach the cup to Dazhui, Jianjing, Xuanzhong, and local tender points (non-fixed acupoints); or use suction cupping method to attach the cup to the aforementioned acupoints.
Needle Cupping Method
Select Dazhui, Jianjing, Tianzong, Kunlun, and non-fixed acupoints, disinfect the local area, and use a filiform needle to puncture the skin. After the needle is inserted, apply cupping to the local area.
Pricking and Cupping Method
Select the non-fixed acupoint, disinfect the local area, and use a skin needle to prick until slight bleeding occurs. Immediately apply cupping using the flash-fire method.
Self-treatment Methods for Stiff Neck
1. Cold and Hot Compress
Cold compress: Apply ice packs to the painful area for 10-15 minutes every 2 hours, for a duration of 8-72 hours.
Hot compress: After 72 hours, switch to hot compress. Place a hot towel on the neck for about 20 minutes, repeat three times.
Note: Avoid using cold or hot compresses while sleeping to prevent skin damage.
2. Self-traction and Massage
Self-traction of the trapezius muscle and self-traction of the levator scapulae muscle
Traction method: Taking right-sided stiff neck as an example, perform the traction in a supine position. Turn the head to the left side, place the left hand on the right side of the head without exerting force, and let the weight of the hand press down. Stay in this position for 6-10 seconds and then relax. Repeat 6-8 times, 6-10 times a day, gradually transitioning to a sitting position.
Taking right-sided stiff neck as an example, bring the head close to the left shoulder, align the nose with the left knee, place the left hand on the left ear without exerting force, and let the weight of the hand press down. Stay in this position for 6-10 seconds and then relax. Repeat 6-8 times, 6-10 times a day, gradually transitioning to a sitting position.
3. Self-movement of the Neck in Various Directions
Due to the fear of pain, people tend to maintain a painless head position for a long time, which is not conducive to symptom recovery. In a supine position on the bed, perform slow movements of the head in various directions, gradually transitioning to a sitting position. This includes bending the head forward and backward, rotating left and right, alternating ears close to the shoulders, and alternating chin tucks.
Ps: Perform within the pain-free range. Self-traction of the muscle group helps to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.
4. Proper Use of Neck Support
A neck support can alleviate the discomfort caused by a stiff neck, but prolonged use can weaken the function of the neck muscles.
Choose a suitable pillow that provides proper support and has a moderate firmness. When lying on your back, the forehead should be at the same level as the chin. When lying on your side, the height of the pillow should be the same as the height between the neck and the bed surface.
Correct sitting posture: Keep the shoulders level, avoid shrugging the shoulders, look straight ahead, and avoid protruding the chin (you can first tuck the chin as much as possible, and then gently relax).
Sit for half an hour, then get up and move around, do some neck and shoulder exercises.
Maintain regular neck and shoulder exercises in daily life, avoid direct air conditioning blowing on the neck in hot weather, and avoid exposure to wind and cold.
Lifestyle Care for Stiff Neck
1. Use a pillow that is appropriately soft or firm and of proper height when sleeping. When lying on the side, the height of the pillow should be the same as the shoulder width to maintain the internal and external balance of the neck.
2. In cold seasons or when sleeping in an air-conditioned room, avoid exposing the neck to the outside to prevent catching a cold.
3. For patients who experience multiple episodes of stiff neck in a short period of time, preventive measures should be taken to avoid the occurrence of cervical spondylosis.
4. If the pain is severe, pain relievers can be used to alleviate the discomfort.
5. Regularly perform self-massage on the neck to promote meridian circulation and prevent soft tissue damage in the neck.
