Acupuncture Points on Shoulder: Shoulder Pain Relief Naturally

Acupuncture shoulder pain points

Shoulder pain can be extremely difficult to overcome, making movement a chore and impacting daily living. Shoulder pain is often caused by injury, improper posture, overuse of the shoulders, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Acupuncture, the ancient healing practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been utilized for thousands of years to treat pain and promote healing. By stimulating particular acupuncture points on the shoulder, acupuncture can reduce swelling, enhance circulation, and rebalance the body. This blog will discuss the main acupuncture points on the shoulder that are utilized to treat shoulder pain and mobilization.

What Are Acupuncture Points On Shoulder?

Acupuncture is founded on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the energy or life force that flows through the body in channels referred to as meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that pain, disease, or discomfort results when Qi is blocked or unbalanced. Through the insertion of tiny needles into strategically chosen acupuncture points on the shoulder or other parts of the body, acupuncture attempts to stimulate the flow of Qi, balance, and healing.

For shoulder pain, the practitioner chooses strategically located acupuncture points along the shoulder region to treat sensitive, inflamed, or congested spots where the energy gets blocked. The points can soothe pain, ease muscle tension, and make the shoulder joint work more efficiently.

Acupuncture shoulder pain points

Common Reasons for Shoulder Pain

Before examining the individual acupuncture points on the shoulder, it is essential to understand some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Overuse, straining, or injuring the shoulder can cause rotator cuff injuries. These can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty moving the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder occurs when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to stiffness and pain.
Arthritis: Shoulder arthritis, similar to osteoarthritis, can cause pain, swelling, and reduced motion of the shoulder joint.
Tendinitis and Bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or bursa (small fluid-filled sacs cushion the joints) of the shoulder may result in painful conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis.
Postural Disorders: Poor posture, particularly from sitting for an extended period at a desk or working with a computer, may lead to muscle spasms and discomfort in the shoulders.

Acupuncture Points on Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture Points on Shoulder for Pain Relief

Acupuncture utilizes a range of body points to alleviate pain and treat certain conditions. In cases of shoulder pain, acupuncturists concentrate on shoulder-based acupuncture points but also use other areas of the body to repair deep-rooted disorders. The following are some of the most popular acupuncturists’ shoulder points used:

Shoulder Well (LI 15): This point is situated right in front of the shoulder joint. It is great for helping with shoulder pain and swelling. LI 15 can relieve stiffness, pain, and weakness in the shoulder.
Heavenly Pillar (GB 20): It is at the base of the skull, on the sides of the neck. It is ideal for treating tension headaches, neck stiffness, and shoulder pain that stems from the neck to the shoulder.
Triple Warmer 14 (TW 14): This point is located at the shoulder, above the armpit. It is beneficial for decreasing pain in the shoulder joint and even facilitating easier movement. Individuals will utilize it in the case of rotator cuff or shoulder strains.
Jianjing (GB 21): It is in the middle of the upper trapezius muscle. It is very often used to reduce tension and pain in the shoulders. It is especially good for people who tense up their shoulders or who have muscle tension due to bad posture.
Large Intestine 4 (LI 4): This is not located on the shoulder but rather on the hand between the index and thumb fingers. It is a common acupuncture point for relieving pain and is also used to ease shoulder pain since it can restore the balance of energy flow in the body.
Small Intestine 11 (SI 11): It is a point at the back, below the shoulder blade. It relieves shoulder stiffness and heals the shoulder area.
Bladder 10 (BL 10): This is located at the back of the neck, below the skull. It is employed to relax the shoulders and neck, particularly when shoulder pain is due to tight muscles or tension.
Neiguan (PC 6): It is found on the medial forearm, two inches proximal to the wrist. It is most commonly used to treat shoulder pain caused by tension, anxiety, or gastrointestinal upset. PC 6 can soothe the body and relieve pain.
Zusanli (ST 36): This is located on the lower leg and is said to assist with circulation and energy flow. It is used with shoulder points to facilitate body healing and avert inflammation.

treatment Points For Shoulder

Acupuncture Points For Shoulder Joint Pain

In addition to the shoulder acupuncture points listed above, acupuncture may also include points targeted at eliminating the underlying causes of shoulder joint pain: swelling, muscle cramps, and reduced blood flow. Some of these points may include:

Ren 17 (Shanzhong): It is located in the chest. It facilitates the free flow of Qi and blood, alleviating shoulder joint pain caused by obstruction or inflammation.
Bladder 60 (BL 60): It is located close to the ankle. It is used to relieve pain and stiffness in joints, such as the shoulder. It is commonly paired with other points to treat shoulder pain.

How Is Shoulder Pain Treated With Acupuncture?

Acupuncture aids the healing of the body. In cases of shoulder pain, shoulder-based acupuncture points aid in several ways:

Pain Relief: Acupuncture assists your body in releasing endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers that can help you feel better.
Less Inflammation: Acupuncture can enhance circulation and blood flow, reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint and muscles surrounding it, leading to less swelling and pain.
Muscle Relaxation: Acupuncture points in the shoulder can relax contracted muscles, relieve spasms, and improve flexibility in the shoulder region.
Restored Function: Acupuncture restores the flow of Qi, promoting healing and enhanced shoulder joint movement.

Restore Your Shoulder Health with Acupuncture

If you have shoulder pain, acupuncture is a natural treatment to get better and get up and going. Acupuncture targets specific points on your shoulder to remove the source of pain, reduce swelling, and make you feel better. If you suffer from rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, arthritis, or tension from poor posture, acupuncture is a healthy and soothing solution to remove shoulder pain. Always consult a licensed acupuncturist to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs that heals you in the long term.