In 2024, stiff shoulders and headaches are a problem for many people today, and the pain is so great that many people often experience distress in their daily lives. The reason is that the stresses of modern society and long hours at the desk are causing these symptoms. How should they be remedied? This is the question on everyone’s mind. However, many people have been able to effectively solve this problem by utilizing the ancient wisdom of Oriental medicine, especially moxibustion and acupoint therapy. It is too early to give up. Today, I will share with you the story of one woman. (⚠︎ The woman in the text is fictitious)
Chapter 1: A Story of Stiff Shoulders and Headaches
Ayako suffering from headaches
The setting is an office district in Tokyo. Ayako is working overtime again today, and she breathes a deep sigh. “Can’t I go home again?” She suffers from stiff shoulders and headaches from working long hours at her desk every day. For the past several weeks, Ayako had been waking up every morning with heavy shoulders and a throbbing headache in the evening.
One day, after the pain became so severe, Ayako searched the Internet for “stiff shoulders, headache, moxibustion points,” and was intrigued to learn that oriental medicine could be effective. So she decided to visit a local oriental medicine clinic after work to try it out.
Encounter at the Clinic
The clinic Ayako visited was an old-fashioned building with a soft fragrance as she entered. When she told her name at the reception desk, a smiling woman ushered her in. She said, “Hello! Is this your first time? First, please fill out this medical questionnaire and wait a moment. Ayako waited in the waiting room for a while, and then an elderly, gentle-looking doctor called her in.
Next, please come in – nice to meet you, please have a seat. Hello, Ayako. What is your concern today?”
I’ve been working so hard lately that I’ve been having stiff shoulders and headaches for a long time, and sometimes they’re so bad that I’m worried about getting sick or something. Can it be cured?”
The doctor nodded and listened carefully to Ayako’s story.
Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. Ayako, I don’t have any proof yet, but from what you have told me, I think you are in a condition that can be cured if we find the proper cause. First, how about trying our recommended moxibustion and pressure point massage?
Ayako, after listening to what I had to say
After listening to what she had to say, Ayako said, “I understand, doctor. I will give it a try. But what if it doesn’t get better?
In response to Ayako’s frustration, the doctor replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll try it again.
Don’t worry, just try it and let me know how it goes in another two weeks!
Ayako was anxious, but decided to try what she was told first.
She went home and looked up what acupoints were from the basics on the Internet to get the correct knowledge. In fact, she is the type of person who has to look things up until she understands them if she has any trouble.
Chapter 2: Knowledge of moxibustion and acupoints
I was surprised that there was so much information! If I were to try to memorize it, first of all, it would be impossible (laughs). There really are so many different things. Hmmm, what is moxibustion?
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is one of the Chinese medicine, which is a therapy to balance the body by applying heat to certain acupuncture points. Moxa, a dried mugwort leaf, is used to directly apply fire to the acupuncture points to promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
Moxa? I wonder if it’s something my grandma used to do to my back. It looks so hot…scary. But it’s good for balancing the body. It would be great if it could also help me lose weight. It also has detailed information on acupressure points.
The basics of acupoints
Acupoints are points on the meridians, the pathways through which energy flows, and stimulating them improves circulation and helps regulate physical ailments. There are several acupressure points that are effective for stiff shoulders and headaches, but we will introduce three acupressure points that are considered to be particularly effective.
Meridians? How do you read this? It is difficult to read. The point is to put moxibustion on the points. I’m curious about the time to put it, but where are the actual acupuncture points?
Points for stiff shoulders and headaches
Shoulder well
The shoulder well is a pressure point located in the middle of the shoulder. It relieves heaviness and improves circulation. Shoulder well not only relieves muscle tension in the shoulder, but also reduces stress.
‘Stiff shoulders! Great, now that’s the perfect pressure point for me. Ayako, dressed in her pajamas, was hunched forward over her computer screen with a handful of chips in her hand.”
Wind Pond
Fuchi is a pressure point located on both sides of the back of the head and is effective for headaches. Stimulation of this acupoint relieves headaches and provides a relaxing effect.
Go-tani
Gogok is a pressure point located on the back of the hand that is effective for both stiff shoulders and headaches. Pressing this point improves the flow of qi and blood throughout the body and relieves pain.
Fuchichi and Gokoku?” Gokoku is information I’ve seen in some magazine. Let’s try where we are now for a moment!”
Chapter 4: Practice of Moxibustion and Acupuncture Point Therapy
Preparation for moxibustion
In researching moxibustion, Ayako learned that nowadays there are not only moxa but also moxa that can be easily purchased on the Internet and that there are moxa that uses a box at an acupuncture clinic and does not emit smoke. For a start, he decided to buy one that had a good reputation on the Internet.
There are so many different kinds of moxibustion. I want one that is easy to use and not too hot.
Ayako was a little excited to start her maintenance routine.
Moxibustion on the shoulder well
Bing bong. A courier service! Please sign for it!”
Ayako woke up from a nap after work and was surprised to find a delivery had arrived.
What? Oh my God! Didn’t it ring just now? What? What time is it? Oh no, I have to cook dinner, and I have to prepare the materials for tomorrow’s meeting…oh no, I’ll have to check first!
I checked the front door and found a package had arrived!
Okay, let’s give it a try right away!”
Ayako started by setting moxa on the shoulder well. Place the purchased moxa on the acupuncture point of the shoulder well. Then, she lit it on fire and warmed it up, and a warmth gradually spread to her shoulders.
After warming up for a few minutes, I could feel the heaviness in my shoulders ease and relax, which was a new sensation for me.
I did moxibustion on Fuchi, Hegoku, and other acupoints, but the acupoints on my hands were hotter than I had expected.
I took it off earlier than the time written in the manual.
I thought, “Hey, it’s too hot.
Are you okay? Am I burned? There’s some kind of red circle? Oh, that’s a sign that my blood flow is improving. lol”
Chapter 5: Effects of Moxibustion and Acupuncture Point Therapy
Ayako’s Change
By continuing the moxibustion and acupoint therapy, Ayako gradually noticed certain changes in her body: the stiffness in her shoulders and headaches, which were her biggest problems, gradually eased up, her daily desk work became easier, and she was less troubled by headaches in the evening. She felt the effects of moxibustion and acupuncture point therapy and decided to continue it on a regular basis.
I have been stretching and massaging simply to deal with the problem on the spot, but it is important to find the cause of the problem and approach it, and to continue to do so. If I’m going to do this, I want to make my body feel better.”
Other Patients’ Experiences
The clinic was visited by many patients who, like Ayako, suffered from stiff shoulders and headaches. They, too, had tried moxibustion and acupuncture point therapy and found it effective. Some of the patients were pleased to find that their long-standing stiff shoulders and headaches improved dramatically.
Chapter 6: Summary
Moxibustion and acupoint therapy are effective treatments that utilize the ancient wisdom of Oriental medicine. I am not sure if it can produce the same effect for all stiff shoulders and headaches sufferers, but first, isn’t it worthwhile to try it?
Why don’t you try a new maintenance method through Ayako’s story?
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