The Points:

GV 20

GV 16
GB 20

TW 17

TW 10

LI 4

How to Use
the Points:
 

Neck Exercise
 

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Releasing Neck Pain

Thank you, Don Elliot, for your enquiry about releasing that nagging pain in the neck.  Here is a way to help yourself ease some of that pain while you are looking to find someone to assist you further.

The wonderful thing about holding acu-points is that you can do this almost any place and just about any time and it only takes a few minutes to do.

Following are a few points that, when held for a few minutes at a time, will reduce the tension in your neck.  Hold these points with enough pressure to feel the tension but not with so much pressure to cause pain.  Remember the idea is to let go of some of the pain and tension we are experiencing, so please don't add to it.  Breathing is always helpful to release pain and tension.  So while you are holding the points remember to breathe in a long slow and deep manner.  You can also visualize a warm golden light coming in with the breath.  Breathe this warm golden light deeply into the points you are holding and let the light melt the tension there.  When you exhale visualize the tension leaving your body like smoke being blown away by a warm gentle breeze.

Experiment with the points I have indicated and find the ones that are most helpful to you.  Even though all these points ave an effect on the neck, each works slightly differently.  You don't have to use all of the points at one time, often one or two of the points is all that is needed to evoke a release.

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GV 20: (BAI HUI) ONE HUNDRED MEETINGS

Located: On the crown of the head in a depression between the cranial bones towards the back od the head. Follow a line from the back of the ears to the top of the head to find this point.

Benefits: eases headaches and improves mental concentration and memory.

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GV 16: (FENG FU) WIND MANSION

Located: One thumb width above the hairline at the center of the base of the skull.

Benefits: relieves mental stress and insomnia.

GB 20: (FENG CHI) WIND POND

Located: Below the base of the skull in the hollow between the two large vertical neck muscles (the lateral edge of the Trapezius muscle).

Benefits: relieves arthritis in the shoulders and neck, headaches and stiff neck.

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TW 17: (YI FUNG) WIND BLOCK

Located: Behind the bottom of the ear lobe just behind the jaw bone.

Benefits: in releasing the SCM (the long ropy muscles at the sides of the neck) and helps with tinnitus that can occur if these muscles are creating pressure on the auricular nerves.

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TW 10: (TIAN JING) HEAVENLY WELL

Located: One thumb width up from the tip of the elbow on the back of the arm. Bend the elbow and locate the depression between the muscles and the bone.

Benefits: eases pain in the neck that radiates down into the arm and makes it difficult to grasp objects. Also a good point for swollen and numb throat.

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LI 4: (HOKU) JOINING OF THE VALLEYS

Located: At the highest point on the muscle of the hand between the thumb and index finger when they are pressed together.

Benefits: moves CHI down from the head. Also good for any problem of the mouth and face. Helps to regulate fevers and is a very good point for loosening tight muscles of the spine and neck

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Find a quiet place to sit comfortably while you hold the following acu-point combinations.

CLEARING THE MIND

Hold GV 20 with the index finger of the right hand and Gv 16 with the index finger of the left hand. Breathe quietly into the points for a few minutes. These are good points to use whenever the mind feels sluggish or cloudy and will help improve memory.

RELEASING THE SIDES

Hold TW 10 on the left side with the right hand while the left hand holds TW 17. Breathe into the points for a minute or two and switch sides. This is a good way to help ease off that tension in the sides of the neck and jaw.

SUPPORTING THE HEAD

Use your thumbs to gently push into the GB 20 points on both sides of the base of the skull at the same time. Allow your head to tilt back slightly as you support the weight of your head with the thumbs.

DRAINING THE HEAD & NECK

Press into LI 4 on the left hand with the thumb of the right hand and visualize the pain and tension drain from your neck, head and shoulders.. Breathe deeply and gently as you hold this point for a few minutes. Switch to the other hand and continue to visualize the tension draining from your neck, head and shoulders.

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NECK EXERCISE

Join your hands behind you head with the fingers interlaced. Breathe in deeply and slowly exhale as you bring the elbows close together and let your head hang towards your chest. Inhale deeply as you raise your head and spread the elbows out to the sides and gently tilt your head back. Exhale and let your head sink towards your chest as you bring the elbows close together. Repeat the exercise for a few minutes. When you have finished just let the hands rest in your lap as you continue to breathe gently and deeply with the eyes closed and feel the relaxation in your head, neck and shoulders

This exercise is very good to loosen the tight muscles at the back of the neck and shoulders.

Avoid this exercise if you experience pain or discomfort when doing it. If you have had major trauma to your neck you may want to avoid this exercise.

I wish to acknowledge all of my teachers and all the great authors who have helped me gain some understanding of acupressure and healing. I especially want to thank all the people who have requested my help over the years. Without you I would never have come to appreciate the beauty and power of acupressure as a tool for healing.
Namaste.

Paul Rouleau
Acupressirist

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