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Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. © Copyright
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Acupressure Points for Relieving Shoulder Tension and Chronic Pain
An Emotional Connection
You can effectively relieve shoulder aches from stress or tension with Acupressure. Tightness in your shoulders is often a reflection of the various stresses in your life. Since almost everyone has stress-related shoulder tension, knowing the points can make all the difference!
When our shoulder points are tight or blocked, we tend to feel irritable, frustrated, and uptight, and can easily become impatient. Acupressure can help relieve the muscle tension and also promote emotional release and balance.
Learn how to use Acupressure both for self care and for helping others on the top of the shoulder. Explore practical ways to loosen tight shoulders and get relief. First, discover where the points are located. Next, learn Acupressure self care techniques for relieving your own shoulder pain and tension. The end of this article will provide detailed instructions on how to help others.
Learn how to use Acupressure both for self care and for helping others on the top of the shoulder. Explore practical ways to loosen tight shoulders and get relief. First, discover where the points are located. Next, learn Acupressure self care techniques for relieving your own shoulder pain and tension. The end of this article will provide detailed instructions on how to help others.
Location
GB21, the Shoulder Well Point
In the illustration and photo, you’ll see three points on each side. On both shoulders, the middle point is GB21, known as the Shoulder Well point. It’s located two finger-widths out from the base of your neck, and is the most potent Acupressure point for relieving shoulder tension and pain.
GB21 on the top of your shoulders are good for relieving stress, chronic fatigue, chronically tight shoulders, cold hands or feet, nervous problems, chronic pain, and headaches. Press gradually and lightly if pregnant.
GB21 on the top of your shoulders are good for relieving stress, chronic fatigue, chronically tight shoulders, cold hands or feet, nervous problems, chronic pain, and headaches. Press gradually and lightly if pregnant.
Additional Points
On either side of GB21, a thumb’s width distance from both sides, are additional points that tend to collect shoulder tension. It’s important to use all three points shown — GB21 in the middle, and also the points on either side.
Another great shoulder point, TW15 is a finger's width below GB21, good for relieving nervous disorders, fevers, chronic pain, immune boosting, stiff neck and shoulder pain. This TW15 point tends to get tight or achy when you get chilled or just before a cold occurs.
Acupressure Self-Care
Basic Acupressure
For your left shoulder, use your right hand. Curve your right fingers in the shape of a coat hanger and place your right index, middle, and ring fingertips on the top of your left shoulder to firmly hold the three illustrated points. Let your arm relax down so the weight of it creates pressure on the points.
Take at least five slow, deep breaths with your fingers hooked into the points. Next, gradually pull down to allow more pressure. Hold these potent Acupressure points for at least one to two minutes, as you continue to take long, slow, deep breaths. End by gradually releasing the pressure, and finally let your arm come down to your lap.
Then, switch sides and repeat the exercise, using your left hand to hold the points on your right shoulder. Be sure to continue breathing deeply throughout the exercise.
Then, switch sides and repeat the exercise, using your left hand to hold the points on your right shoulder. Be sure to continue breathing deeply throughout the exercise.
Other Self-Care Techniques
You can also firmly grasp and knead these points on the top of your shoulders. Rub both sides, and spend more time on the side that is tightest or aches more. If you like deep pressure, you can tap or pound the tops of your shoulders with your fist, right on these three points.
After working on your shoulders, finish with some extra Self-Acupressure techniques. First, squeeze firmly down your arm and hand, making each squeeze “hurt good.” Then end by firmly pulling each of your fingers outward, starting on the base of each finger. Slowly and firmly pull along the whole length of each finger, finally sliding off it. If you do this finger pull vigorously, each finger should tingle for a few seconds. This will help to relieve your shoulder pain or tension.
After working on your shoulders, finish with some extra Self-Acupressure techniques. First, squeeze firmly down your arm and hand, making each squeeze “hurt good.” Then end by firmly pulling each of your fingers outward, starting on the base of each finger. Slowly and firmly pull along the whole length of each finger, finally sliding off it. If you do this finger pull vigorously, each finger should tingle for a few seconds. This will help to relieve your shoulder pain or tension.
For Partners, Friends & Lovers
Have your partner sit comfortably in a chair, and stand behind them. Rest your fingertips on his or her shoulders for a minute, using both hands. Encourage your partner to close their eyes and breathe deeply.
Then, with your thumbs or the flat part of your fists, press for a minute or two on each of the points, starting with the ones nearest their neck. Start with light pressure and then gradually increase the pressure by bringing your chest closer to your hands. Gradually release the pressure as you finish one point and move to the next.
Next, squeeze their shoulder muscles. Use your fingers and thumbs in a kneading, super-slow massage to squeeze out any tension. Bring your elbows upward and lean your weight down and inward toward your partner’s spine. If your partner needs more pressure, slowly get on your tip-toes and use your knuckles to apply pressure to the Acupressure points.
End by gradually releasing the pressure, and then simply hold your hands on their shoulders for a minute, as both of you breathe deeply.
Then, with your thumbs or the flat part of your fists, press for a minute or two on each of the points, starting with the ones nearest their neck. Start with light pressure and then gradually increase the pressure by bringing your chest closer to your hands. Gradually release the pressure as you finish one point and move to the next.
Next, squeeze their shoulder muscles. Use your fingers and thumbs in a kneading, super-slow massage to squeeze out any tension. Bring your elbows upward and lean your weight down and inward toward your partner’s spine. If your partner needs more pressure, slowly get on your tip-toes and use your knuckles to apply pressure to the Acupressure points.
End by gradually releasing the pressure, and then simply hold your hands on their shoulders for a minute, as both of you breathe deeply.
Further Acupressure for Shoulder Resources
Acupressure Stress Relief video provides detailed guidance to use Acupressure techniques for relieving neck and shoulder tension. This video is available for rental, download and DVD.
DVD • Download • RentThe Stress Relief fully guided Self-Acupressure audio program of deep breathing, and gentle yoga stretches helps you feel more relaxed. This audio program describes how to release chronic shoulder and neck tension.
Audio DetailsThe Acupressure Pain Relief book has an entire section on "arm and shoulder pain." Contains 400 photos and diagrams, making it easy to use. Available as a printed book and an ebook download.
Printed Book • eBook