Why Your Neck and Shoulders Hurt — And It’s Not Just Your Posture - BaoFuLing Online Store

Why Your Neck and Shoulders Hurt — And It’s Not Just Your Posture

Struggling With Stiff Neck, Aching Shoulders, and Tension That Won’t Go Away?

— A TCM Perspective on Muscle Pain, Stress, and Liver Qi

Have you ever experienced moments like these?

  • Your arm feels heavy just brushing your teeth in the morning
  • After only two subway stops, your shoulders stiffen and ache
  • You stretch after work only to feel a sharp pain
  • You think a few days of rest will help—but the pain keeps coming back

You’ve tried pain patches or medication—but nothing seems to work for long. Why?

In many cases, these symptoms are not due to bone or joint issues, but rather the result of poor posture, chronic muscle tension, and emotional stress.

Neck and Shoulder Pain Illustration

❗ The Hidden Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain

TCM and modern research agree: many triggers for stiffness and pain are invisible daily habits:

  • Prolonged sitting with unsupported shoulders
  • "Text neck" — constantly looking down at your phone
  • Emotional stress causing silent muscle tension
  • Lack of exercise, leading to poor blood circulation
  • Poor posture during sleep or workouts

These subtle factors turn your shoulders into a tight, overstretched string—and any small pull can lead to pain.

🧘 Is Massage Enough?

Many people turn to massage, gua sha, cupping, or even self-massage. These methods may bring temporary relief, but the pain often returns.

✅ Long-term relief requires a 3-step approach:

  1. Release tight muscle groups
    Use gentle massage, warm compresses, or stretching to restore elasticity.
  2. Correct posture and movement patterns
    Strengthen your core and avoid repetitive strain on the same muscle areas.
  3. Regulate emotions and internal balance
    In TCM, the Liver governs tendons and Qi flow. Emotional blockage (Liver Qi stagnation) makes muscles more prone to tension and pain.
    That’s why external treatment alone is not enough—internal regulation is also essential.

🌿 TCM Insight: Neck & Shoulder Pain May Be Linked to Liver Qi Stagnation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine:

“The Liver controls the smooth flow of Qi and governs the tendons.”

When Liver Qi is stagnant, Qi and Blood circulation is disrupted, leading to:

  • Neck and shoulder tension or pain
  • Limited mobility
  • Irritability, frustration, chest tightness
  • Light sleep, vivid dreams, frequent waking
  • PMS, breast tenderness (in women)

These symptoms may seem unrelated—but they all point to Liver Qi stagnation and internal imbalance.

🧴 For Targeted Relief: Try a Herbal Topical Patch

For muscle soreness, joint discomfort, sprains, or rheumatic pain, topical herbal plaster therapy offers localized support.

⭐ Recommended: Musk Medicated Plaster by Bao Shu Tang

Muscle & Joint Care Exclusive Set

📌 Key Features:

  • Main ingredients: Synthetic musk, methyl salicylate, menthol, camphor — known for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
  • Functions: Relieves muscle and joint pain, improves circulation, reduces swelling
  • How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin at the affected area, 1–2 times daily. For better effect in cold weather, use with a warm compress.
  • Recommended for:
    • Muscle soreness
    • Neuralgia
    • Low back pain
    • Joint stiffness
    • Sports injuries and strains
  • Cautions:
    • Not suitable for pregnant women, infants, or broken skin
    • Perform a skin test before use if you have sensitive skin

🧴 Musk Medicated Plaster offers fast-acting, external relief while you work on deeper healing from within.

💊 Internal Support: Try Bao Shu Tang Shugan Wan

Shugan Wan - Bao Shu Tang

For neck and shoulder tension related to stress, poor sleep, bloating, or irritability, you may need to address Liver Qi stagnation from within.

✅ Shugan Wan — Functions:

  • Soothes the Liver
  • Harmonizes the Stomach
  • Regulates Qi
  • Relieves pain

💡 Indicated for:

  • Chest and rib-side tightness
  • Poor appetite, stomach discomfort
  • Acid reflux, frequent belching
  • Emotional stress, tension, light sleep

🔸 Dosage:

Take 10 pills, 2–3 times daily with warm water.
Best results when combined with a balanced lifestyle and stress management.

🌈 Pain Is a Message, Not Just a Symptom

Neck and shoulder pain isn’t just mechanical—it’s a reflection of your posture, emotions, and energy balance.

  • Massage treats the surface
  • Musk Medicated Plaster relieves local pain
  • But true recovery comes from internal and external harmony

💬 Be patient with your body.

Slow down. Breathe deeper.
Let Bao Shu Tang Shugan Wan help you face daily stress with ease and reclaim the lightness and comfort you deserve.

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