Stiff Armaccording to TCM

What is Stiff Arm?

Stiff arm, also known as arm muscle tightening or rigidity, refers to a condition characterized by a lack of flexibility and mobility in the arm muscles. Individuals experiencing stiff arm may feel tightness, discomfort, or restricted movement in the affected arm, making it challenging to perform everyday activities. This condition can result from various factors such as muscle tension, injury, inflammation, or neurological issues, impacting one's ability to extend or bend the arm freely.

How Does TCM View Stiff Arm?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stiff arm is viewed as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's energetic pathways, known as meridians. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on physical and anatomical factors, TCM considers the underlying patterns of imbalance that contribute to the development of stiff arm.

According to TCM principles, stiff arm may arise from disturbances in the flow of Qi and Blood, as well as imbalances in the meridians associated with the affected arm.

Acupoints for Stiff Arm

To address stiff arm in TCM, practitioners may recommend acupoint stimulation to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in the affected meridians. Acupoints along the Large Intestine Channel, such as Binao (LI-14) and Jianyu (LI-15), are commonly targeted to remove obstructions and promote circulation in the arm.

Additionally, acupoints along the Triple Burner Channel, including Jianliao (TB-14) and Naohui (TB-13), may be utilized to alleviate stiffness and resolve Phlegm accumulation. Treatment selection may vary based on individual diagnosis and specific patterns of disharmony identified during TCM assessment, highlighting the personalized approach of traditional Chinese medicine.

Explore below some acupoints used to address stiff arm, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
Shousanli LI-10

Shousanli LI-10

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Shouwuli LI-13

Shouwuli LI-13

Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.

Binao LI-14

Binao LI-14

On the radial side of the humerus, superior to the lower end of deltoid muscle, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15, 7 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11.

Jianyu LI-15

Jianyu LI-15

Jianyu LI-15 is located antero-inferior to the acromion, between the clavicular and acromial portions of the deltoid muscle.

Jugu LI-16

Jugu LI-16

In the upper aspect of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromio-clavicular joint and the scapular spine.

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