Once, while walking in the community park, I saw a middle-aged man hunched over, painfully rubbing his shoulders. He told me that his 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) had flared up again, causing dizziness and nausea, which affected his daily work. After observing his symptoms, I had a rough judgment in my mind.
颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) is indeed a troublesome issue. I often experience neck discomfort at work, but I never thought it could become severe enough to impact daily life. This middle-aged man’s situation reminded me of a similar experience I had. At that time, I also used some simple methods to alleviate it, but the effects were not significant.
Therefore, I decided to recommend a comprehensive treatment method to him—针灸 (zhēnjiǔ, acupuncture) and 拔罐 (báguàn, cupping). According to TCM theory, 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) is mostly caused by stagnant 气血 (qìxuè, qi and blood) and blocked 经络 (jīngluò, meridians). Acupuncture can harmonize 气血 (qìxuè, qi and blood) and unblock the 经络 (jīngluò, meridians) by stimulating acupoints, while cupping can promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension through negative pressure effects.
With his consent, I began his treatment journey. For the first acupuncture session, I selected several important acupoints, such as 风池 (fēngchí, Fengchi), 天柱 (tiānzhù, Tianzhu), and 大椎 (dàzhuī, Dazhui). As the needles penetrated, I could feel a slight prick when the needles entered the skin, but soon he felt a warm flow spreading through his body, as if something was moving along the 经络 (jīngluò, meridians). Cupping was performed after each treatment, and through the negative pressure, his shoulders quickly relaxed, and the purplish bruises gradually disappeared.
During the treatment, we talked a lot. He told me that he was very busy at work, often working overtime, lacking exercise, and that prolonged sitting had put a lot of pressure on his neck. I informed him that these were significant causes of 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis). Besides treatment, I also gave him some advice: try to reduce prolonged sitting, get up and move around every so often; maintain a correct sitting posture at work, ensuring the screen is not too high and the chair is not too low.
After several treatments, his symptoms of 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) improved significantly. He excitedly told me that his shoulders no longer hurt as much, he was no longer dizzy, and his mental state had improved greatly. He also mentioned that he planned to continue treatment to completely rid himself of the troubles caused by 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis).
The Wisdom of TCM: Small Joys in Life
Not only this middle-aged man, but many modern individuals face the troubles of 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis). High work pressure, prolonged sitting, and lack of exercise… these unhealthy lifestyle habits put immense pressure on our necks. The wisdom of TCM shines like a beacon, illuminating our path to solving these problems.
In TCM, 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) is not merely a physiological issue but also a reflection of psychological problems. Long-term stress and anxiety can lead to stagnant 气血 (qìxuè, qi and blood) and blocked 经络 (jīngluò, meridians), thus triggering 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis). Therefore, treating 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) requires addressing not only the physiological issues but also restoring psychological balance.
In addition to acupuncture and cupping, I also introduced him to other TCM therapies, such as 中药熏蒸 (zhōngyào xūnzhuāng, herbal steaming) and 推拿 (tuīná, Tui Na massage). These methods help alleviate neck pain and tension, promote blood circulation, and improve the flow of 气血 (qìxuè, qi and blood). He said these methods were indeed effective, not only relieving his pain but also allowing him to experience the magical charm of TCM.
Throughout the treatment process, I deeply appreciated the profoundness of TCM. Each acupuncture session felt like opening a channel for energy to circulate within the body; each cupping session felt like giving the body a deep massage, allowing tense muscles to relax. These treatment methods not only alleviated his physical pain but also made him feel the warmth and care of TCM.
Small Joys in Life: A Healthy Lifestyle
Of course, treating 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) does not solely rely on medical means; it also requires us to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. I advised him to minimize prolonged sitting, get up and move around periodically; maintain a correct sitting posture at work, ensuring the screen is not too high and the chair is not too low; and perform neck stretching exercises to enhance the strength and flexibility of neck muscles.
Moreover, maintaining a good mindset is crucial. Stress and anxiety are significant causes of 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis), so we must learn to regulate our emotions and keep a cheerful disposition. Trying relaxation methods such as meditation and yoga can help fully relax and soothe the body and mind.
Through this treatment, I not only helped a middle-aged man overcome the troubles of 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis), but I also gained a deeper understanding of the wisdom and power of TCM. I believe that in the days to come, I will continue to explore the mysteries of TCM, allowing more people to benefit from its wisdom and warmth.
What I want to say is that a healthy lifestyle is not achieved overnight; it requires our persistent effort and commitment. Only in this way can we truly enjoy a healthy and happy life. I hope everyone can, like this middle-aged man, overcome the troubles of 颈椎病 (jǐngzhuī bìng, cervical spondylosis) through comprehensive treatment and a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy the beauty of life.