Are you tired of relying on medications for your neck pain and stiffness, only to suffer from unpleasant side effects and the fear of long-term damage to your liver and kidneys? Discover a game-changing solution that is both effective, versatile, and safe: the TENS Therapy! Say goodbye to pain with the power of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and experience natural relief.
Before we delve into the details, please note that if you are pregnant, these techniques should be avoided as they can induce labor. Additionally, when purchasing a TENS machine, look for one that allows manual adjustment of settings. You can find these machines online easily.
Set up your TENS Machine For TENS Therapy
To set up your TENS machine for acupuncture treatment, adjust the settings to 200 microseconds, 4 Hz, and choose the normal mode. If you need assistance with setting up your device, refer to our instructional video for step-by-step guidance.
We will be targeting three acupuncture points on both sides of the neck and shoulder for balance. Here’s how to locate and stimulate these points effectively:
Governing Vessel GV14 (Great Hammer):
GV14 is situated on the midline of the upper back, below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. By stimulating this point, you can strengthen your immune system, improve energy flow, and alleviate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, fever, and colds.
Governing Vessel GV12 (Shenzhu):
GV12 is found on the midline of the back, below the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra. Stimulating this point can alleviate pain and stiffness in the neck and upper back, improve posture and breathing, and have a calming effect on the mind, relieving anxiety and depression.
Gall Bladder 21 (GB21 or Jian Jing):
GB21 is a vital acupuncture point located on the trapezius muscle in the neck and shoulder region. It is commonly used to treat neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and migraines. GB21 is believed to regulate Qi (vital energy) flow, promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension and spasm, reduce inflammation and pain, and improve neck and shoulder mobility. Additionally, it is known to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and well-being.
Using the TENS Machine For TENS Therapy
When using the TENS machine, you will utilize two channels and four electrodes for this treatment. Place one electrode on GB21 and the other on GV12 using one channel. With the second channel, place one electrode on GB21 and the other on GV14. Gradually increase the stimulation intensity until you feel a noticeable tapping sensation on your shoulders and the base of your neck. Muscle twitching in the shoulders is normal during the treatment.
Ensure that the stimulation is comfortable, and you can apply it for 30 minutes at a time, twice a day. While the stimulation is active, gently move your neck in various directions, including looking up, down, side bending, and rotating your neck in both directions. Perform each movement 15 times to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
After the session, applying heat can increase its effectiveness, and incorporating stretches into your routine can provide additional benefits. For more information on stretching exercises, refer to our instructional videos.
Share your experience and feedback with us in the comments section below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable content like this. Experience the natural relief provided by TENS therapy and say goodbye to neck pain! If you have any questions, ask our Burnaby Physiotherapists at EastWest Physiotherapy.
