Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32376/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Cupping Therapy (Oketsu Treatment) Are Highly Effective for Shoulder Stiffness!
For individuals with underlying health conditions, the most effective approach to relieving shoulder stiffness (katakori) is often a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy—a traditional method known in Japanese medicine as oketsu treatment (targeting blood stagnation).
With regular treatment, many people report that their shoulder stiffness eases significantly or even disappears entirely.
- For shoulder stiffness caused by mental fatigue, acupuncture is especially effective.
- For shoulder stiffness from physical fatigue, moxibustion (heat therapy using herbal cones) provides excellent results.
- When poor circulation or blood stagnation is the cause, cupping therapy (oketsu treatment) is ideal.
Cupping helps to release muscular tension, stimulate blood flow, and eliminate stagnation, resulting in a light, relaxed feeling in the shoulders.
If you’ve already tried massage, pain relief patches, or medication with no relief—and if you’re experiencing nausea, dizziness, headaches, eye strain, or even pain so severe that you can’t tolerate touch—acupuncture and related therapies may significantly reduce both muscular and emotional tension, often leading to clear symptom improvement or resolution.
Recommended Frequency of Treatment
- For fatigue-related shoulder stiffness, 2 to 3 sessions are often enough to relieve headaches and eye fatigue caused by katakori.
- Mild symptoms: once per week
- Moderate symptoms: twice per week
- Severe symptoms: three to four times per week, consistently for a period
For patients with chronic conditions, receiving acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping once or twice a week for 3 to 4 months can strengthen internal organs and support overall healing. As the underlying illness improves, shoulder stiffness typically subsides as well.
If you suffer from persistent shoulder tension, we recommend visiting a licensed acupuncture clinic or a medical facility with trained practitioners.
What Makes These Therapies Unique?
Acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping (oketsu treatment) are considered a form of internal-external therapy in traditional East Asian medicine. They stimulate internal organ function by working on external points of the body.
These treatments are particularly beneficial for:
- People who did not respond to medications (internal medicine)
- People who still experience pain after surgery (external medicine)
If this sounds like your experience, these therapies may offer the relief you’ve been seeking.
Note: If you suspect your shoulder pain is due to a physical injury, we recommend seeking medical evaluation from a licensed physician.
Yoga as an Effective Complement
For daily self-care and long-term prevention, yoga is also highly effective.
By learning yoga postures and breathing techniques, you can improve circulation, posture, and body awareness, making yoga a valuable tool for both preventing and managing shoulder stiffness.