Shoulders Tired from Repetitive Motions? Relieve Fatigue with This Acupoint

Modern medicine also addresses pain caused by repetitive shoulder use, referring to it as repetitive strain injury or overuse syndrome. When using a keyboard and mouse for extended periods, or repeatedly lifting and moving arms in certain occupations, microtrauma accumulates in the small muscles and ligaments around the shoulder. If this microtrauma persists without sufficient recovery, an inflammatory response develops, ultimately leading to chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and hypofunction of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is an area where various muscles, such as the rotator cuff, deltoid, and trapezius muscle, coordinate closely. Overuse or imbalance in even one muscle affects the overall movement of the shoulder joint. From a neurological perspective, persistent muscle tension can compress surrounding nerves, causing radiating pain, and make the brain react more sensitively to pain signals. When the body experiences stress or pain, it secretes stress hormones such as cortisol. If this condition becomes chronic, it can worsen the inflammatory response. Acupressure and acupuncture treatment mentioned in the Donguibogam align with several scientific mechanisms in modern medicine. Stimulating specific acupoints prompts the brain to release pain-relieving substances such as endorphins, which raises the pain threshold and induces muscle relaxation to improve blood circulation. Furthermore, according to the gate control theory, acupressure stimulation reaches the brain before pain signals, thereby reducing pain perception. Improving blood flow to the affected area increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues and promotes the elimination of metabolic waste, aiding the recovery process. Through neurological and endocrine regulation, this approach supports the body's self-healing mechanisms to help prevent progression to chronic pain.