17/10/2024
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other holistic health systems, the shoulder pain and small intestine function are thought to be connected through energy pathways known as meridians. The small intestine meridian runs from the hand, along the arm, and through the shoulder area. When there is an imbalance or blockage along this meridian, it can manifest as pain or discomfort in the shoulder.
Additionally, shoulder pain could sometimes be linked to digestive issues in holistic medicine, particularly if there is inflammation or imbalance in the gut. Poor digestion or dysfunction in the small intestine might lead to toxins or undigested food accumulating, which in turn may manifest as musculoskeletal pain, particularly in areas along the related meridian.
In Bowen therapy, which focuses on gentle manipulations of muscles and soft tissues, the approach could involve addressing both the digestive system and musculoskeletal complaints together, under the understanding that body systems are interconnected.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to restricted movement. This can develop gradually and typically goes through three stages: the freezing stage (painful and decreasing motion), the frozen stage (stiffness without much increase in pain), and the thawing stage (gradual improvement in mobility).
While frozen shoulder is often linked to injury, overuse, or medical conditions such as diabetes, holistic therapies, including Bowen therapy or acupuncture, might interpret it through the lens of energy blockages, often considering internal organ imbalances as contributing factors. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, frozen shoulder might still be linked to meridians, particularly those of the lung, large intestine, or small intestine, as these run through the shoulder area.
In cases of frozen shoulder, treating the musculoskeletal tension directly through gentle manipulation or techniques like Bowen therapy, while also supporting digestive health, may help restore balance and promote healing. The focus would be on releasing restrictions, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation in both the shoulder joint and potentially related systems like the digestive or immune system.