We frequently encounter patients who struggle with poor sleep.
Many attribute their sleep issues to physical stress from demanding schedules, raising children, long commutes, and similar factors, as well as mental stress from relationships at work, at home, or with neighbors. Surprisingly, one common yet often overlooked cause is feeling cold.
For instance, Ms. N, who recently visited my practice, primarily complained of neck and shoulder pain. She described her symptoms, saying, "My neck and shoulders feel heavy, and they creak like an unoiled machine when I move them. I also experience a slight headache." Additionally, she noted, "I have difficulty falling asleep at night, and my sleep is shallow."
Ms. N's Cold Body and Its Causes
During Ms. N’s initial consultation and examination, I observed that her hands and feet were notably cold. She explained that both her home and workplace are kept at a constant 22°C with air conditioners running continuously. Although Ms. N would prefer a slightly warmer temperature, she finds it difficult to control the environment in her settings.
In contrast, at my practice, I rarely use the air conditioner. I usually cool the room down just before the patient arrives and adjust it as needed during treatment. Since I’m constantly moving around while the patient remains still on the treatment bed, I aim to make the room comfortable for them. Nevertheless, Ms. N mentioned that she still felt a bit cold.
When I inquired if she usually sweats, Ms. N responded, "I hardly ever sweat." She also noted that she typically showers rather than taking baths and couldn't recall the last time she had a bath.
Treatment Focused on Warming the Body First
To address Ms. N’s symptoms, I began by applying moxibustion to acupressure points on her hands and feet while using an infrared therapy device to warm her feet.
While not everyone has access to an infrared therapy device at home, similar effects can be achieved with microwaveable hot packs or heat packs available online.
These hot packs come in various designs for different body parts, such as the neck, shoulders, lower back (which can also be used on the stomach), and ankles (which can also be used on the wrists). They are typically filled with materials like adzuki beans, soybeans, or ceramic balls, and are available in both scented and unscented versions.
Historically, warming the neck has been considered beneficial. Warming your wrists can help warm up cold fingertips, and heating your ankles can warm up your toes. Additionally, while warming the neck helps loosen the shoulders, applying heat directly to the shoulders can also be effective. This approach is useful not only in winter but also during summer when indoor air conditioning can be excessively cold.
However, caution is necessary to avoid burns from prolonged use of hot packs. Using a warm pack frequently at a moderate temperature is generally more effective and safer than using one that is too hot.
Next, I used approximately 15 needles on various areas: the head and neck joints, the edges of the shoulders, and around the shoulder blades. I also inserted 10 needles into the buttocks, where the muscle layer is thicker. To thoroughly heat the affected areas, I applied an infrared therapy device in conjunction with pulsed electricity.
After removing the needles, I performed a light massage on Ms. N’s neck and shoulders and stretched her shoulder blades to improve her range of motion. I also assessed the movement of her lumbar spine and hip joints and guided her through some intensive exercises focused on her pelvis.
Encouraging Warmth and Metabolism
The treatment for the day concluded here, but to promote continued improvement, I provided Ms. N with some at-home exercises to complete before her next visit.
It is crucial to enhance Ms. N's metabolism. This issue cannot be resolved with just a few treatments; regular stretching and light exercise at home are necessary. Ms. N reported that she has been consistently doing these exercises daily since starting treatment at my practice, marking a positive first step.
In my next blog, I will talk about the at-home exercises and symptoms to watch for following the treatment.
Daisuke Tazawa
BODYWORKS AZABU
*Permission has been granted by the patient to post the image and details of this treatment
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