Expert: R. Scott Malone L.Ac. - 2/1/2011

Question
My 12 year old daughter has so much tightness in her shoulders.  Her father and I have been divorced for several years, but it is a very tense situation at his house, and I believe this has resulted in her shoulders being so tight.  They make noises when she rotates her shoulders, and she can barely stand for me to massage her.  Would accupuncture help her?

Answer
Hello Christine,

Absolutely. An herbal formula in called Chai Hu Muli Long Gu Tang would most likely be of great use to her as well. I would make sure you get a proper diagnosis and herbal perscription though.

In Five element theory, Wood is the element that contains the liver and gall bladder.
Stress, anger, resentment and unfulfilled desire can casue the Wood element to go out of balance.
The liver qi or energy stagnates and causes an imbalance in the gallbladder channel.
The GB channel goes right across the shoulders and up the neck into the head.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine will not only help loosen all that up, but it can give her more immunity to the stress that is causing the problem in the first place.

I have treated this a thousand times and it works like a charm.

She may also be dry internally, dryness affects the joints, but I would go in and get a diagnosis and the appropriate herbs. I think she'll do great.

Be well,

R. Scott Malone L.Ac.