When I ask people what part of their body they feel like they hold the most tension, most answer their neck and shoulders. Long hours sitting in front of a computer or television, or behind a steering wheel, leads to poor posture and stiff, hunched shoulders.

Here is the Asian medicine point of view of pain and tension in the neck and  shoulders as explained by Chunsuk Lee, master trainer of Dahn Healing System at the Sedona Mago Retreat Center, in the old magazine earthuman:

…neck and shoulder pain are the result of poor Ki energy circulation. People who are very sensitive and have little patience are most likely to respond physically to stress. The Ki energy of the heart (viscera in oriental medicine) weakens and Yang energy of the liver becomes hyperactive. When this happens the elevated liver energy interrupts the flow of energy through the meridians around the neck and shoulders, causing pain and stiffness.

Ignoring painful shoulder muscles can lead to decreased mobility and structural deformity. Do not allow minor symptoms to become so painful that you are unable to perform simple motions such as swinging your arms comfortably. Pain beginning in the shoulder region will eventually spread to other areas such as the neck, arms, and lower back. The condition can also cause headaches by diminishing oxygen and blood ciruclation to the brain.

Here are some simple  exercises you can do to alleviate neck and shoulder tension while toning weak muscles:

PULL YOUR ELBOW

1. Place your right arm behind your head. Hold your right wrist with your left hand.

2. Inhale and pull your right wrist with your left hand. Focus on  your shoulder joint as you perform this exercise.

3. Exhale and release.

4. Repeat exercise twice with each arm.

ARM ROTATION

1. Bend your left knee 90 degrees and place it in front of you. Extend your right foot back, with weight on your toes. Extend both of your arms out in front of you with your wrists flexed.

2. Very slowly, rotate your right arm in a 360-degree circular motion down towards your right leg, then around and overhead back to its original position. Repeat 5 times. Concentrate on your shoulders while you make the motion.

3. Then move your right arm in a 360-degree circle in the opposite direction. Repeat 5 times.

4. Switch the position of your legs and use your left arm to repeat the same motions.

Remember to take regular breaks to exercise your shoulders. Report back here on whether you feel a difference when you regularly give your shoulders a little TLC.