By Dr. Luis David Suarez

Simple wryneck, or acute myogenic torticollis (AMT) is a condition in which the muscles of the neck suffer severe contractions which causes of most of the pain and stiffness that characterizes torticollis. According to the Traditional Chinese Medical theory, muscular contractures are caused by the stagnation of both blood (xue) and energy (Qi) in the muscular tissues. For us Western people blood and energy are very different things, but, for the Chinese, there’s a very close relationship between xue and Qi, so close that blood is in fact considered to be a very dense form of Qi.

While Qi is related to Yang, blood is related to Yin because it moves more slowly than energy, and it has more density. Qi and Xue are inseparable: Ying Qi (or nutritious Qi) circulates along with blood inside the blood vessels. Some of the signs that we can observe in people that sustained a substantial blood loss due to acute hemorrhage are considered signs for Qi deficiency: sweating profusely, difficulty with breathng and cold limbs. On the other hand, after a sustained effort that depletes Qi, some people develop signs of blood deficiency: dizziness, palpitations and even paralysis. In general terms, there are four aspects to be considered in the relation between Qi and Xue: Qi generates blood, Qi moves blood (illustrated by the traditional phrase “If Qi moves, blood follows, if Qi becomes stagnant, blood coagulates”.) Qi -particularly spleen Qi- also holds our blood within the blood vessels. These three aspects are commonly expressed as: “Qi is the commander of blood.” But just as blood depends upon the actions of Qi to be moved, generated and constrained, Qi depends upon the nutritive function of blood. Hence another common expression in TCM: “Xue is the mother of Qi”.

So, it would seem obvious that Qi stagnation causes blood stagnation in wryneck. This is true, but then, what caused Qi stagnation in the first place? To explain this, we must look with more detail into the functions of the different organs and viscera according to TCM. The liver in TCM has two very important functions that affect both Xue and Qi. The liver is where most of our blood is stored, adjusting the amount of circulating blood in our muscles and deep tissues according to the physical activity that is being undertaken. Blood losses during menses are also dependent of this regulative function of the liver. But more importantly, the liver also functions to guarantee the smooth circulation of Qi within our body, organs and tissues. The smooth circulation of energy in our body is critical for our emotional state. If liver function is normal, and Qi circulates smoothly, our emotional life is close to happiness. If, on the contrary, liver function is altered, Qi circulation is obstructed, it will cause emotional frustration, depression or repressed rage. This relationship is reciprocal: a limited liver function will lead to stress and emotional frustration; a stressed emotional life characterized by frustration and repressed rage will affect the normal liver function, damaging the smooth circulation of Qi. This is relevant since most of the cases of acute myogenic torticollis that we see in clinical practice are presented by patients that suffer from chronic stress. Also, variable degrees of emotional frustration are common in our western, consumer-oriented society.

From another point of view –but remaining within the scope of TCM- stagnation of both Qi and Xue can also be caused by climatic factors such as wind and cold. A very common example of this in our humid warm climate is best depicted if you are out there exposed to the sun and the heat, with the pores of the skin completely open by sweat, and you suddenly enter an air-conditioned room. The open pores make us more susceptible towards the pernicious influence of climatic factors, thus favoring an attack from wind and cold that can lead to stagnation of blood and energy. Since the muscles of the back and neck are highly exposed, they are easily affected by attacks from wind and cold, leading to common wryneck or AMT.

Treatment for wryneck in TCM is directed towards correcting the imbalance in Qi and Xue circulation that might have been caused by either emotional or external climatic factors. Acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion and cupping are some of the techniques we can use to smooth the circulation of Qi and Xue in the muscles of the neck and back. Moreover, the therapeutic effect can be optimal if we use a combined approach with acupuncture, physical therapy, gentle chiropractic vertebral adjustments and therapeutic stretching.

Dr. Luis David Suárez Rodríguez, originally from Mexico City, moved here with his family just this past September to open his practice in Playa del Carmen. He is a medical doctor and a specialist in acupuncture and phytotherapy combining allopathic medicine with acupuncture and herbal remedies. He offers a full range of services in a quiet, tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Ask about their program for combined chiropractic and acupuncture care 5 session of each for only $2,500.00 pesos. You save a $1,000.00 pesos! For more information or to make an appointment you can contact him at:

CONSULTORIO MEDICO SANAR, S.C.

Located on 16th Street between 40th and 45th Avenues in Playa del Carmen.

Tel/Fax: 984-803-2039 Cellular: 984-135-0492

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