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Writer's pictureBarbara Medda

Shoulder tension and how to relieve it: shiatsu tips

Updated: Jan 13, 2022

Let me say that it sometimes seems that we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. So I want to share with you how to shake off the strain and tension.



Relaxing the shoulders is vital to our general relaxation, but although keeping them in place is the most natural way to have relaxed shoulders, it can be difficult to keep them that way. Stress, sedentary life, anxiety, and many other factors can influence our posture and consequently increase the tension we keep in our shoulders.


The easy exercise that I want to share with you today has its roots in a very ancient world. In fact, it is a Taoist exercise, used in qigong and other holistic practices. I use it in my daily self-shiatsu routine to keep my shoulders and neck free from tension and pain.


Arm swinging exercise: How to do it


  • Stand with the feet parallel, shoulders-width apart

  • Relax your whole body, your arms relaxed at the sides

  • Keep your breathing natural

  • Gently put your relaxed arms in front of you, at 90 degrees to your chest

  • Let them fall down, while you bend your knees gently to accompany the swinging

  • Swing your arms front and back like a pendulum and find a comfortable fluid rhythm

  • Continue for 3 to 10 minutes

  • Slowly and gradually make the swinging movement smaller and smaller, until they settle into stillness.


Would you like more information about shiatsu and acupressure? Or do you want to book a shiatsu session with me?


I practice in Manchester for in person treatment or I offer one to one self-shiatsu guided session online.







Important: If you feel uncomfortable doing the exercise or if you find it painful, please stop it immediately. Please note that the instructions provided in this blog are of a general nature and cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Please consult with your physician before beginning any exercise programme. You should understand that when participating in any form of exercise there’s the possibility of physical injury. If you use this video/b;og, you agree that you do so at your own risk and agree to release and discharge Barbara Medda from any and all claims that may arise.

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2 commentaires


Rob Gregson
Rob Gregson
14 oct. 2021

Very helpful; thanks for posting that.

J'aime

Mattei Santo
Mattei Santo
11 oct. 2021

Ottimo esercizio. Brava Barbara

J'aime
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