How to Release Tension from the Body with Chinese Medicine

We all carry tension in our bodies from time to time — tight shoulders, stiff necks, or that general feeling of being wound up. But in Chinese medicine, tension is more than just muscle strain. It's often a sign that your body's energy (or Qi) is getting stuck. So, what can you do about it? Luckily, Chinese medicine offers some brilliant ways to help release tension and get your energy flowing smoothly again.

I’ve helped many clients release physical and emotional tension using acupuncture and lifestyle adjustments.

What Causes Tension in

Chinese Medicine?

In TCM, tension is usually related to Qi stagnation. This happens when your body’s energy isn’t moving freely, causing discomfort, tightness, or pain. The liver is often involved here — it’s responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When the liver gets stressed, tense, or "overworked" (which happens a lot in modern life), Qi stagnates, and that’s when we start to feel tense.

Other causes of tension can include

  • Stress and emotional strain. Negative emotions like anger, frustration, and anxiety can block the flow of Qi, especially in the chest, shoulders, and neck.

  • Overwork or burnout. Pushing yourself too hard without proper rest depletes your energy reserves and leads to tension in both the mind and body.

  • Poor posture or lack of movement. Sitting for long periods, especially in awkward positions, can cause your Qi to stagnate in specific areas.

At-Home TCM Tips for Releasing Tension

While acupuncture and cupping are incredibly effective for tension, there are still many powerful ways to help yourself at home using Chinese medicine principles.

Acupressure

Acupressure works similarly to acupuncture but without the needles. You can apply gentle pressure to certain points on your body to help release tension and get your Qi moving again. Here are a couple of points you can easily stimulate on your own.

He Gu (LI-4)

Located in the webbing between your thumb and index finger, this point is great for relieving tension, especially in the upper body, neck, and head. Simply press and massage the point on both hands for 1-2 minutes.

Tai Chong (LV-3)

This point, found between your big toe and second toe, is often used to move stuck liver Qi. It’s fantastic for reducing stress and emotional tension. Gently press and massage for 1-2 minutes on each foot.

Make acupressure part of your daily routine or when tension builds up.

Stretching and Movement

In Chinese medicine, movement is key to keeping your Qi flowing freely, and it's especially important if you spend a lot of time sitting. Here are a couple of simple, TCM-inspired stretches and movements to help release tension:

  • Shoulder rolls – Slowly roll your shoulders in both directions to ease tension in your neck and upper back. This helps move Qi in the upper body.

  • Neck stretches – Gently tilt your head from side to side and forward to release tension in your neck and shoulders. Hold each stretch for about 20 seconds.

Try to incorporate gentle movements like tai chi or qi gong, which are designed to get your energy flowing while relaxing both your body and mind.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can help relieve tension and stress, and they’re easy to make at home. In TCM, herbs are used to move stuck Qi and soothe the body, and you can find many of them in your local health shop or online. Try these:

  • Peppermint tea – Known for its cooling and Qi-moving properties, peppermint can help relieve tension in the head and neck.

  • Ginger tea – Warming and invigorating, ginger helps stimulate Qi flow, especially in cold or sluggish bodies.

  • Chamomile tea – Calming and soothing, chamomile reduces emotional tension and stress.

Sip on these teas throughout the day to help keep your Qi flowing and ease physical and emotional tension.

Breathing Exercises

Deep, mindful breathing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to release tension. In TCM, the lungs play a role in regulating the flow of Qi, so taking time to focus on your breath can help move stagnant energy and calm the mind.

Try this simple breathing exercise:

  • Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and place your hands on your lower abdomen.

  • Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your abdomen rise.

  • Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your body to relax with each breath.

  • Repeat for 5-10 minutes, focusing on slow, deep breaths.

This practice helps to calm your nervous system, release tension, and promote better energy flow throughout the body.

Heat Therapy

Applying warmth to tight areas can help relax muscles and improve Qi flow. In TCM, cold is often associated with stagnation, so keeping warm is essential for reducing tension. You can use:

  • A warm bath with Epsom salts, which helps soothe sore muscles and relieve tension.

  • A hot water bottle or heat pack applied to areas of tightness, like the neck, shoulders, or lower back.

Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of heat therapy to really help loosen up those tense muscles.

Release Tension, Restore Flow

Releasing tension from your body at home using Chinese medicine techniques can be simple and incredibly effective. By combining acupressure, gentle movement, herbal teas, breathing exercises, and heat therapy, you can help your Qi flow freely and feel more relaxed and balanced.

If you’re looking for more ways to support your health at home or have specific tension issues, feel free to reach out. While these at-home tips are great for everyday use, I can also guide you through personalised strategies for long-term relief via an online consultation.