The Most Common Problem of Modern People

A Traditional Thai MAssage (Medicine Perspective)

Neck, shoulder, and back pain are some of the most common problems faced by modern people today.From the perspective of Traditional Thai Massage Medicine, these symptoms are not caused by muscles alone.

They usually result from a combination of imbalances, including:

• Blocked Sen lines (energy pathways)

• Disturbed Wind element (Lom)

• Poor blood and energy circulation

• Elemental imbalance within the body

These imbalances lead to deep tightness, radiating pain, stiffness, and a pulling or “locked” sensation when moving.

1) Blocked Wind in the Sen Lines

In Thai medicine, this condition is described as “wind not flowing smoothly through the Sen lines.”When wind becomes obstructed, it can cause:

• Tight neck, shoulders, and upper back (feels like carrying heavy weight)

• Deep pain between the shoulder blades

• Stiff lower back with a “locked” feeling when moving

• Radiating pain along the Sen lines, sometimes extending to the arms or legs

Common triggers include:

• Prolonged sitting

• Looking down at phones or screens for long periods

• Improper lifting

• Poor sleeping posture

2) Poor Circulation – Blood and Wind Not Flowing Well

When circulation is weak, the Sen lines become dry, tight, and rigid, leading to:

• Pain that occurs easily and heals slowly

• Recurring pain that never fully disappears

• Cold hands and feet, numbness or tingling

• Pain that worsens with weather changes

3) Weak Fire Element & Excess Water Element

This pattern is especially common in people who:

• Consume large amounts of sweets, fried foods, oily foods, or cold drinks

• Sleep late and experience ongoing stress

• Feel bloated easily or fatigued often

In Thai medicine, this reflects weak digestive fire, which creates dampness and phlegm.These substances compress circulation and the Sen lines, resulting in heaviness, tightness, aching, and fatigue.

4) Aggravated Wind from Stress & Lack of Rest

Stress and insufficient rest can disturb the wind element, causing:

• Neck pain radiating to the head, with a heavy-headed feeling

• Chest tightness or shortness of breath

• Sharp or poking pain in the shoulder blades

This occurs because unstable wind causes the Sen lines to contract continuously, leading to persistent tension.