Neck & Shoulder (AC)™

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Overview

Neck & Shoulder (AC) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to help ease acute neck and shoulder discomfort, including from sports activity, sudden strain, or prolonged fixed posture. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this pattern is traditionally described as painful obstruction from qi and blood stagnation. This traditional framework is not a medical diagnosis, and injuries involving significant swelling, numbness, weakness, or that don't improve should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

⚠️ Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing — contains strong circulation-moving herbs. If overall condition does not improve after 1–2 weeks, check with a qualified healthcare professional for structural or anatomical causes.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Neck & Shoulder (AC) is traditionally used to help support:

• Comfort during acute neck and shoulder discomfort, tightness, and limited movement
• Comfort during muscle tightness and spasms, including after sudden strain
• Comfort during flare-ups of longer-standing neck and shoulder discomfort

Once the acute phase has eased, this formula is traditionally paired with Neck & Shoulder (CR) or Flex (MLT) to help consolidate the results.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome): traditionally regarded as one of the most valued herbs for comfort, traditionally used to invigorate blood and ease pain.

— Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root): traditionally used to ease muscle tension, spasms, and cramping.

— Gan Cao (Licorice Root): traditionally used to support comfort and harmonize the formula.

— Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Sinensis Tail): traditionally used to invigorate blood circulation and support comfort; use with caution alongside anticoagulant medications.

— Qiang Huo (Notopterygium) and Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root): traditionally used to open channels and ease discomfort in the upper body.

— Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) and Hong Hua (Safflower): traditionally used to invigorate blood circulation and ease stagnation.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.
2. Contains Dang Gui Wei; use with caution or avoid entirely if you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, due to increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
3. If overall condition does not improve after 1–2 weeks, consult a qualified healthcare professional to rule out structural or anatomical causes.
4. Traditional TCM patterns and actions described here are not a diagnosis and are not a substitute for medical care.

Dosage & Directions

Standard dosage: 4 capsules three times daily for moderate discomfort; 7–8 capsules three times daily for more severe discomfort. Take with 6–8 oz. warm water on an empty stomach; some people find it helpful to take with food to ease stomach discomfort.

Supplementary formulas: For additional comfort, this formula is traditionally paired with Herbal ANG. For recent trauma, it is traditionally paired with Flex (TMX). For ongoing or chronic discomfort, it is traditionally paired with Neck & Shoulder (CR).

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: Whole grains, seafood, dark green vegetables, and nuts rich in B vitamins and magnesium, along with adequate calcium and potassium, are traditionally recommended to support nerve health and ease muscle tension.

Lifestyle: Keeping the neck and shoulders warm and avoiding cold drafts is traditionally recommended. Checking pillow height and mattress firmness, gently exercising the shoulders to maintain range of motion, and warm baths with Epsom salts to help relax tense muscles are also traditionally encouraged.

Case Studies

The following reflect individual practitioner experiences and traditional use; results vary and are not guarantees of outcome for any individual.

"N.T., a 41-year-old woman, experienced neck discomfort and spasms severe enough to limit her range of motion, consistent with a Liver blood deficiency pattern. After combining Neck & Shoulder (AC) with Herbal ANG, she reported her discomfort eased and range of motion improved within two days."

"A 45-year-old woman experienced significant sudden neck stiffness and discomfort from an acute mechanical strain, consistent with a qi and blood stagnation pattern. After combining Neck & Shoulder (AC) with tui-na bodywork, she reported steady improvement in mobility over about ten days and returned to her normal activities."

"A 55-year-old woman experienced significant shoulder discomfort affecting her sleep, consistent with a qi and blood stagnation pattern. After several weeks on Neck & Shoulder (AC), she reported considerable relief and improved sleep."

Related Reading

Also see: Neck & Shoulder (CR) – for chronic neck and shoulder discomfort or maintenance, Flex (TMX) – for recent trauma, and the Pain Relief & Musculoskeletal Support Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.