Sternocleidomastoid
Body region：Neck
Headache, pain behind the ear or around the eye, limited neck rotation
Function
Originates from the sternum and clavicle and inserts at the mastoid process of the temporal bone. One side contracts to tilt the head to the same side and turn it to the other; both sides together flex the head forward.
Common causes
Long periods of looking down at a phone, forward head posture, whiplash injury, or sleeping with the neck poorly supported on one side.
Massage and stretching
- Pinch and release lightly with two fingers; avoid pressing the carotid artery
- Side-neck stretch
Related acupoints
- Fengchi (GB20)：Depression below the base of the skull, outside the two large neck tendons
- Tianzhu (BL10)：Inside the posterior hairline, at the outer edge of the large neck muscle (trapezius)
Related meridians
Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang、Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming
Posture and muscle patterns
When to see a doctor：Numbness or weakness in the arm, or neck pain after an injury: see a doctor.