Trapezius (upper fibers)

Body region：Shoulder

Tight neck and shoulders, shrugged posture, headache radiating to the temple

Function

Originates from the occiput and the spinous processes of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae, and inserts at the outer clavicle and the acromion. Lifts the shoulder blade and assists neck extension and side bending.

Common causes

Sitting with shrugged shoulders for long periods, stress, carrying weight on one side, and poor posture when using a mouse and keyboard.

Massage and stretching

Pinch and lift Jianjing
Side-neck stretch

Related acupoints

Jianjing (GB21)：Midpoint of the line between Dazhui and the shoulder tip, the highest point of the shoulder
Dazhui (GV14)：Depression below the most prominent neck bone (7th cervical vertebra) when the head is lowered
Fengchi (GB20)：Depression below the base of the skull, outside the two large neck tendons

Related meridians

Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang、Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang

Posture and muscle patterns

Upper crossed syndrome (forward head, rounded shoulders)

When to see a doctor：Severe pain when lifting the arm, or night pain that wakes you and keeps getting worse: get it evaluated.