Summer Qi Chats | Week 7
Pits + Pathways
This week we come into the depths of the pits, truly time to massage Ji Quan and make it a practice for every day.
Why Your Armpit Needs More Attention…
When we think about shoulder health, most of us immediately massage the top of the shoulders or the back of the neck. Yet one of the most important areas for healthy shoulder movement is often ignored completely: the armpit.
In Chinese medicine, Ji Quan (HT-1) translates to "Supreme Spring." Located deep within the axilla, it is the first point on the Heart meridian and an area where Qi, blood, and movement can become stagnant. The shoulder is designed to move through an incredible range of motion, but modern life often keeps our arms in front of us while driving, typing, texting, and carrying bags. Over time, the tissues surrounding the shoulder lose mobility, the fascia becomes less responsive, and movement becomes restricted. Chinese medicine describes this as stagnant Qi. Modern science describes it as changes in tissue quality, reduced mobility, altered sensory input, and decreased sliding between fascial layers.
Benefits of Ji Quan
The armpit is home to an incredible collection of structures. Nerves from the brachial plexus travel through this region, major blood vessels supply the arm, lymph nodes help regulate immune function, and multiple fascial planes connect the chest, shoulder, neck, and arm into one continuous network. Gentle massage in this area provides mechanical stimulation to these tissues while also delivering rich sensory input to the nervous system.
From a Neuro-Qi perspective, massage is not simply about loosening tight muscles. It is another way of improving communication between the body and the brain. Gentle pressure, movement, and touch stimulate the skin and fascia, helping the brain build a clearer map of the shoulder. This often allows movement to become easier, breathing to become freer, and the shoulder to regain confidence. In Chinese medicine, we would say massage helps move Qi and Blood. In modern language, we might say it improves tissue mobility, sensory awareness, and lymphatic circulation. Different language. Same destination.
Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!
Pits Every Day!
Massage your armpits EVERY day.
*Video posts every Friday by 11:30am MDT
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