the Discomfort at the Tian Tu Acupoint: Causes and Solutions

There is a feeling of pressure at the location of the Tian Tu (Ren 22) acupoint on the neck?

Hello, Director Wang.
Last year, I suddenly felt some difficulty in breathing and noticed a sensation at the Tian Tu acupoint, as if something was pressing against it.
Over the past three years, I have experienced various symptoms intermittently: 1.
In the evenings, looking at the computer screen becomes very straining, and the text appears blurry, but it resolves by the next morning (this lasted for a year).
2.
I experienced dizziness upon waking up in the morning, initially thought it was due to ear crystals dislodging, but it didn’t seem like that; it resolved after one or two minutes (this lasted for two weeks).
3.
My facial color has turned a dark purple hue, with a significant contrast between my facial skin tone and my neck (this lasted for two years).
4.
I have unexplained muscle soreness in one arm or leg occurring once every few months, which does not improve with massage, but resolves by the next morning (this has lasted for fifteen years).
5.
My digestive ability has worsened; often, I feel undigested food 6 to 12 hours after eating, sometimes leading to a feeling of pressure and pain (this has become more frequent in the past three years).
6.
I have eczema on my face, with peeling and redness on both cheeks and around the ears (this lasted about a year).
7.
The sensation at the Tian Tu acupoint feels like a finger pressing against it, and it feels blocked; I found information online only about globus sensation, but it doesn’t seem to match that description (this has lasted about a year and occurs occasionally).
8.
When swallowing capsules, I feel a sensation of something not going down, also at the Tian Tu acupoint; when eating, I have not seen significant improvement after visiting dermatology, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology.
The symptoms return shortly after taking medication.
While researching my symptoms, I discovered they might be related to long-term kyphosis, as I have developed rounded shoulders and a "goose neck" habit since I was about 16 years old.
Currently, I have changed to a firmer mattress and am doing rehabilitation exercises for rounded shoulders, kyphosis, and cervical spine issues that I found online, and I have lost weight from 80 kg to 64 kg over the past year (I am 170 cm tall).
Currently, symptoms 2 and 3 have disappeared, and the others are almost resolved, but symptoms 7 and 8 still occur occasionally.
When I feel the pressure at the neck, I pay attention to my posture and do some rehabilitation exercises, which usually resolve the sensation in about 1 to 2 hours.
Director Wang, could this be cervical spondylosis? Should I continue with the rehabilitation methods I found, or do I need to see a doctor for further examination? Is there a possibility that the pressure sensation at the Tian Tu acupoint could be due to a tumor? (At the beginning of this year, an otolaryngologist did not find any abnormalities upon examination.)

Awei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/06

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

Symptoms related to the cervical spine may indeed be associated with the condition, and if they are not severe, they should gradually improve with attention to posture and appropriate exercise.
Remaining symptoms should first rule out any pathological issues in the throat, neck, and esophagus.
It is recommended to maintain correct posture and continue rehabilitation exercises.
Please consult an orthopedic specialist, neurologist, or rehabilitation physician for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Additionally, for concerns regarding tumors, please discuss with an otolaryngologist specializing in head and neck tumors.

Reply Date: 2023/04/06

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the discomfort at the Tian Tu acupoint (located at the suprasternal notch), along with the various other issues you've described, suggest a complex interplay of factors that may be related to both musculoskeletal and possibly neurological components.
Firstly, the sensation of pressure or discomfort at the Tian Tu acupoint can be associated with several conditions. It is often linked to issues in the cervical spine, particularly if you have a history of poor posture, such as rounded shoulders and a forward head position. This posture can lead to muscle tension and strain in the neck and upper back, which may contribute to sensations of tightness or discomfort in the throat area. Additionally, the vagus nerve, which runs near this area, can be affected by cervical spine issues, potentially leading to sensations of difficulty in breathing or a feeling of pressure.

Your history of various symptoms, including dizziness upon waking, changes in skin color, muscle pain, and digestive issues, suggests that there may be multiple underlying factors at play. The dizziness could be related to postural hypotension or vestibular issues, while the skin discoloration and digestive problems may indicate systemic issues that could be related to stress, diet, or other health conditions.

The fact that you have been actively working on improving your posture and have lost weight is commendable and can significantly impact your overall health. Weight loss can alleviate pressure on the spine and improve mobility, while better posture can reduce muscle strain and improve respiratory function. However, the persistence of symptoms such as the sensation of pressure at the Tian Tu acupoint and the feeling of something stuck when swallowing suggests that further evaluation may be warranted.

Regarding your concerns about potential tumors, it is essential to consider that while the likelihood of a tumor in this area is low, it is not impossible. Given that you have already consulted with specialists without significant findings, it may be beneficial to continue monitoring your symptoms. If the sensations worsen, become more frequent, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as significant weight loss, persistent pain, or neurological changes), it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. This could include imaging studies such as an MRI of the cervical spine to assess for any structural abnormalities or nerve compression.

In summary, while your self-directed rehabilitation efforts are beneficial, it is crucial to remain vigilant about your symptoms. If the discomfort at the Tian Tu acupoint continues or worsens, or if you experience new symptoms, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may suggest physical therapy focused on neck and shoulder alignment, further diagnostic imaging, or other interventions to address your concerns comprehensively.

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