Simple Remedy for Whiplash
Whiplash, also known as "loss of pillow."
Causes of whiplash include:
First, sleeping with a pillow too high or too low causes neck muscle spasm and fatigue; if one sleeps too deeply, the body turns but the neck does not follow, leaving the neck in an awkward position and causing irritation and pain.
Second, patients may be chilled by wind exposure during nighttime sleep due to open windows and doors, leading to pain. Most cases of whiplash last 2–3 days and can recover spontaneously without treatment. However, if relief from pain and faster recovery are desired, the following measures may be taken.
First, Cold Compress:
Whiplash is generally acute injury, commonly presenting local pain and stiffness. Cold compress should only be used within 48 hours. Wrap small ice cubes in a towel and apply to the affected area for 15–20 minutes each time, twice daily; severe cases may use every hour.
Second, Heat Compress:
Once inflammation and pain subside, heat compress may be considered. Use a warm wet towel, infrared heater, or hot salt water bottle for dry application.
Soaking feet in hot water is better than taking tonics—foot massage is an excellent traditional Chinese medical therapy for health maintenance. Medical classics state: “The feet are like roots for trees; when trees die, roots first dry up; when people age, feet first deteriorate.” Thus, traditional Chinese medicine has long emphasized foot care and exercise, using foot soaking and massage (foot therapy) to prevent and treat diseases>> Read more
Third, Massage:
After the above methods, if neck and shoulder pain persists, use the "separating fibers" technique. Have a family member assist. The patient sits upright, exposing the neck and shoulders. Apply a little red flower oil or muscle-relaxing oil to the painful shoulder area. The doctor places the left hand on the top of the patient’s head, and uses the right thumb to gently rub and push outward from the painful spot to relieve muscle spasms. Perform 3–6 times daily. After this massage, neck and shoulder pain usually subsides. <Whiplash>