Dowager’s Hump / Liver Hump – Causes, Meaning and Shiatsu Treatment

Many people, especially women, develop a so-called Dowager’s Hump or Liver Hump – a thickening or bump at the transition between the cervical and thoracic spine (C7/T1). 

This condition may arise from poor posture (forward head, rounded shoulders), muscular imbalance, hormonal changes (especially during menopause), or stress, which increases cortisol and promotes fat deposits in this area.From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Shiatsu, this area is highly significant: several Yang meridians converge here, including the Bladder Meridian, Gallbladder Meridian, and the Governing Vessel (Du Mai). Blocked Qi flow can manifest as tension, stiffness, or a visible hump.On a psychosomatic level, the Dowager’s Hump symbolizes carrying burdens, unresolved emotions such as anger or grief, and difficulties in letting go of the past.

How Shiatsu Can Help

Targeted Shiatsu techniques can ease this area and restore flow, including:

• gentle mobilisations and stretches,
• pressure points along the Bladder Meridian,
• work with Du Mai and Gallbladder 20/21,
• supportive tools: cupping, gua sha or moxa.

Shiatsu not only releases muscular tension but also restores the natural flow of Qi, bringing lightness, relief, and balance to body and mind.