TCM and acupuncture effectively heals Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You could be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms:

Have difficulty holding even small objects
Pain that travels from the wrist to the shoulder
Tingling sensation in your fingers and hand

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an uncomfortable and, at times, disabling condition that an estimated five million Americans suffer from.

Fortunately, there are several treatments that can help and certain lifestyle changes may also alleviate the symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can effectively heal Carpal Tunnel Syndrome minus the side effects and harmful drugs.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Your wrist is where the carpal tunnel is located. This (carpal tunnel) is a narrow pathway shielding the median nerve which stimulates the hand and the tendons that control the function of the fingers. The median is responsible for the movements of the muscles and sensations in the hand. If an injury or swelling constricts the carpal tunnel, pressure bears on the nerve impinging and compressing it. This can result in severe weakness, pain, and numbness in the hands.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be brought on by various causes, although it is mainly the result of repetitive extension and flexion of the tendons in the wrists and hands, especially when done for extended periods, resulting in RSI or Repetitive Stress Injury.

A dull pain in the wrist that progressively worsens is usually the beginning of the symptoms. Other symptoms can involve:

Numbness, burning or tingling sensations in the hand or fingers
Loss of sensation of the fingers
Difficulty holding objects and weakness in the hands
Pain traveling from the wrist to the arm and the shoulder or into the fingers or palm

Acupuncture Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Normally, Western conventional treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome depends on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, and may include corticosteroids or inflammatory medications to alleviate the swelling and pain as well as immobilizing the hand and wrist, and in severe cases, surgery. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be used as an adjunct to Western treatments to address the symptoms.

Research indicates that acupuncture can be used to stimulate a hormone that decreases inflammation (cortisol) and lessens soft tissue swelling. Since Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of soft tissue swelling that causes carpal tunnel inflammation, acupuncture can surely work in healing the problem. Apart from improving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, acupuncture can also relieve other symptoms usually related to this condition like shoulder stiffness, neck pain, and headaches. More importantly, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help calm the emotional stress of living with this painful ailment.

A customized plan of treatment will be formulated by your acupuncturist meant to heal the imbalances in your body. The treatment involves the application of sterile thin needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridians to remove pain and strengthen and support your body.

Usually, as part of your treatment plan, your acupuncturist will also use stretching, massage, vitamin supplements, and herbal remedies.

Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture provide a natural, pain-free, and safe way to address Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You’ll be able to recover from this condition, with the right care. As you go on with your treatment, along with your symptoms, you may even see your wellbeing and overall health improve.