Carpal tunnel syndrome - an acupuncture approach

Tracey-Ann Brown, Complementary & Oriental Medicine

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterised by numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and wrist. The carpal tunnel is a small space on the wrist through which the median nerve and several tendons which affect movement and feeling in your hand run. When the median nerve becomes compressed the syndrome can result.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be mild or severe. These include:

Numbness and tingling, which is most noticeable in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, but not in the little finger.

Resulting weakness in the hand may cause a weakened grip, difficulty opening bottles and holding objects.

CAUSES

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common work-related problem, resulting from work which requires:

Repetitive or forceful hand movements

Hand and arm vibration

Maintaining the same or awkward positions for long periods

It may also be caused by:

Broken or dislocated wrist bones

Bone spurs

Conditions affecting the joints and soft tissues in the arm or reducing blood flow to the hands, such as: rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, lupus, obesity and hypothyroidism.

ACUPUNCTURE

A number of acupuncture points on the hand can be gently stimulated to relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Baxie Points: located at the base of and between each finger

Jing Well Points: located at the finger tips and used in cases of severe pain

Points on the sides of the fingers are also used for a variety of problems affecting the hands, including pain, numbness, tingling and swelling.

In addition to acupuncture points on the hand, points at the wrist and along the arm which fall on the meridian/pathway related to the affected-fingers are also needled and stimulated for relief, notably points on the pericardium meridian. Pericardium points are points which run along the palm surface of the arm and hand and intersect with the location of the carpal tunnel.

Once acupuncture needles have been inserted in the selected points on the hand, a mild electrical charge is usually applied to the needles to enhance the stimulation and effectiveness of the treatment.

MOXIBUSTION

In cases where there is inflammation, moxibustion is applied. Moxibustion is the process of applying the 'moxa' herb to the head of the acupuncture needle and allowing it to burn in order to gently warm the acupuncture point and assist in relieving symptoms.

HERBAL FORMULAS

In some cases, herbal formulas are used to reduce inflammation and improve blood and qi flow in order to reduce stagnation and the resulting numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand. Popular herbs include:

Jiang Huang (Turmeric Rhizome/'Yellow Ginger')

Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig)

Mo Yao (Myrrh)

Ru Xiang (Frankincense)

COURSE OF TREATMENT

The course of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. Acupuncture is done once or twice weekly until resolved. In most cases, wrist and hand function can be restored with proper treatment. In cases of severe carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may have to be considered.

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an oriental medicine practitioner of acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at Revamp Comprehensive and adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology in oriental/chinese medicine. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com