Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition in the hand and fingers caused by the compression of the median nerve. It may be caused by repetitive movements of the finger, wrist, and hand over long periods of time, or by fluid retention. Loss of sensation in the hands may occur. Regardless of the cause of the nerve compression, the symptoms are typically tingling, numbness, shooting pain, loss of strength and dexterity in the hand and fingers.
Treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is highly effective in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome gently and naturally. From a Chinese medical perspective, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the disruption of flow of Qi and Blood within the area and is associated with Cold, Dampness, or Wind penetrating the muscles of the wrist. Acupuncture aims to decrease the local swelling and inflammation in the carpal tunnel, while relaxing forearm muscles by stimulating points generally on the wrist, arm, thumb, hands, and sometimes upper back, neck, and leg.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
As a treatment in compliment with acupuncture or as an herbal treatment on its own, Chinese Herbal Medicine is highly successful in regulating the endocrine system and relieving discomfort gently and naturally. Chinese herbal formulas are specially tailored for each individual case and are safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Acupuncture points, herbal remedies, and stretching exercises are effective in treating the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Nutrition and Diet
A healthy and balanced diet is essential in the treatment of any illness, as food intake directly impacts the body’s natural ability to regulate hormones and heal itself naturally. Eliminate, or avoid, foods with trans-fatty acids, refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
Lifestyle and Mind-Body Medicine
In addition to acupuncture and nutrition, learning relaxation techniques are greatly beneficial to general health and wellbeing. Chronic, or acute, lifestyle stress can have a wide variety of negative effects on the body, including reproductive organ blood flow and hormone regulation. Physical and psychological stress can make existing symptoms worse and delay overall internal healing.
Techniques that elicit the relaxation response (a state of deep relaxation in which the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate decrease, muscle tension relaxes, stress hormone levels fall, and the mind becomes tranquil), and relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga may aid greatly in bringing balance to mental and emotional states. Practicing focused deep-breathing, meditation, yoga, tai-chi and other activities are among those that can increase your chances of a healthy life and pregnancy. Listening to music, focused breathing, or being outside in nature are also effective methods of managing stress.
