Wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse injuries)

Wrist pain is a common condition, especially among people who perform repetitive tasks, use computers extensively, or engage in sports and manual work. It can stem from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, ligament injuries, or simple overuse. Left untreated, wrist pain can lead to reduced grip strength, numbness, and significant daily limitations.

Understanding Wrist Pain in TCM

In TCM, wrist pain typically results from:

• Qi and Blood stagnation due to trauma, overuse, or strain
• Wind-Cold-Damp invasion obstructing the wrist meridians
• Kidney and Liver deficiencies weakening tendons and ligaments
• Spleen Qi deficiency leading to poor tissue nourishment

Pain, numbness, stiffness, and weakness occur when the energy and blood supply to the wrist are impaired. Our goal is to restore circulation, balance organ systems, and expel any external pathogens.

How Acupuncture Helps with Wrist Pain

Acupuncture promotes recovery from wrist conditions by:

• Stimulating local circulation to reduce inflammation
• Relaxing muscles and easing nerve compression
• Modulating pain signals and calming the nervous system
• Supporting tendon and ligament repair

We focus on points along the Large Intestine, Triple Burner, Heart, and Lung meridians that pass through the wrist and hand. In cases like carpal tunnel syndrome, electroacupuncture may be used to enhance nerve healing.

Clinical research, including findings from the Journal of Clinical Acupuncture (2022), confirms that acupuncture can significantly reduce wrist pain, improve mobility, and shorten recovery time in both carpal tunnel and overuse injuries.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Healing

Herbal therapy complements acupuncture by working from within to:

• Move Qi and invigorate Blood to heal tissues
• Clear Dampness and Cold from the affected channels
• Strengthen the Kidneys and Liver to support connective tissues
• Nourish Blood and lubricate joints and tendons

Frequently used herbs include:

• Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis): Natural pain relief and Qi mover
• Dang Gui (Angelica Root): Nourishes Blood and reduces inflammation
• Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root): Expels Wind-Damp from the upper limbs
• Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root): Strengthens tendons and bones

Each herbal formula is individually tailored depending on whether the condition is acute (inflammation, sharp pain) or chronic (weakness, numbness).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs Overuse Injuries: TCM Approach

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel involves compression of the median nerve. TCM treatments aim to:

• Improve circulation through the wrist
• Reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel area
• Strengthen connective tissues to prevent recurrence
• Address underlying deficiencies that predispose nerves to injury

Acupuncture and herbs work together to relieve numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Overuse Injuries

Chronic strain from repetitive movements often causes:

• Tendonitis
• Ligament strain
• Joint inflammation

Treatment focuses on reducing local stagnation, healing micro-tears, nourishing tendons, and restoring smooth movement.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Wrist Health

Daily habits and nutrition can greatly affect wrist recovery. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Using ergonomic setups for workstations
• Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks
• Practising wrist stretches and strengthening exercises
• Applying warm compresses to promote circulation (avoid if there’s acute inflammation)
• Eating foods that nourish tendons and Blood, such as black beans, walnuts, bone broth, and leafy greens
• Reducing intake of processed, cold, and greasy foods that contribute to Dampness

Stress management is also vital, as tension in the upper body can exacerbate wrist pain.

Final Thoughts

Wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome or overuse can be limiting and frustrating. But with the natural healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, true recovery is possible.