Acupuncture can be helpful in alleviating the pain and numbness caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acupuncture helps reduce pain and restore function by restoring the normal flow of blood, qi and fluids to release pressure on the median nerve.

The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel as it enters the hand. This 'tunnel' is comprised of the wrist bones (carpals) on one side and a sheath of tendon (the flexor reticulatum) on the other. This is a narrow space through which the flexor tendons of the hand and the median nerve all pass. The tunnel can become swollen for a variety of reasons (such as water retention during pregnancy, injury or over-use from repetitive movements using the wrist and hand) resulting in compression of the nerve. This causes pain, numbness and tingling along the distribution of the median nerve. Usually, the lateral three fingers (i.e. pinkie, ring and middle) are affected. This condition can be frustrating and debilitating when it is severe. Often people will wake at night with pain and contraction of the hand in a 'claw-like' posture.

Acupuncture treatment often involves gently needling points along the Pericardium Meridian which directly relates to the median nerve. most people find quite rapid relief but in severe cases a course of treatment and some rehabilitation exercises are needed. Like most things, early intervention is best as the longer it is left, the worse it can get.