Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Holistic Approach to Relieving Wrist Pain

Feb 4, 2009

Carpal tunnel can be painful, but it is easily treated with non-invasive therapies.

Carpel tunnel syndrome is far too common in modern society. In part, it is due to using computer keyboards and repetitive jobs human bodies were not meant for. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an inflammation of the sheath around the nerve in the wrist. Repetitive motions put a strain on this area and cause inflammation. Both pain and weakness radiate through the wrist and hand with this condition. Although women are more prone to this condition due to hormonal changes in their monthly menstrual cycle, men are affected as well.

Unfortunately the two medical treatments for carpal tunnel are either wrist splint or surgery. While a splint only puts a band aid on the symptoms, surgery is invasive. Carpal tunnel is usually very easy to overcome with a minimum of effort, and non-invasive means should be tried first before surgery is approached.

One of the best remedies is good old Vitamin B complex. Although a normal supplement for someone would be in the 50-100mg realm, a 100mg-200mg B complex per day (along with 1000mg of Vitamin C) might be needed to relieve carpel tunnel. A side effect will be increased urination and its surprisingly fluorescent yellow colour. Interestingly enough, this dose of Vitamin B is also used to keep mosquitoes away, as it creates a slight odour exuded through the skin. As with any new treatment, discuss it with your health care professional.

Secondly, before starting work at a keyboard (or whatever physical strain is affecting the wrist) it is important to do some hand stretching exercises. One of them is to stretch the hand out then relax and repeat this about a dozen times. Next, spread the fingers of one hand and very gently push back on the thumb and baby finger with the other hand. Increasing flexibility and mobility gets them warmed up for work. Another helpful exercise includes the use of the Chinese metal balls that are rolled around in one hand.

As with any condition, address the cause and not just the symptoms. How can the work station be less of a stressor on the wrist? Padded mouse pads, ergonomic keyboards, desks that are proper height and so forth all make a big difference in the office. For repetitive jobs find ways to break up the routine. Take breaks often to stretch hands and fingers.

Carpel tunnel responds very well to the use of energy medicine. Reiki, Vortex Healing, Touch Therapy, acupuncture and Bodytalk are all successful in clearing the problem.

Food as Medicine

There are many herbs/foods that help reduce the inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these are:

In addition to the foods that help, reduce the intake of red meat as it does tend to cause inflammation of joints.

Explore as many options as possible before undertaking surgery or other invasive procedure.

Reference:

The copyright of the article Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Natural Medicine is owned by Robert Oakes. Permission to republish Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.