Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Aku Energija
Aug 15
4 min read

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes pain, tingling, and weakness in the hands, often interfering with daily tasks like typing, driving, or even holding a cup of tea. While conventional treatments like wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery can provide relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a safe, drug-free, and holistic alternative: acupuncture.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is surrounded by bones and ligaments, and when it becomes swollen or inflamed due to overuse, repetitive strain, or other factors, the median nerve gets squeezed[1].

Common symptoms include:

Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Pain in the hand or wrist, especially at night
Weakness or difficulty gripping small objects
A sensation of swelling in the fingers (even if no visible swelling is present)

CTS is frequently linked to repetitive hand movements, such as typing, sewing, or assembly line work. It can also be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy), arthritis, diabetes, or wrist injuries[1].

How Does Acupuncture Help CTS?

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. In recent years, scientific research has provided growing support for its role in treating CTS. [Read more: Acupuncture: An Overview of Scientific Evidence] [Read more: Understanding How Acupuncture Works In Science]

Here’s what the evidence shows:

Pain Relief and Nerve Repair: Acupuncture can significantly reduce pain and numbness, and even improve grip strength and nerve conduction velocity. These benefits are measurable both subjectively (patient-reported symptoms) and objectively (electrophysiological tests)[2, 4, 5]
Brain Remapping: A groundbreaking study published in Brain used MRI scans to show that acupuncture can partially repair the brain’s somatosensory cortex, which is often altered in CTS patients. This “rewiring” of the brain was linked to longer-lasting symptom relief, especially when acupuncture was performed on the affected arm[3]
Lasting Results: While both real and sham acupuncture may offer short-term relief, only real acupuncture leads to measurable nerve improvements and sustained benefits[3].
Superior to Conventional Care: Acupuncture has been shown to be more effective than standard treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, especially for pain and dexterity[4, 5]
Adjunctive Benefits: When combined with other therapies, acupuncture further improves symptom severity, function, and nerve health[4, 6]
Safety: Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, with a low risk of side effects[7].

How TCM Approaches Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is understood not only as a localized nerve compression but as a disruption in the flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians passing through the wrist and hand. This stagnation may be compounded by external pathogenic influences such as Wind, Cold, or Dampness, or by underlying systemic imbalances such as Blood deficiency or Qi stagnation[5].

TCM treatment therefore aims to address both the manifestations (e.g., pain, numbness) and the root causes of the disorder. Acupuncture is typically central to the treatment plan, but it may be supported by herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle or movement therapy for a more comprehensive and lasting effect. [Read more: Your Body as a Garden]

1. Acupuncture

While acupuncture’s effects on CTS have been well-documented — including its ability to reduce pain, improve nerve function, and support brain remapping — TCM practitioners often select acupuncture points based not only on anatomy but also on the patient’s individual TCM pattern.

This may include[5]:

Local points to reduce pressure and inflammation in the wrist
Distal points on related meridians to enhance systemic balance
Points on the opposite limb if the affected side is too inflamed to needle

Electroacupuncture may be used in some cases to increase stimulation and enhance the therapeutic effect, particularly when nerve symptoms are more severe or chronic. [Read more: Know the Different Types of Acupuncture]

Treatment plans usually involve regular sessions over several weeks, tailored to the individual’s progress and constitution.

2. Herbal Medicine

In TCM, herbal formulas are used to support acupuncture and address internal disharmonies contributing to CTS.

Common herbal treatment goals include[8]:

Invigorating Blood and resolving stasis
Reducing Dampness and inflammation
Nourishing tendons and restoring tissue repair
Dispersing Wind-Cold-Damp, when relevant

Herbal remedies are not intended for self-medication. They are carefully tailored to each patient’s pattern and underlying constitution, and should only be prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner after a thorough consultation.

3. Additional Support: Diet, Movement, and Lifestyle

To achieve long-term results and prevent recurrence, TCM also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle regulation.

Diet Regular, nourishing meals that include cooked grains, seasonal vegetables, and high-quality protein help support digestion, Qi flow, and tissue repair. Patients may be advised to reduce raw, greasy, or excessively cold foods. [Read more: TCM Dietary Advice] [Read more: Cook your food - digestive system explained in Traditional Chinese medicine]

Movement and Exercises Gentle stretching, qigong, or wrist mobility exercises can help maintain circulation and reduce tension in the forearm muscles. TCM practitioners may teach simple movements or refer patients to physical therapy when needed. [Read more: The benefits of Tai Chi]

Ergonomic and Lifestyle Advice Preventing further strain on the wrist is essential. Patients are often guided to adjust their posture, keyboard setup, hand position during repetitive tasks, and daily routines to minimize stress on the median nerve.

Holistic, Individualised Care for Long-Term Relief

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can greatly affect quality of life — but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With its focus on restoring internal balance and supporting the body’s natural healing capacity, TCM offers a gentle, holistic alternative to conventional treatment.

By combining evidence-based acupuncture, individualised herbal formulas, and supportive dietary and lifestyle strategies, TCM helps relieve symptoms, address root imbalances, and prevent recurrence.

If you're experiencing CTS symptoms, consult a licensed TCM practitioner to explore a tailored, safe, and effective treatment plan.

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