Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Holistic Perspective
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, often affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly acupuncture, offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to managing CTS. Research suggests that acupuncture may not only alleviate symptoms but also improve wrist function, providing an alternative to conventional pharmacological treatments.
Research and Evidence
Studies have shown promising results for the use of acupuncture in managing CTS. Acupuncture vs. Ibuprofen, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Hadianfard et al. (2015) compared the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with night wrist splints to ibuprofen combined with night wrist splints in 50 participants. The study found that acupuncture was superior to ibuprofen in improving both function and symptoms of CTS.
These findings highlight the potential of acupuncture as a safe and effective option for addressing CTS, offering relief and functional improvement without the side effects associated with long-term medication use.
Reference
1. Hadianfard M, Bazrafshan E, Momennejad H, Jahani N. Efficacies of Acupuncture and Anti-inflammatory Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2015 Oct;8(5):229-35.