Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Ayurvedic Treatment

Carpal tunnel is a band like compartment at the inner side of wrist through which the nerve (Median nerve) that supplies to thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger; and muscle tendons passes. When the Median nerve is compressed inside the carpal tunnel, a group of difficulties develop and it is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Numbness of fingers (especially thumb, index, middle and ring fingers) or hands, electric shock like sensation on palm or fingers, weakness of muscles of palm resulting in difficulty to hold objects with hands/ fingers. Sometimes, numbness and weakness are felt also at arm.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Ayurvedic Analysis

When vata got increased, it causes symptoms like pain, numbness etc, and here sandhi (joint) is affected. Therefore, this condition is included under ‘Vatavyadhi’. As per Ayurveda, if the kandara (strand like structure) along/ opposite fingers and palm get attacked by vata, it is called “viswachi’ which is characterised by restricted movements of the sandhi (wrist).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

The causative factors of aggravation of vata are excess intake of tastes like bitter/ pungent/ astringent; very cold food, skipping meals, eating less amounts of food, keep awakening at night, over activity (of the body part), age related wear and tear etc.

Possible Complications of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disease

Chronic pain is the major complication. In some people, infection or injury of the median nerve occur.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Before starting the treatment, assess the co-morbidities (eg: thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disorders etc) of the patient which may interfere with the effect of medicines or treatment procedures. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with obesity. Occupations that demand increased movement of the wrist are a common risk factor of developing CTS. Management of the associated disease also needed in conditions like obesity, hypothyroidism etc.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medications are given to reduce the symptoms. Local application of oil/ powdered medicine, pichu (applying cotton soaked in suitable oil over the affected part), agnikarma (cauterisation) etc are enough in uncomplicated cases.

For those with associated diseases (like arthritis, diabetes, obesity), hospitalisation is needed. Along with suitable medication, procedures such as udwarthana (medicinal powder massage), local/ whole body snehana (eg: abhyanga), swedana (local or whole body), virechana, kashayavasti, ksheeravasti, anuvasana vasti etc are given after assessing patient’s condition. Those patients with associated stress/ other mental distresses, yoga/ psychotherapy/ meditation should be provided.

Diet

All the food article that the patient consume should pacify the aggravated vata. Avoid red meat, spicy food, cold food, curd, Bengal gram etc as per the direction of physician. Drink more water.

Exercise

Mild exercises can be done focusing wrist joint (like bending, rotating etc).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Avoid over activity of the wrist joint. Maintain healthy body weight. Consume balanced diet. Drink more water. Exercise regularly. Take proper rest in between works that demand increased movement of the wrist and fingers.

Importance of Diet

Correcting the diet is the key to normalise the levels of Tridosha in body. Follow a healthy diet according to one’s age, prakruthi, occupation etc. Food articles that increase vata will worsen the symptoms even during treatment.

Lifestyle

During and after treatment, the patient should follow healthy diet advised by the physician. Avoid over-exertion of the hand. Maintain healthy body weight. Apply suitable oil all over the body and bath in mild hot water. Control diabetes. Quit smoking.