Carpal tunnel syndrome is a relatively common condition. Carpel tunnel symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling sensation in the hand and fingers. It often affects people who are engaged in repetitive work with the hand, such as spending all day typing on a computer keyboard.

The tendons which attach the muscles of the forearm to the fingers pass through the carpal tunnel, as does the median nerve, which gives feeling to the fingers and controls the movement of the muscles at the base of the thumb. For reasons which are not fully understood but are likely to involve inflammation, changes in the tendons and other tissues in the tunnel create an increase in pressure which compresses the median nerve and restricts its blood supply, causing the symptoms of carpel tunnel which may range from moderate to severe.

Carpel tunnel treatment often means being advised to wear a splint, or may be steroid injections, or in the more severe cases an operation to cut the ligament in the wrist. Unfortunately, the problem tends to recur in a high percentage of cases.

Ayurveda sees carpel tunnel as being the result of aggravated Vata; excess wind invades the affected tissues, causing a neurological disturbance. Ayurvedic carpel tunnel syndrome treatment involves the use of a variety of medicines. Certain Ayurvedic herbs such as Guggulu, may be very effective but these may not have great benefits unless thyroid supporting herbs are taken simultaneously, in which case improvements are often observed within a few weeks. Neurotransmitter medicines, such as Brahmi and Ashwagandha, may produce additional benefits, as may hormone boosting medicines, either male or female, with the purpose of improving flexibility.

Stiffness can also be greatly reduced by Pranayama, though yogic exercises are not advised as these might aggravate. However specific carpel tunnel exercises to provide relief may be advised. Finally, the diet must be addressed to eliminate foods which elevate Vata, particularly beans as these contain neurotoxins.

The patient will always be encouraged to rest, so that healing can take place.

For further information regarding carpal tunnel treatment call the Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260.