Relieve Wrist Pain with Acupressure: How TCM Helps in Pain Management
Living in the digital age means using technology such as mobile phones to connect with people around the globe. Many people text, communicate through sites, and scroll through social media, making mobile phones a regular part of their day. However, the downside is this increases the risk of damaging their hand and wrist health. In fact, a study has found a direct association between wrist and thumb pain and excessive phone use.
In this blog, Dr. Carolyn Cook, Miami Acupuncturist, MSOM, AP, Dipl Canonical Chinese Medicine, LMT, aims to share how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help alleviate wrist pain through acupressure and TCM tips.
What is wrist pain?
This can be any pain or discomfort you feel in your wrist joint. Since the wrist is a complex joint made of bones, muscles, nerves, and other structures, pain can be a symptom of various health conditions, such as:
- Sprain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis
- Wrist tendonitis
Wrist pain can manifest through aching, dullness, or a sharp sensation. Some may experience swollen fingers, numbness, or tingling sensation in the hands. If your wrist feels warm and red and your temperature rises to 100.4°F (38°C), contact your doctor immediately.
The challenging impacts of wrist pain
As mentioned, excessive mobile phone use is linked to wrist pain. In a study, 14% of the participants who experienced wrist pain were diagnosed with wrist tendinitis. In support, a report from a Canadian university revealed that 98% of mobile users experienced wrist pain.
However, it isn’t only mobile users who have a high prevalence of wrist pain. Even manual laborers and sportspeople are suffering from discomfort in their wrists. In the US, 1-3 per 1,000 people and a prevalence of 50 per 1,000 individuals have Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
That’s why the US Department of Labor and Statistics declared CTS an occupational hazard, resulting in high costs for employers due to increased workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, almost 23% of workers may not be able to go to work because of CTS.
Dr. Carolyn reminds us not to overlook the pain we feel in our musculoskeletal system, such as our hands and wrists. According to TCM teachings, everything in our bodies is interconnected, and we shouldn’t ignore the signs, even if they are only mild discomforts.
At Classical Herbs and Acupuncture, we prioritize keeping you in optimal shape to prevent health complications that can significantly affect your quality of life. It’s time to open our minds to alternative and non-investment treatments like TCM, specifically acupressure.
Acupressure: Effective way to ease wrist pain
Acupressure was developed in China to promote blood circulation, release muscle tension, and relax the mind and body by applying manual pressure to different pressure points. This process regulates the body’s qi, our vital life energy, and removes stagnant or blocked energies.
Based on TCM principles, we have 361 pressure points on 14 meridians. A licensed practitioner like Dr. Carolyn will use these points as a guide to restore a healthy energy flow.
Researchers found that acupressure helps stimulate nerves, which reduces the feeling of pain. Here are more research-based benefits of acupressure:
- Increase levels of endorphins: Also known as our happy hormone, acupressure has been found to uplift our mood.
- Lower cortisol levels: Also known as our stress hormone, acupressure can reduce our stress levels, allowing us to feel more relaxed.
- Decreased nausea and vomiting: A 2017 study found that chemotherapy patients were less likely to vomit or become nauseous after an acupressure session.
Read this success story by Dr. Cook’s client that demonstrates the power of TCM therapies:
Just wanted you to know how miraculous and amazing your treatments were. My right shoulder has a supraspinatus, subscapularis and bicep tendon tear. The left arm has a bicep tendon tear. Your amazing treatment improved my range of motion and allowed me to have a normal life with minimal pain, I can’t begin to thank you enough for all you’ve done. Be blessed and just thought you should know how grateful I am and how amazing you are.
Book Now: Heal with acupressure at Classical Herbs and Acupuncture
Whether you’re a mobile phone user or a working professional, wrist pain becomes unavoidable. Here, at Classical Herbs and Acupuncture in Miami, we recommend doing these things at home so you can take care of your hand health:
- Take breaks: Rest your hands comfortably and avoid doing manual work.
- Stretch your hands and wrists: Make sure to exercise your hands by shaking them, rotating your wrists, and lightly massage them.
- Drink herbal tea: Relax your entire body with formulas curated for your overall health.
Better yet, give yourself an entire self-care package by visiting our office for a personalized consultation with Dr. Carolyn Cook, who will compassionately assist you with acupressure, massage, or herbal teas. Her warmth and active listening will support your health journey, allowing you to be the best version of yourself as you navigate the fast-paced technological world.
Book your appointment now! Get a discount as a new customer: Call us at (305) 665-9711 or email us at cc@miamiherbs.com
Sources:
Amjad, F., Farooq, M. N., Batool, R., & Irshad, A. (2020). Frequency of wrist pain and its associated risk factors in students using mobile phones. Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 36(4), 746–749.
https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1797
Ferguson, R., Riley, N. D., Wijendra, A., Thurley, N., Carr, A. J., & Bjf, D. (2019). Wrist pain: a systematic review of prevalence and risk factors- what is the role of occupation and activity?. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 20(1), 542.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2902-8
Distribution of days away from work due to workplace injuries and illnesses, 2006 : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2007, November 27). Bureau of Labor Statistics.
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2007/nov/wk4/art02.htm
Sharan, D., & Ajeesh, P. S. (2012). Risk factors and clinical features of text message injuries. Work (Reading, Mass.), 41 Suppl 1, 1145–1148.
https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2012-0294-1145