Holistic Therapists Handbook
For further information about reflexology see our sister site www.ilovereflexology.co.uk
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The information published on this site by Holistic Therapists Handbook is without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained from the site. If you have questions or concerns regarding your physical or mental health or the health of your baby, please seek assistance from a qualified healthcare provider.
The products and therapies recommended on this site have been proven to help many people, but we are unable to issue any guarantees that they will work for you as each person is different and what may work for some may not work for others. Before purchasing any of these remedies or starting a course of treatment with a therapist, it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider first.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Fluid retention during pregnancy may cause the tissues in the wrist to become oedematous and encroach on the carpal tunnel of the wrist making the hand and wrist weak and clumsy and often tingly, especially on waking in the morning.
Some things that may help:
·A warm poultice or hot water bottle applied to the wrist can be soothing.
·Applying ice to the area may also be effective.
·Try sleeping with the affected arm raised on a pillow
·Make sure you are drinking enough water and keeping hydrated
·Ensure you aren’t sleeping with your wrists curled palms inwards
·Check your wrists while on the computer - make sure they aren’t compressing constantly on the keyboard or wrist rest
·Try a wrist splint which ensures correct wrist alignment
Gentle massage:
Try some gentle massage to the hand, wrist and arm.
If your carpal tunnel has started during pregnancy get your partner to massage your hand, wrist and arm using very gently sweeping motions up towards your armpit to encourage lymphatic flow and reduce any oedema that may be compressing the median nerve.
If your carpal tunnel is a longer standing problem, can it be pinpointed back to an accident or injury? Sometimes the compression of the median nerve is taking place somewhere else such as the neck, upper arm or forearm. Gentle massage in these areas to pinpoint any tender spots can be beneficial.
Some gentle stretches:
It is really important that you don’t overstretch by applying too much force too quickly, carry out the stretches very gently and stop if they hurt!
Palms out wrist stretch - interlock your fingers in front of your chest and then straighten your arms and turn the palms of your hands outwards.
Fingers down forearm stretch -
hold onto your fingers and turn your palm outwards. Straighten your arm and then pull your fingers back using your other hand.
Finger stretch - place the tips of your fingers together and push your palms towards each other
Acupressure Points:
Hold points TW4 and HP7 at the same time with gentle but sustained pressure for 3 minutes.
TW4 - Yang Pool - go to the back of the hand to the wrist and find the point in the middle of the crease halfway between the inside and outside of the wrist - use for pain in the arm, shoulder and wrist.
HP7 - Great Mound - go to the palm side of the wrist and find the point halfway between the inside and the outside of the wrist crease - benefits the wrist and median nerve.
