Herbal treatment with external application
18 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were treated to disinfect and then wash the area with herbs. The herbs used included Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Wei Ling Xian (Clematis), Shou Wu (Fleece-Flower Root), Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig), Shen Jin Cao (Buck Grass), Fang Feng (Siler), Dan Shen (Salvia), and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig). The herbs were decocted in water and then soaked in the affected joint region, which was done twice a day. At the same time, the patients were asked to conduct appropriate wrist joint movement. The results indicated that 10 cases were resolved and the other 8 cases had improved. The total of effectiveness rate was 100%.(
1)
In another report, 27 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were treated externally with modified Wu Tou San. The formula was made up of dried Chuan Wu (Sichuan Aconite Root), dried Cao Wu (Wild Aconite Root), Jiang Huang (Curcuma), Wei Ling Xian (Clematis), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Ma Huang (Ephedra), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Chi Shao (Peony Red), and Gan Cao (Licorice). These herbs were grounded into a powder and then mixed with honey or maltose to be processed into paste for external application in the local area. The herbal paste was changed twice every 2 days. The results showed that 24 cases were resolved and 3 cases had no apparent effect.(2)
Treatment with other therapies
In the treatment of 36 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome with blood letting and external application of medicinal herbs, Ba Xie (EX-UE 9) on the affected side was pricked with a three-edged needle to let about 0.1ml of blood out daily. The herbs used were Ma Qian Zi (Nut-vomitive Poisonnut Seed), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Nan Xing (Arisaema), and Gan Cao (Licorice). They were first grounded into powder, and then mixed with an approximate amount of wine to be applied to the affected area. The results indicated that all 36 cases were resolved.(3)
48 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were treated by hydro-acupuncture and massage. The results showed that 21 cases were resolved, 15 had remarkable improvement, 9 cases improved, and 3 had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 96%.(4)
32 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were treated. The main acupoints used were Da Ling (PC 7) and Nei Guan (PC 6) to Wai Guan (TE 5), supplemented with Yu Ji (LU 10) and Yang Xi (LI 5). After achieving needling sensation, ignited moxa segments were attached to the needles in the main acupoints to warm the acupoint mildly, with two segments for each acupoint. The auxiliary acupoints were not moxibustioned, only punctured with acupuncture needles. The needles were retained for 30 minutes and manipulated once again every 10 minutes. The treatment was performed once a day. 7 sessions constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that 27 cases were resolved, 4 cases had improved, and 1 case had no change. The total effectiveness rate was 96.9%.(5)
10 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion. A slice of fresh ginger, which was about 0.3cm thick and had multiple tiny holes penetrated at its center, was placed at the acupoint and then placed with an ignited moxa cone. The acupoints Da Ling (PC 7) and Nei Guan (PC 6) on the affected side were moxibustioned until the skin looked flushed. 6 cones were used for each acupoint in each session. The treatment was given once every day. 5 sessions constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that after treatment, 21 cases are resolved, 8 had apparent improvement, and 3 cases showed some improvement.(6)
20 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were treated with massage, herbal fumigation, and washing. The rotatory kneading-pressing, plucking-pinching, finger-flicking, and shaking methods were performed once a day, about 10 minutes each time. 7-10 times constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The interval between two courses was one week. The herbs used were Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fang Feng (Siler), Qin Jiu (Gentian Root), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Tou Gu Cao (Impatiens), Dan Shen (Salvia), Shen Jin Cao (Buck Grass), Ai Ye (Artemisa Carbon), and Hong Hua (Carthamus). The herbs were decocted in water to wash the affected region, twice a day. One dose was used for 2 days. The results indicated that 15 cases were resolved, 4 cases showed significant improvement, and one had no apparent changes. The total effectiveness rate was 95%.(7)