Carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral nerve compression disorder caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, commonly occurring in people who use their wrists extensively for long periods.

Core Pathogenesis
• The carpal tunnel is a bony-fibrous passage in the wrist containing structures such as the median nerve and tendons.
• Narrowing of the carpal tunnel space or an increase in its contents (e.g., tendon edema, tendon sheath hyperplasia) can compress the median nerve, leading to abnormal nerve function.

Common Triggers
• Long-term repetitive wrist movements, such as typing, using a mobile phone, operating a mouse, or assembly line work.
• Wrist trauma, strain, aging (decreased ligament elasticity), or systemic factors like pregnancy and hypothyroidism.

Typical Symptoms
• Early stages manifest as numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger, worsening at night or in the early morning and alleviated by wrist movement.
• As the condition progresses, muscle atrophy in the hand and decreased grip strength may occur, severely affecting daily activities (e.g., grasping, buttoning).

Management and Treatment Recommendations
• Rest and Immobilization: Reduce repetitive wrist movements, avoid prolonged wrist flexion, and use a wrist brace if necessary.
• Symptomatic Relief: For significant pain or numbness, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) or neurotrophic drugs (e.g., mecobalamin) may be used under medical guidance.
• Professional Treatment: If conservative treatments are ineffective, acupuncture, physical therapy, or surgical decompression (e.g., carpal tunnel release surgery) may be required. The aforementioned treatments are not part of this Traditional Chinese Medicine technique, and any issues arising from their use are the responsibility of the individual.
• Innovative Treatment: Vapor Moxibustion Therapy, which involves steaming the entire body with high-temperature herbal medicine, followed by external application of high-temperature herbal compresses to the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and wrist. Most patients show improvement or recovery after 1 to 3 courses. For specific treatment procedures or efficacy, please inquire via phone or outpatient consultation.