The wrist is a complex structure consisting of various bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and other components. These work together to provide your wrist with fine motor control for different movements and actions. However, gradual wear and tear or injuries to the wrist can cause pain and discomfort, which can also limit your wrist’s ability to move. Using a comprehensive approach that incorporates acupuncture, herbal medicines, and other therapies, TCM can provide natural remedies for wrist pain.
What Causes Wrist Pain?
Wrist pain can stem from multiple causes, and while most cases are generally mild and manageable with rest, others can inhibit your wrist’s movements and cause varying levels of pain and discomfort. Common signs of wrist pain include dull throbbing or aching in or around the wrist, tenderness in the wrist area, muscle weakness or stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Some common causes of wrist pain include:
Repetitive Strain
Repeated actions like typing, playing sports (like golfing and badminton), or using mobile devices can lead to overuse injuries such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. As a result, micro-tears and other injuries can form that lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injuries
Falls, fractures, sprains, and other injuries can damage various parts of the wrist, leading to wrist pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A condition where pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel causes pain, tingling, and numbness. It is one of the most common causes of wrist pain and is often associated with modern workplace ergonomics.
The Wrist-Table Problem
Typical desk activities can aggravate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including:
- Typing and prolonged mouse usage
- Wrists resting or rubbing against desk edges, leading to microtrauma and scar tissue
- Development of fascia adhesions due to constant compression
- Internal rotation of the arms during typing restricts tendon lengthening and irritates the median nerve
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically include numbness, tingling, and stiffness in the fingers or hand, accompanied by weakness and decreased hand coordination. These symptoms are often noticeable during or after repetitive wrist movements, such as prolonged typing or using a mouse. TCM provides a carpal tunnel natural treatment approach, focusing on reducing nerve compression and inflammation without drugs or surgery.
Ergonomic Tips to Prevent or Relieve Wrist Pain
- Keep wrists in a neutral position when typing, not bent up or down
- Use a soft wrist rest or pad to cushion contact with hard surfaces
- Ensure your desk and chair height allow your elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle
- Use an ergonomic mouse and keyboard designed to reduce wrist strain
- Take short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch and relax the forearms and wrists
- Avoid prolonged pressure and keep your forearms supported, if possible
Arthritis
This condition is a chronic disease that causes the gradual degradation of cartilage. It may be a result of gradual wear and tear from frequent wrist use (osteoarthritis) or inflammation affecting the wrist (rheumatoid arthritis).
The TCM Viewpoint on Wrist Pain
TCM views the body as a harmonious, interconnected system where the various systems regulate our overall well-being. Disruptions to our body due to an imbalance can stem from factors such as blood and Qi stagnation, which can adversely impact our physical well-being and manifest as pain.
Blood Stagnation
Healthy blood circulation ensures that every part of our body is nourished with oxygen and nutrients, allowing it to function optimally. However, repeated wrist movements can gradually cause injuries that can hinder proper blood flow. Blood circulation may gradually slow to a halt, causing blood stagnation that prevents adequate nourishment for the wrist’s various components. As a result, this causes wrist pain and even uncomfortable swelling.
Qi Disruption
Qi flow is the circulation of vital energy throughout the body, and much like blood, it is essential for your body’s well-being. Qi flows through meridians, which can be interrupted due to internal or external imbalances that prevent its proper circulation to the wrist, manifesting as pain and discomfort.
External Factors
When your body is imbalanced, it may also become susceptible to external factors, such as wind and dampness. These factors can stem from environmental or lifestyle choices, such as an unhealthy diet. External wind and dampness, in particular, are primary causes that invade the wrist meridians, causing pain, stiffness, and other complications.
Internal Deficiencies
The bodily imbalance you face also causes various deficiencies that impair your overall well-being. For example, a weakened spleen, which regulates blood and Qi in the body, can lead to blood and Qi stasis in the wrist, resulting in stiffness and pain. Other factors can also promote further deficiencies, such as ageing and underlying medical conditions.
How Acupuncture Helps Treat Wrist Pain
Acupuncture is commonly prescribed to help treat your wrist pain. It involves placing tiny, sterile needles at key acupuncture points (acupoints) to clear internal blockages and provide pain relief for your wrist. Clearing these blockages promote healthy blood and Qi circulation, which nourishes the internal structures of your wrist and reduces the adverse effects caused by the imbalance. Acupuncture is a core part of TCM treatment for wrist pain, often prescribed for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendon overuse.
Acupuncture may also help to alleviate inflammation and other concerns that are causing your wrist pain. For wrist pain, key points may include:
- Yangchi (TB-4 阳池): Relaxes tendons and boosts Qi
- Yangxi (LI-5 阳湘): Dispels wind and inflammation
According to one systematic review published in the Journal of Pain Research (2019), acupuncture is said to provide pain relief and functional improvement in several cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. Meanwhile, a separate clinical trial, published in Brain (2012), pointed to acupuncture supporting median nerve function and promoting gradual recovery in the wrist.
Other TCM Treatments for Wrist Pain
Other TCM treatments can accompany your acupuncture sessions to support the gradual recovery of your wrist.
Guasha
Guasha uses a smooth-edged massage tool to scrape along the meridians connecting to your wrist, promoting uninterrupted blood and Qi circulation through these pathways. The gentle, scraping action also aims to provide relief from muscle tension that may cause discomfort in your wrist.
Herbal Remedies
TCM herbal remedies rely on a concoction of traditional herbs as prescribed by our TCM physician based on your current health needs. Even wrist pain cases can still benefit from a herbal brew that aims to reduce pain and inflammation, restore your vitality, and improve blood circulation to alleviate your body’s imbalance. Some Chinese herbs for wrist inflammation include:
- Dang Gui (当归) – invigorates blood, reduces pain
- Chuan Xiong (川芎) – improves circulation
- Du Huo (独活) – dispels wind-damp, good for joint pain
Customised herbal formulas aim to address underlying imbalances, such as Qi deficiency and blood stasis, that contribute to chronic pain. Over time, these remedies work to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair, helping to prevent flare-ups and promote sustained healing.
Home Acupressure
Acupressure uses the same principles as acupuncture by applying gentle massage techniques to specific acupoints, helping to unblock blood and Qi stagnation in your wrist. Our TCM physician will teach you several simple acupressure techniques that you can perform on your own, which can help alleviate symptoms at home or work. However, this approach is less effective for moderate to severe cases.
Liang Yi TCM Home Care Products
Liang Yi also offers a line of TCM-based home care items for pain management and may complement your in-clinic treatments. By increasing circulation and reducing wrist muscle tension, our Herbal Soothe Pain Relief Patch and Pain Relief Cream provide focused comfort. The Meridian Release Essence (散结液) helps loosen tissue adhesions along impacted meridians and disperse nodules, providing relief for more severe, long-lasting pain.
Seek Qualified TCM Treatments with Liang Yi TCM
At Liang Yi TCM, we offer TCM treatments that incorporate various methods designed to support your treatment for wrist pain and complement other treatments you may be receiving. Contact us today to find out more!
Meet Our Qualified TCM Physicians & Acupuncturist
Hou Ge Li
(PLQ Mall Branch)
Background:
• Acupuncture Profession of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Therapeutic Area:
• Acupuncture: Sequelae of Stroke, Beauty Slimming
He Lin Long
(Tampines 1 Branch)
Background:
• Singapore Registered Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Practitioner
Therapeutic Area:
• Pain Management
• Low Back Pain
• Gynecology and Andrology
• Neurological Disorders
• Dermatology
Tjai Kang Jie
(Hillion Mall & United Square branch)
Background:
• Singapore MOH Registered TCM Physician
Therapeutic Area:
• Pain Management (back pain, tuina, sports injuries & more)
• Stroke Sequelae
• Facial Paralysis
• Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
EN 
ZH