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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Holistic Therapy (Part Three)

Some studies point to the fact that a deficiency of vitamin B6 might be partially to blame for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome although this has not been proved beyond the shadow of a doubt. Studies have shown that individuals who boast higher levels of vitamin B6 in their systems tend to have fewer painful symptoms that are associated with carpal tunnel. Through research studies it has also been discovered that people who show greater levels of vitamin C and lower levels of vitamin B6 tend to have more painful as well as recurrent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are certain foods that are particularly high in vitamin B6 and therefore are excellent foods for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome to consume on a regular basis. These include chicken, bananas, brown rice, chick peas, potatoes, turkey, salmon, pork, avocadoes, sweet potatoes, barley, bok choy, mangoes and sunflower seeds. Carpal tunnel sufferers should make sure to take 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 at least two to three times on a daily basis for optimum effects. Be aware that there is the risk of side effects if you decide to increase your consumption of vitamin B6. The number one potential sided effect is an increase of urination. However this should dissipate within a couple of days. It can take up to six weeks time to notice an improvement in symptoms when you increase the amount of vitamin B6 you take in. The maximum amount of vitamin B6 you should get from all sources whether they be food and/or supplements is less than 200 milligrams on a daily basis.

The vitamin B12 is also supposed to do some good for carpal tunnel sufferers although studies have only been done on those with severe and chronic carpal tunnel syndrome and not those who are only in the beginning stages of the syndrome. Vitamin B12 however has been should to be of help to those who suffer from severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking enzyme supplements such as bromelain for example or taking a combination of enzyme products such as Wobenzym can help to decrease the swelling of tissue but it can sometimes take many weeks for improvement to be noted. The number one source of bromelain is the pineapple. The homeopathic herbal medicine called arnica whether taken orally as a tablet or applied to the wrist and hand as an ointment has shown it is capable of bringing relief to carpal tunnel sufferers in a variety of research studies although it has not been shown to improve the incidence of swelling or to improve grip strength in patients.

Therapeutic touch makes use of the hands in a therapeutic manner to concentrate and then transfer what is referred to as "energy fields" from one individual to another in order to help bring relief to those who suffer pain in relation to their carpal tunnel symptoms. Unfortunately the reach of therapeutic touch can only go so far. The function of the median nerve does not improve in relation to this holistic therapy and some people question whether it really relieves pain to any large extent or not.