Established 1995
Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. © Copyright
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Acupressure for Wrist Pain
Carpal Tunnel Relief
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and arm. It occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves to the hand, becomes pressed or pinched at the wrist.
These points are also known as P6 and TW5, and mirror each other on either side of the wrist. They are both 3 finger-widths from the wrist crease, in between the two bones on one side and the tendons on the opposite side.
P6, the Inner Gate, is on the inside of the forearm, and TW5, the Outer Gate, is in the same location on the outside of the forearm.
P6, the Inner Gate, is on the inside of the forearm, and TW5, the Outer Gate, is in the same location on the outside of the forearm.
Acupressure Points TW5, Outer Gate and P6, Inner Gate
Point Locations
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments at the base of the hand. It houses the median nerve and also tendons. Thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel, compressing the median nerve. This can cause weakness or numbness in the hand and wrist, and can even radiate up into the arm.
Firm pressure on the Acupressure points known as the Inner and Outer Gates can alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms and also relieve wrist pain or weakness. In addition, the Inner Gate is well known for relieving nausea.
Firm pressure on the Acupressure points known as the Inner and Outer Gates can alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms and also relieve wrist pain or weakness. In addition, the Inner Gate is well known for relieving nausea.
Inner Gate (P6)
Location: In the middle of the inner side of the forearm, three finger-widths below the wrist crease.
Benefits: Relieves nausea, anxiety, and wrist pain.
Finger Applications: Firmly press between the bones and the tendons in the center of the inside of your forearm, three finger widths from the center of the wrist crease.
Benefits: Relieves nausea, anxiety, and wrist pain.
Finger Applications: Firmly press between the bones and the tendons in the center of the inside of your forearm, three finger widths from the center of the wrist crease.
Outer Gate (TW5)
Location: On the outside of the forearm, midway between the two bones (radius and ulna), three finger widths below the wrist crease.
Benefits: Relieves rheumatism, tendonitis, and wrist pain. Also increases resistance to colds.
Finger Applications: Use your finger pads to firmly press between the bones on the outside of your forearm, three finger widths from the center of your wrist crease. On the other side, your thumb presses the point, P 6, on the center of the inside of your forearm.
Benefits: Relieves rheumatism, tendonitis, and wrist pain. Also increases resistance to colds.
Finger Applications: Use your finger pads to firmly press between the bones on the outside of your forearm, three finger widths from the center of your wrist crease. On the other side, your thumb presses the point, P 6, on the center of the inside of your forearm.
Acupressure Directions
Simply hold the points with firm compression for at least two minutes at a time, 3 to 5 times daily. Press them at the same time, using your fingers on one side of your forearm and your thumb on the other side. The same points can also be used for preventing problems with the wrist.
I have seen excellent results on numerous clients and students who had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms. It does take a good deal of determination, perseverance, and concentrated effort to eventually gain long-lasting relief.
Maintenance is necessary or the wrist pain is likely to come back. Once you get relief, you’ll need to continue to apply pressure to these same Acupressure points whenever you get a chance. This means applying firm, deep pressure several times a day, possibly for months. It sure beats surgery for maintaining the health of your wrist!
I have seen excellent results on numerous clients and students who had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms. It does take a good deal of determination, perseverance, and concentrated effort to eventually gain long-lasting relief.
Maintenance is necessary or the wrist pain is likely to come back. Once you get relief, you’ll need to continue to apply pressure to these same Acupressure points whenever you get a chance. This means applying firm, deep pressure several times a day, possibly for months. It sure beats surgery for maintaining the health of your wrist!
Alternate Treatment Method
If you have pain or weakness in your hand, place a golf ball or avocado pit in the palm of your opposite hand to press these points, one at a time. After a month or two of working on these Acupressure points, you may find great pain relief and also improvement in your hand’s grasping strength.