Health Resources

TCM Treatment for Wrist Pain: Unblocking Meridians to Relieve Muscle and Bone Pain

Wrist pain is a common musculoskeletal issue in modern times, often caused by long-term computer mouse usage, mobile phone operation, lifting heavy objects, or performing repetitive tasks. Symptoms include aching, sharp pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the wrist joint. In severe cases, it can affect grip strength, daily life, and work efficiency. Western medicine often diagnoses these conditions as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Bursitis, or Arthritis.

How Does TCM View Wrist Pain?

TCM categorizes wrist pain under the headings of "Bi Syndrome" (Bi Zheng), "Tendon Injury," or "Collateral Injury." The primary causes include:

  1. Qi and Blood Stasis: Traumatic injuries or excessive force lead to the blockage of meridians, poor circulation of Qi and Blood, and damage to tendons and bones, resulting in pain.
  2. Invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness: Exposure to external Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens, especially in humid or air-conditioned environments, allows these pathogens to invade the wrist meridians and obstruct circulation.
  3. Liver and Kidney Deficiency: Those with weak constitutions may have insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the tendons and bones, leading to chronic dull pain or frequent recurrences.
  4. Chronic Overstrain of Tendons: Long-term overusage of the wrist—common in professions like computer operators, weavers, writers, and massage therapists—leads to chronic strain and persistent pain.

Common TCM Patterns of Wrist Pain

  • Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Type: Characterized by aching, heaviness, worsening with cold, and slight relief with heat, often accompanied by joint stiffness.
  • Qi and Blood Stasis Type: Characterized by distending pain, sharp stabbing pain, local swelling, limited mobility, and pain at a fixed location.
  • Liver and Kidney Deficiency Type: Characterized by dull pain and weakness that recurs frequently, often accompanied by lower back soreness and worsening at night.

TCM Treatment Methods for Wrist Pain

1. Internal Herbal Regulation
Customized herbal prescriptions are provided based on the syndrome. Common herbs include Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui), Ligusticum (Chuan Xiong), Pubescent Angelica (Du Huo), Taxillus (Sang Ji Sheng), Eucommia (Du Zhong), and Achyranthes (Niu Xi) to promote blood circulation, dispel dampness, and strengthen bones.

2. Acupuncture Therapy
Targeting acupoints such as Yangchi (TE4), Waiguan (TE5), Hegu (LI4), and Shousanli (LI10) can stimulate Qi flow, unblock meridians, and provide significant pain relief. Acupuncture is particularly effective for acute flare-ups of chronic wrist pain.

3. TDP Far-Infrared Therapy / Moxibustion
These methods warm the meridians, dispel cold and dampness, and improve local blood circulation. They are ideal for "Cold-Damp" type pain.

4. Cupping / Guasha / Tuina (Massage)
Moderate manual therapy helps relieve muscle tension, promote Qi and Blood circulation, and alleviate pressure on the wrist tendons.

5. Herbal Soaks and External Poultices
Using herbal decoctions for warm soaks or applying specialized TCM patches can improve local stiffness and reduce inflammation.

Daily Maintenance and Prevention Tips

  • Avoid excessive use of the wrist; pay attention to ergonomic posture and take regular breaks.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to cold and damp environments, such as direct air-conditioning.
  • Soak hands in warm water daily to promote local circulation.
  • Perform wrist stretching exercises to increase muscle flexibility.
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium to strengthen bones and tendons.

Singapore's Humid Climate + Strong Air-Conditioning Increases Risk

In Singapore, many office workers and manual laborers spend long hours in high-humidity or cold air-conditioned environments. Frequent use of phones and computers can easily trigger chronic injuries like "De Quervain's Tenosynovitis" (Mommy’s Thumb). Those with a cold constitution or Qi deficiency are more likely to feel stiffness and aching in the morning. Therefore, regulating the constitution and unblocking Qi and Blood are key to prevention.

Dr Li Rui: Specialist in Musculoskeletal Regulation and Personalized Care

Dr Li Rui graduated from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, holding a Master’s degree in TCM and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine. With over thirty years of clinical experience, she specializes in using herbal medicine, acupuncture, and physical therapy to treat chronic conditions such as wrist pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and sciatica. She provides personalized treatments based on individual constitutions to help patients relieve pain, restore wrist function, and prevent recurrence.

If you are troubled by chronic wrist pain, feel free to book an appointment with Dr Li Rui at our Yishun TCM Clinic for a professional assessment and personalized TCM treatment plan to regain your hand mobility!