Why Are My Hands Numb at Night?

Tingling hands while sleeping may signal carpal tunnel syndrome. Explore natural treatment for carpal tunnel at our Forest Hills acupuncture clinic

Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Relief

By Dr. Caulo Phumlarp | Caulo Care Acupuncture, Forest Hills, New York

Introduction

Waking up in the middle of the night with hand numbness at night or tingling hands while sleeping can be both frustrating and alarming. For many New Yorkers—especially office workers, healthcare professionals, and people in manual labor—these symptoms are often linked to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, numb hands may also be related to sleeping posture, wrist position, nerve compression, circulation problems, or underlying medical conditions.

At Caulo Care Community Acupuncture in Forest Hills, Queens, NY, we specialize in combining Western medical insight with acupuncture and holistic carpal tunnel therapy to provide carpal tunnel relief without surgery and restore healthy wrist function.

Causes in Western Medicine

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

The most common cause of nighttime hand numbness. CTS happens when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

• Symptoms: numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, often worse at night.

• This is why acupuncture for carpal tunnel has become an increasingly popular treatment option for New Yorkers seeking natural solutions.

2. Posture & Sleeping Position

• Sleeping with wrists bent or with arms tucked under the pillow/body can compress nerves.

• Poor daytime ergonomics (keyboard, mouse, smartphone) worsen nighttime symptoms.

3. Other Medical Causes

• Diabetes & Peripheral Neuropathy – nerve damage causing numbness.

• Cervical Radiculopathy – a pinched nerve in the neck radiating into the arm.

• Vascular Issues – poor circulation, especially at night.

Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) Behind Hand Numbness

• Median Nerve: controls sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. Compression = numbness & tingling.

• Carpal Tunnel: a narrow passageway of bones and ligaments. Swelling from overuse, inflammation, or fluid retention makes this space even smaller.

• Nerve Function: nerves send electrical signals; compression reduces transmission, creating “pins and needles.”

TCM Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hand numbness and wrist pain are seen as imbalances in Qi and Blood flow:

• Qi & Blood Stagnation – from repetitive use or blocked wrist channels.

• Spleen Qi Deficiency – dampness and weak muscles cause swelling in the carpal tunnel.

• Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency – weak tendons and bones increase injury risk.

• Meridians: Pericardium, Lung, and Large Intestine channels pass through the wrist—when obstructed, pain and numbness occur.

This is why carpal tunnel acupuncture can be highly effective, restoring circulation in meridians and nerves.

Treatment Approaches

Western Medicine

• Wrist Splints – keep wrist neutral at night.

• NSAIDs / Steroid Injections – reduce inflammation.

• Physical Therapy – stretches & nerve gliding exercises.

• Surgery – Carpal Tunnel Release (last resort).

Acupuncture & Holistic TCM Therapy

• Acupuncture Points:

  • PC-7 (Daling) – clears wrist channel blockages.

  • LI-4 (Hegu) – boosts circulation & relieves pain.

  • LI-11, SJ-5, PC-6 – harmonize Qi and Blood in the upper limb.

• Cupping & Gua Sha – reduce muscle tension in wrist & forearm.

• Herbal Medicine:

  • Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang – chronic pain with Qi/Blood stagnation.

  • Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang – severe circulation blockage.

  • External plasters with warming herbs (safflower, cinnamon twig).

Many patients now seek natural treatment for carpal tunnel, choosing acupuncture for wrist pain relief in Queens, NY instead of surgery.

Medications & Herbal Support

• Western Options: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, corticosteroid injections.

• TCM/Herbs:

  • Turmeric & Ginger – anti-inflammatory.

  • Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) – nourishes blood.

  • Goji Berry & Chinese Yam – strengthen Kidney & Liver Yin.

Prevention & Self-Care

1. Ergonomics

   • Keep wrists neutral while typing.

   • Adjust desk & mouse height.

   • Take breaks every 30–45 min.

2. Posture Awareness

   • Avoid sleeping with bent wrists.

   • Do gentle wrist stretches before bed.

3. Lifestyle & Diet

   • Stay hydrated, maintain healthy weight.

   • Reduce alcohol & smoking (which worsen circulation).

4. Self-Massage & Acupressure

   • Massage forearm flexors daily.

   • Apply pressure at LI-4 & PC-7 before sleep.

Conclusion

Hand numbness at night is not just a minor annoyance—it’s often a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression, or circulation issues. At Caulo Care Community Acupuncture in Forest Hills, New York, we combine Western diagnostic expertise with carpal tunnel acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic therapies to restore balance, relieve pain, and improve sleep.

If nighttime hand numbness is disrupting your life, consider trying acupuncture for wrist pain—a safe, natural treatment for carpal tunnel relief without surgery.

📞 Call CauloCare today: (929) 269-4549 📍 Visit us: 75-52 113th St (Office BF), Forest Hills, NY 11375

📧 Email: bookcaulocare@gmail.com

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