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ABSTRACT
A possible explanation for numbness/tingling in the fingers, common among computer users,
is nerve compression and subclinical carpal tunnel syndrome (Overgaard et al. 2004, p.521).
According to the literature review acupuncture can increase blood flow through activation of
thin nerve fibres (Hsiao & Tsai 2008, p.46), dermatomes and acupuncture points have
functional associations via viscerocutaneous reflexes and (Molano et al. 2014, pp.10-11)
and dermatomes partly determine the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture (Ferreira & Luiz
2013, p.11). Furthermore, needling specific points such as LR3 can increase circulation in
the upper limbs (Takayama et al. 2012, pp.4,7) and potent analgesic effect on the
extremities can be induced with electroacupuncture (Leung et al. 2008, p.11). This case
study illustrates that acupuncture except an analgesic effect can also reduce numbness and
tingling on the upper extremities. Future high quality research could focus on the specific
mechanism behind numbness and tingling and how acupuncture alleviates these symptoms.
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A 61-year-old female office worker from Denmark, presented with pain on the wrist and
continuous numbness and tingling initiating from the shoulder till the tips of the fingers on the
right arm. Condition was 6 days old, the pain and numbness caused frequent waking at night
and symptoms were aggravated by computer use or wrist overuse. Patient hadn’t visited the
doctor and stated she was not willing to do so. Carpal tunnel tests (Phalen’s and Tinel) gave
negative results. Palpation revealed extremely tight shoulders and initial diagnosis
suggested possible nerve compression on the C7 level and dermatome affecting middle and
ring fingers. Treatment plan: acupuncture twice/week for 3 weeks (end of semester).
Expected outcome: relieve pain, numbness and tingling to obtain uninterrupted sleep. Actual
outcome: pain totally alleviated, numbness and tingling close to totally alleviated, sleep was
uninterrupted.
Recommendations: tui na massage, neck stretches during office hours, light exercise.149
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Not willing to visit doctors Move Qi along the Du & during needling
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Stress and energy are both and resolve damp heat PC6 Neiguan
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LITERATURE REVIEW
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dermatomes partly determine the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture (Ferreira & Luiz
2013, p.11)
acupuncture can increase blood flow in peripheral circulation and needling LR3 can
affect the circulation in the upper limbs (Takayama et al. 2012, pp.4,7)
Possibly 15-min electroacupuncture stimulation provides optimal analgesic results as
tested for the lower extremities (Leung et al. 2008, p.11). 84
Despite recommendations as per duty of care patient did not want to visit western medical
practitioners for her numbness/tingling or her fluctuating blood pressure, her wishes were
respected. During the first session of needling when points on the same channel were
needled patient felt them connecting strongly with each other and she was very responsive
to acupuncture. The course of illness was only a week long prior to treatment therefore the
course of treatment was not expected to be too long. There were no adverse reactions in
this case, strong needle stimulation was used and working with dermatomes from first
treatment appeared very successful Since semester ended on third week of treatment client
was provided with details of two different acupuncturists to chose from and visit close to her
home. This case was very inspiring and proved the big difference correct diagnosis makes.
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CONCLUSIONS / SUMMARY
Acupuncture can have an analgesic effect and significantly reduce numbness and tingling in
the upper extremities. 16
REFERENCES
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3. Leung, AY, Kim, SJ, Schulteis, G & Yaksh, T 2008, ‘The effect of acupuncture duration on
analgesia and peripheral sensory thresholds’, BMC complementary and alternative
medicine, vol. 8, pp. 1-11, viewed 20 May 2015, <http://ncbi.nlm.nih.com>.
4. Molano, BML, Bonilla, PLB, Dussan, BEH & Londono, VCA 2014, ‘Anatomo-functional
correlation between head zones and acupuncture channels and points: a comparative
analysis from the perspective of neural therapy’, Evidence-based complementary and
alternative medicine, no. 836392, viewed 19 May 2014, <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov>.