Paresthesia is the medical term for the sensation of tingling, burning, or prickling that often occurs in the extremeties, including the fingers. Most people experience temporary paresthesia at some point in their lives, but for chronic tingling in fingers that results from carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve damage, acupuncture may provide relief. To ensure safe and effective care, consult your doctor before using acupuncture.
Medical Causes of Tingling in Fingers
Many people experience the “pins and needles” sensation of paresthesia when pressure has been applied to a nerve for too long. This type of paresthesia usually resolves itself quickly after a change in position relieves the compressed nerve. Tingling, numbness, or burning that occurs over a long time, however, is known as peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy in the fingers is a symptom that may occur with many conditions, the most common of which is carpal tunnel syndrome. One of the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome is tingling or itching in the palms, thumbs, and the index and middle fingers.
Acupuncture Background
A treatment modality derived from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used in Asia for thousands of years, and it is practiced by thousands of medical professionals in the United States. During acupuncture, the practitioner inserts fine, hairlike needles into the patient’s skin in order to stimulate specific points. According to traditional explanations, illness is the result of imbalances in the flow of vital energy in the body. By removing obstructions and encouraging proper energy flow, acupuncture is thought to help the body heal and return to a state of healthful balance.
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment
Paresthesia and peripheral neuropathy are both symptoms that can occur with a multitude of conditions, ranging from harmless to life-threatening. When you first visit an acupuncturist, he will ask questions about your health, medical history, lifestyle, and behaviors in order to tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs. If the tingling in your fingers is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, one acupuncture point that is commonly used is PC 6, a point on the inside of the arm between the tendons near the wrist.
Considerations and Effectiveness
While many scientific studies have been performed to assess acupuncture’s effectiveness, its efficacy in treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome has not been proved. According to a 2011 review published in "The Journal of Pain,” the existing research on the topic is encouraging, but not convincing. This is due to the low numbers of participants in clinical trials, and to problems with research methodology. If you decide to see an acupuncturist to treat tingling in your fingers, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends checking the practitioner’s credentials, such as state licensing, before receiving treatment. Because tingling in the fingers may be a symptom of a serious illness, do not rely on any diagnosis provided by an acupuncturist who does not have traditional medical training; instead, see your primary care provider for a diagnosis.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NINDS Paresthesia Information Page; May 2010
- "The Journal of Pain"; Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials; H. Sim, et al.; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Peripheral Neuropathy; November 2009
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet; September 2011
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture -- An Introduction
- Yin Yang House: PC 6 Acupuncture Point - Nei Guan - Pericardium Meridian
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