Carpal tunnel is a painful wrist condition where the median nerve which runs from the forearm into the hand becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. It generally begins with numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist, and progresses to a sharp, debilitating pain. The below stretches are for prevention and should not be used by anyone who has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel without speaking to a qualified medical practitioner. Stretching should not be done to the point of pain.

Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers as if they are in a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5, and then point your fingers straight ahead for a count of 5. Relax arms and repeat 3 times.

Clench fist tightly for 5 seconds, then release, straightening your fingers all the way and keep them straight for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times for each hand.

When working on a keyboard be aware of your posture. Make sure you are sitting up straight, that your hands are at an appropriate angle to your keyboard (see picture), and take a break from your desk every half an hour.

In Shiatsu the Pericardium Meridian is used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Pericardium 7, located in the middle of the wrist crease between the two tendons is a particularly useful point. Self massage along this meridian is a useful preventative for carpal tunnel. Shiatsu is a useful treatment for prevention and treatment of carpal tunnel as it increases blood and Qi flow to the wrist and hand.