Re Harald Gaier’s Alternatives (WDDTY, vol 12 no 11), referring to the use of acupuncture in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and repetitive strain injury (RSI), this unfortunately gives only a limited perspective of the diagnosis and treatment of problems which actually respond very well to acupuncture.
Patients treated both constitutionally and with appropriate points experience significant improvement.
RSI patients generally need additional advice on changes or adaptations related to the cause of the problem. The use of local points does have a place and, used in the right way, should not be 'counterproductive'.
I have been a registered acupuncturist for 15 years and am also a director of The Northern College of Acupuncture in York. - Mike Stephenson, East Yorkshire