A little tingling, a strange sensation in your palms or fingers… It happens to you sometimes in the middle of the night or while typing on your computer keyboard, doesn’t it? We shrug, shake our hand, and move on. What if these seemingly harmless signs were actually a call from the body to slow down, to listen to ourselves more?
Why Your Hands or Feet Go Numb: The Real Culprit
This phenomenon has a somewhat technical name: paresthesia. It occurs when the nerves are a little disoriented or blood circulation is struggling to keep up. If this happens to you after sleeping on your arm or spending three hours straight on your computer, don’t panic! But if it comes back regularly for no obvious reason, it’s best to pay attention.
Common (and often benign) causes
No need to imagine the worst right away! In many cases, numbness is linked to everyday gestures or situations:
An uncomfortable position : Sleeping with your arm tucked under the pillow or leaning on your wrist for too long blocks circulation.
Repetitive movements : Keyboard, mouse, DIY or even knitting, our hands often work in a loop!
Stress : When tension rises, circulation slows down, and our extremities suffer.
Deficiencies : A small lack of magnesium, potassium or B vitamins can disrupt the nerves.
Tip : A balanced diet and a few well-thought-out breaks can make all the difference!
When should you consult?
There are a few signs that deserve special attention. If your hands:
become numb every day, even at rest;
feel tingling in the neck, face or shoulders;
are accompanied by pain, dizziness or muscle weakness;
prevent you from doing simple things like buttoning a shirt…
So yes, it might be time to talk to a healthcare professional .
What this can reveal (without alarm)
Behind these sensations, certain conditions may be hidden, such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome , common in those who use their hands a lot.
Peripheral neuropathy , often linked to an imbalance (vitamin B12, blood sugar, etc.).
Spinal problems: a small hernia, for example, can irritate a nerve.
Slowed circulation , sometimes influenced by lifestyle or age.
Once again, there’s no need to worry right away : a simple check-up can clear up any doubts.
5 gentle natural remedies for soothed hands
Want to take care of yourself without breaking out the medical arsenal? Here are some simple but effective ideas:
A good massage of the wrists and forearms: relaxation guaranteed!
Very simple exercises: opening and closing your hands, rotating your wrists, squeezing a soft ball…
A soothing infusion of ginger and turmeric, to be enjoyed quietly.
Alternating hot/cold hand baths to stimulate circulation.
A targeted diet : eggs, nuts, spinach, vegetables… real allies for the nerves.
A little tip : before starting to take dietary supplements, check with your doctor.
Good habits to adopt on a daily basis
Sometimes it’s the little habits that make all the difference:
Adopt good posture at your desk and in bed.
Take regular breaks, especially if your hands are in use.
Drink enough water.
Incorporate some gentle movements every day: walking, yoga, stretching.
What if your body spoke to you differently?
In a more symbolic approach, hands also reflect our connection to the world: acting, creating, giving, receiving. When they become blocked or numb, perhaps they are telling us that it is time to slow down , to regain our freedom to act… or simply to ask for a little tenderness .
