Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Acupuncture
Restless leg syndrome is more than just unwanted leg twitching at night. Believe it or not, it is a neurological disorder that is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs resulting in ‘restlessness.’ Feelings such as aches and pains, pins and needles or a crawling sensation in the legs are accompanied with an irresistible urge to move in order to provide relief from the discomfort. Because this condition occurs at night and significantly disturbs one’s sleep it if often discussed in the field of sleep disorders.
Causes for RLS may be genetic (decreased dopamine levels in the brain), poor nutrition (especially iron) or due to poor circulation in the legs (caused by smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise or other unknown factors).
The good news – Acupuncture can help! Chinese Medicine relates RLS symptoms to an imbalance in the Liver and Kidney Organs. The Liver-Kidney system gradually declines with aging which explains why this condition is most often seen among those aged 55+. Numbness in the legs indicates a “blood deficiency” pattern according to Chinese Medicine Theory which causes poor circulation and exacerbates the condition.
The key to a successful recovery is having a thorough assessment and customized treatment plan. Like people, no two treatments are the same, which is why it is important to find out how this issue is affecting you specifically. This allows the acupuncturist to tailor the treatment and yield greater results.
If you or someone you know is suffering from restless leg syndrome please forward this article to them or have them call me for a free 15 minute phone consult! 647.299.4631 amanda@besthealthacupuncture.com | www.besthealthacupuncture.com