A 2015 RLS acupuncture research study concluded that acupuncture and Chinese herbs alleviated restless leg syndrome (RLS). Researchers tested two forms of treatments and the findings indicated that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine was both safe and effective for the treatment of RLS. The total effective rate for acupuncture and herbs was 95.24%.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is generally characterized by a physically intense need to move the legs. The symptoms are typically worse at night and improve with movement. The leg sensations characteristic of RLS include aching, pulling, itching, and crawling.
The cause of RLS is often considered unknown in Western medicine. However, several aggravating factors are recognized. Iron deficiency is common among RLS patients and is correlated with restless leg syndrome. Peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney diseases are also correlated with RLS. Likewise, pregnancy induced RLS typically occurs in the third trimester and resolves approximately one month after delivery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) typically categorizes RLS as an imbalance of the liver, heart, and/or kidneys. Treatment principles including balancing yin and yang, promoting qi and blood circulation, nourishing the spleen, dredging the triple warmer meridian, and regulating the governor and conception vessels (channels that run along the front and back of the torso).
Acupuncture Points Used
The following acupuncture points were used in this RLS acupuncture research study:
Baihui, DU20
Sishenchong
Fengchi, GB20
Anmian
Shanzhong, REN17
Shenmen, HT7
Neiguan, PC6
Xuehai, SP10
Zusanli, ST36
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Taixi, KD3
Taichong, LV3
Stimulation was applied on needle insertion to elicit deqi. That means the patient felt a gentle “achy” sensation that lasted just a moment. This technique has been used for thousands of years to make the treatment more effective. Needles were retained approximately forty minutes per session. Ten acupuncture treatments were given to all participants.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Used
Herbal medicine was also given to the RLS acupuncture research study participants. The herbal formula was based on Jia Wei Xiao Yao Tang and additional herbs were added based on diagnostics. The base formula included:
Mu Dan Pi
Zhi Zi
Fu Ling
Bai Zhu
Dang Gui
Bai Shao Yao
Bo He
Gou Qi Zi
Ju Hua
Shu Di Huang
Shan Yao
Shan Zhu Yu
Ze Xie
Bai Ji Li
Zhen Zhu Me
Gui Ban
Quan Xie
Zhi Me
He Huan Pi
He Shou Wu
Additional herbs were added to address two variables. For patients with loose stool, Chen Pi and Bai Bian Dou were added. For patients with more constipated bowel movements, herbs were added and subtracted from the formula. Gou Qi Zi, Shan Yao, and Shan Zhu Yu were replaced with Che Qian Zi, Huang Lian, and Mu Xiang.
Results
The high total effective rate of 95.24% for acupuncture plus herbal medicine indicates that this approach is effective for patients with RLS.
Next Steps
Raleigh Acupuncture has developed its own effective treatment protocol for treating restless leg syndrome. It builds on the research found in this RLS acupuncture research study, in addition to other studies and 15 years of their own clinical experience treating RLS patients.
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References
Qin HJ. (2014). Eye acupuncture and combined acupuncture and medicine in the treatment of 23 patients with restless legs syndrome. World Latest Medicine Information. 14(36).
Wang XD. (2006). Restless legs syndrome categorization, diagnosis and treatment. Chinese Journal of Geriatrics. 25(7): 488-490.
RLS Acupuncture Research Study
Another important research study showing acupuncture benefit for RLS was conducted in 2017 in Iran. READ STUDY HERE.
What our Clients are Saying
Mark Molinoff customized a treatment for my Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) that has proven to be effective in substantially reducing the severity and scope of my RLS symptoms. Mark is the 3rd acupuncturist that has treated me, but the first to get positive results. Highly recommend!
Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture! My restless leg syndrome is gone. I can sleep at night and my legs don’t ache. I am so grateful to you. I will send all my friends to you!!
I’ve lived with RLS for the past 20 years. When a buddy of mine got relief from acupuncture I gave it a try. Raleigh Acupuncture Associates eased my symptoms 90%. It’s a shadow of what it used to be. I recommend this acupuncture practice if you’ve got restless leg syndrome.
