If your legs cannot stop moving at night while asleep or you feel a tingling, buzzing, or crawling sensation that makes it challenging to rest, you could be suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). The symptoms of this condition usually worsen during any period of inactivity, particularly at night, making it challenging for you to sleep.

While most conventional doctors usually recommend medications to manage the symptoms of RLS, many patients nowadays are opting for natural remedies that do not cause any side effects. One of the most common and promising natural holistic treatments you would want to try if you have this bothersome condition is acupuncture.

Acupuncture therapy could be an effective approach for managing RLS symptoms and addressing contributing factors, including muscle inactivity, circulation, and nervous system tension. Read on to learn more about RLS and how acupuncture therapy could be an excellent life-changing remedy.

What Does RLS Feel Like, and What is the Cause?

RLS is a neurological disorder that can cause severe discomfort in your legs, which may worsen at rest, particularly in the evening. Common symptoms associated with this condition include muscle spasms, cramping, and tingling, which temporarily improve with some movement. The nature of these symptoms can temporarily disrupt sleep, leading to decreased quality of life and chronic fatigue.

While the exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, it seems to stem from imbalances in how the brain interacts with your muscles at rest. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, the following three aspects could contribute to this condition:

  • Kidney deficiency — Weakness in your kidney energy, which helps govern bones and marrow, could contribute to discomfort in your legs
  • Liver Qi stagnation — Impaired flow of your "chi," or body’s energy, in your liver meridian can affect your lower limbs
  • Blood deficiency — If your nerves and muscles are not well-nourished, you may experience restlessness

By addressing these imbalances, acupuncture therapy can restore harmony within your body and reduce the disruptive RLS symptoms. Depending on the person, the severity of this condition’s symptoms can range from mild to persistent and distressing, interfering with daily activities. When left untreated, RLS could also contribute to various sleep disorders, including insomnia.

How Acupuncture Therapy Works to Alleviate Symptoms of RLS

Acupuncture is an ancient TCM practice that involves inserting thin stainless steel needles into your skin at specific points, also known as acupoints. The goal of this treatment is to restore your body’s energy balance by stimulating acupoints along your meridians (energy pathways). According to ancient TCM practitioners, each of your body’s meridians corresponds with a certain organ.

By stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture therapy can help restore balance within your body, leading to reduced pain, reduced stress, and improved functioning. In other words, acupuncture restores your energy balance by encouraging communication between various parts of your body that are not communicating as expected due to an illness or injury.

If you have RLS and conventional medications are not helpful, acupuncture could be the remedy you are looking for. Acupuncture therapy can help treat and manage symptoms of RLS by:

  • Enhancing circulation — Acupuncture needles can help improve blood flow to the affected part or organs of your body, alleviating discomfort
  • Regulating your body’s nervous system — By modulating neurotransmitter levels in your body, including dopamine and serotonin, which play a significant role in RLS, acupuncture therapy can alleviate the symptoms of RLS
  • Regulating acetylcholine — By regulating acetylcholine, acupuncture therapy can encourage smoother and more coordinated control of your muscles

Is Acupuncture Therapy an Effective Remedy for RLS?

Some patients with RLS report benefits and improved health after acupuncture therapy. Common benefits of this holistic treatment include reduced RLS discomfort and pain, reduced leg sensations, and improved sleep quality.

Acupuncture therapy is a helpful complementary and alternative treatment for bothersome RLS, but it is not fully backed up by scientific research. However, some studies suggest that it is both effective and safe as a possible treatment for RLS. Here are examples of research studies that support the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in managing the symptoms of RLS:

  • Studies show promising results for patients who go through acupuncture to manage RLS symptoms. According to this research and data presented, when acupuncture is combined with low-dose gabapentin, it can make an excellent treatment plan for RLS
  • According to a 2023 study analyzing data collected between 2007 and 2022, patients who received acupuncture experienced better sleep quality. Additionally, the patients experienced few or no side effects after acupuncture treatment.
  • A 2021 study found acupuncture to be an effective remedy for managing symptoms of RLS. However, it suggested that more studies are crucial to determine the benefits of this treatment for patients with RLS.
  • Another study explored how near-infrared light therapy based on your body’s acupoints affected the severity of RLS in hemodialysis patients. According to this research, patients who received near-infrared light therapy experienced decreased symptoms of RLS and better life quality compared to their unique baseline measurements

Generally speaking, these studies and findings suggest that acupuncture therapy can help alleviate RLS symptoms, provide relief, and improve your quality of life.

How to Prepare for Acupuncture for RLS and What to Expect During the Treatment

As with most treatments, prior preparation is vital to ensure utmost comfort and increase effectiveness. However, acupuncture therapy for RLS does not require much preparation, and your acupuncturist will inform you of what you need to do and avoid before the treatment. In many cases, your acupuncturist will advise you to do the following on the date of your acupuncture session:

  • Wear light and comfortable clothing for your comfort and easy access to the crucial acupoints on your skin
  • Take a light meal at least one or two hours before your acupuncture session. Arriving at your acupuncturist clinic with an empty stomach could cause lightheadedness
  • Avoid consuming stimulants like coffee, alcohol, or energy drinks because they can make it challenging for your central nervous system to calm down during the treatment
  • Write down your symptoms and gather all your health records, including any medications you are taking, whether prescribed or not
  • Avoid heavy exercise sessions at least two to three hours before your scheduled treatment to keep your body calm

If you are unsure of what to do and not do during your acupuncture session for RLS, you should consult with your acupuncturist. Here is an overview of what to expect during your acupuncture therapy session for RLS:

Initial Consultation

As with any medical treatment, an initial consultation is important, as it helps the acupuncturist understand your problem and prepare your treatment. During this initial consultation, you should be ready to disclose all your symptoms and medical history to your acupuncturist. Your acupuncturist could also ask you a few questions about your lifestyle, as it could also contribute to RLS.

Treatment Plan Preparation

Every patient's condition is unique, meaning you deserve a specialized treatment plan that can help fix your problems. A tailor-made acupuncture treatment plan, possibly combined with other holistic TCM practices, can help treat and manage your RLS symptoms.

Acupuncture Sessions

Once your treatment plan is ready, the acupuncturist will begin treatment by inserting hair-thin needles into specific acupoints to stimulate energy flow and encourage your body to heal itself.

Generally speaking, your acupuncture session could last 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition. During this period, the acupuncture needles will remain in place on your skin to help you achieve your wellness goals.

To calm you down during treatment and enhance its effectiveness, the acupuncture clinic may dim the lights and play quiet music. Contrary to what some think, you will not be unsupervised during the acupuncture session. Your acupuncturist will come to your room frequently to ensure you are comfortable.

Follow-up Sessions

To achieve the best results, the acupuncturist could recommend that you schedule regular acupuncture sessions at least once or twice a week. Ongoing evaluation of your symptoms and adjustment of the treatment plan based on the progress is vital to achieving the best results.

By regulating your nervous system, balancing your "chi," and enhancing circulation, acupuncture therapy can offer you the much-needed relief if you have RLS. The rule of thumb if you have RLS is to schedule an appointment with a licensed, seasoned acupuncturist for precise, professional treatment.

Key Acupoints That the Acupuncturist Will Focus on if You Have RLS

Some of the acupoints that your acupuncturist will focus on when treating your RLS include the following:

  • Sanyinjiao (SP6) — Located above your inner ankle, this acupoint can help harmonize the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians, relieving the disruptive RLS symptoms
  • Shenshu (BL23)— The BL23 acupoint sits on either side of the lumbar vertebra, around the midpoint between the belly button and the lower side of your ribs
  • Zusanii (ST36) — The Zusanii acupoints are also very vital in alleviating the symptoms of RLS. This acupoint sits about a half inch toward the inside of your calf muscles and two inches below the front of your knees. Stimulating these acupoints through acupuncture can help balance your Chi and improve your blood flow
  • Taixi (KD3) — This acupoint sits between your ankle bone on the inside part of your leg and the Achilles tendon
  • Chenshan (BL57) — The BL57 acupoint sits at the bottom of the calf muscle, in the groove that forms when you point the toes
  • Xuchai (SP10) — Located at the back of your inner thigh muscle, approximately two inches above your kneecap, toward the center part of your body, the Xuchai acupoint can also help alleviate the symptoms of RLS
  • Spleen 3.2 — This acupoint is located on your foot, past the “bunion” area, and helps balance sugar. Since sometimes RLS symptoms can be triggered by eating sugar at night, stimulating this point using acupuncture needles could be helpful
  • Taichong (Liver 3) — Found on the upper part of your foot, the Taichong acupoint is effective for relieving the liver Chi stagnation

Other Alternative Treatments for RLS That You Ought to Know

Aside from acupuncture, you can explore the following alternative and lifestyle-based treatments to treat and manage the symptoms of RLS:

  • Herbal medicine — An experienced herbalist can prepare a tailor-made herbal formula to help address various imbalances in your body
  • Dietary changes — Making dietary changes is important for balancing your Chi and nourishing your blood. For example, incorporating foods rich in vitamins and certain minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and iron, could be helpful
  • Practicing more daily exercise — Gentle exercises can help improve your balance and promote blood circulation, helping reduce the symptoms of RLS
  • Attending stress management classes —Stress management can also help calm down, especially at night, for better quality sleep
  • Taking warm baths in the evenings — Warm baths in the evenings, especially after a busy day, can help you relax and promote better sleep

In addition to acupuncture, these treatments can help manage RLS and improve your quality of life. Ensure you consult a credible, seasoned acupuncturist as soon as you can if you are struggling with RLS, and he/she will let you know whether you are an excellent candidate for acupuncture therapy.

Find a Licensed and Experienced Acupuncturist Near Me

By enhancing blood circulation, balancing your body’s energy pathways, and regulating your nervous system, acupuncture therapy can provide you with relief from the disruptive symptoms caused by RLS. Complementary treatments like dietary changes, gentle exercises, and herbal medicine can also help support this holistic treatment.

If you are struggling with RLS and are looking for an alternative treatment to conventional medication, acupuncture can provide you with the relief you need. Unlike conventional medications, acupuncture therapy has few or no side effects after the treatment. However, you need to take your time to find a reliable and licensed acupuncturist for the best results.

At the Art of Chinese Healing, we understand how disruptive RLS symptoms can be in your life. We invite you to call our credible acupuncturists at 310-405-1610 if you or a loved one needs professional acupuncture services to help treat and manage RLS symptoms in Los Angeles.