Restless leg syndrome, which is a neurological condition that causes the uncontrollable urge to move your legs, affects about 10% of Americans. It is common to experience this urge in an uncomfortable situation because moving eases tension temporarily. Most people tend to experience this restlessness in the morning or evening hours. It can begin at any age and usually worsens with age.
It is possible to manage restless leg syndrome with some self-care methods and alternative remedies, one of which is acupuncture. Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with tiny needles at specific anatomical points in the body. Acupuncturists use this integrative medicine to help relieve joint pain, muscle soreness, and improve energy flow within the body. Although acupuncture is not a scientifically-proven treatment for restless leg syndrome, some research indicates that it may benefit the condition.
Can Acupuncture Reduce Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome?
Existing research indicates that some people with restless leg syndrome benefit from acupuncture treatment. The primary benefits include improved sleep quality, relief of pain and discomfort, and reduced restless leg sensations. Health experts consider acupuncture to be an alternative or complementary treatment for restless leg syndrome.
A 2021 review of studies found that acupuncture was an effective treatment for people with restless leg syndrome. That review called for more high quality studies to continue the research on the benefits of acupuncture. A 2023 study analyzed data collected between 2007 and 2022. Researchers noted that participants with restless leg syndrome who received acupuncture experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and other factors.
Are There Drawbacks Of Acupuncture For Restless Leg Syndrome?
At this time, there is not enough scientifically-backed evidence to support acupuncture as a treatment option for restless leg syndrome. It does provide benefits, but major U.S. medical institutions don’t back it as a treatment. That’s why most insurance providers don’t cover acupuncture for restless leg syndrome. They may cover it for other conditions with more research, though.
That ultimately means that people with restless leg syndrome who want to experiment with acupuncture will have to pay out of pocket. Depending on where you live, a licensed practitioner is not always easy to find. Some metropolitan areas, however, offer a plethora of acupuncturists, or other alternative medicine professionals that offer similar services. If you decide to try the treatment, you may experience mild soreness, which is temporary. To minimize potential risks, see a licensed professional.
Acupuncture Pressure Points For Restless Legs
If you do not like needles, perhaps you can experiment with acupressure massage points. You can try stimulating the following pressure points with your hands or gua sha stones. Those pressure points are:
- Xuhai (SP10): This point is located on the back of your inner thigh about two inches above the kneecap.
- Zusanli (ST36): You’ll find this point about two inches below the front of your kneecap and about a half inch toward the inside of the calf.
- Shenshu (BL23): You can find this point on either side of your lumbar vertebra on your back, at the midpoint between the bottom of your ribs and belly button.
- Chenshan (BL57): This point is at the bottom of the calf muscle in the depression that forms when you point your toes.
- Taixi (KD3): This point is located between the Achilles tendon and ankle bone on the inside of the leg.
- Sanyinjiao (SP6): This point is on the inside of your leg roughly two inches above the ankle bone.
Acupuncture is a healing practice that many people use as an alternative remedy for pain management. Although it may not treat restless leg syndrome, it may help relieve symptoms. Existing research is promising, but more research is necessary to get a better understanding of its efficacy as a treatment option.
