Acupuncture Treatment for RLS
Neuro Acupuncture is a natural treatment alternative for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Restless Legs Syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by a feeling of extreme discomfort that makes your legs want to move, especially at night when you are sitting or lying down. Movement temporarily relieves the discomfort but the relief does not last.
Restless legs syndrome can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. Restless legs syndrome can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness. RLS can make traveling difficult since it worsens with inactivity and prolonged sitting.
At Inner Light Wellness we specialize in neurological disorders. Our patients report a high success rate with chronic, stubborn symptoms of Restless Legs.
Success Story
“I have been suffering with RLS for many years now. The symptoms had gotten rather severe and every night was a struggle. Medication allowed me to sleep but had undesired side effects. Having tried acupuncture (as well as hypnosis, exercises, counseling, etc.) previously with little success, I was skeptical… Most nights now have mild to no symptoms and the anxiety I was experiencing each night has begun to subside. I would highly recommend Inner Light Wellness to anyone who is suffering from RLS.”
Steve S.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Restless Leg Syndrome?
People typically describe restless leg symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their calves, thighs or feet.
- Crawling Sensations
- Pulling or Tugging
- Throbbing or Painful Itching or burning
Restless legs are different than night time cramping such as occur with “charlie horse” type leg cramps. People usually don’t describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. They do, however, consistently describe the desire to move their legs. It’s common for symptoms to come and go, sometimes disappearing for various time periods.
PLMD or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder is another leg movement condition that may occur alone or alongside RLS. PLMD is characterized by nighttime leg twitching. PLMD causes involuntary flexing and extending of the legs at night while sleeping. You may not be aware that your legs are moving throughout the night. Involuntary kicking movements may occur while awake, especially in cases of severe RLS. It is estimated that four out of five RLS sufferers also exhibit PLMD symptoms.
Restless Leg Syndrome is a sleep disorder that originates in the brain. Neuro-acupuncture is one of our special treatment offerings that targets affected brain areas such as the basal ganglia, where involuntary movement conditions originate.
Neuro-acupuncture can help rehabilitate the brain and regulate neurotransmitters such as dopamine. At Inner Light Wellness, we achieve a high success rate with conditions associated with abnormal sensations and movement, including those associated with Restless Leg Syndrome:
- Crawling Sensations
- Pulling or Tugging
- Throbbing or Painful Itching or burning
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
At your first visit, we will go over your symptoms and health history to determine if you are a candidate for care. Then we will recommend a customized treatment plan with just the right combination of acupuncture therapies that work best for your unique symptoms. You may receive treatment on your first visit.
Most of our patients with Restless Leg Syndrome have had the condition for many years. Usually people seek treatment once their medications are no longer working like they used to. Acupuncture treatments for Restless Leg are cumulative, so it is important that you complete the recommended treatment plan.
Treatment frequency will vary based on your specific condition however, most people start with three visits per week for the first few weeks then move to two visits per week. Once you are improving between the visits, we reduce the frequency until you are on once per month maintenance visits. Patients who follow this protocol achieve long lasting results with even the most chronic and stubborn RLS symptoms.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Most patients report improvement after several weeks of care but some may respond more quickly. Usually RLS has been with you for some time and relief can depend on many variables such as your age, your current health status, medications, diet and lifestyle.
