If you have Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) you’re going to want to pay attention to this one because – as you already know – RLS is no fun at all.
Those who suffer from this problem experience discomfort (mainly in their legs) that leads them to an uncontrollable urge to jerk or move around in order to make it stop. The sensations can come in the form of “pins and needles” or itchiness and generally worsen while the body is at rest. When this problem is severe, it can cause serious sleep disruption and really set someone up for a bad day.
Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiency, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, medications and even pregnancy can cause RLS.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be incredibly successful at alleviating Restless Leg Syndrome and I treat these cases often in the clinic.
That being said, it may be helpful to try some cheap and easy tricks at home to see if you have any success.
- The bar of soap trick
This is a great one passed down by the grandmothers of the world. All you need is a bar of soap – any brand will do.
Stick the bar of soap near your legs between the sheets in bed before you go to sleep. If this helps, then you’ve just fixed your problem for less than $2
- Magnesium
Magnesium in the form of Epsom salts can be great in a bath before bed. You can also try applying magnesium oil topically to your legs before bed.
Not everyone is going to have an easy time getting rid of the restless leg syndrome.
Many of my RLS patients arrive at their first treatment with a prescription for Mirapex or Requip . They tend to have taken it for quite some time, usually years, and they are tired of constantly having to raise the dosage on their medication or they simply dislike the side effects that they experience.
So if you’ve exhausted your cheap trick options… and your not so cheap options… it may be time to come in for some acupuncture.
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