How Can Acupuncture Help Restless Leg Syndrome?

While the current research is limited, most available studies show acupuncture to be an effective treatment for those with restless leg syndrome.

Acupuncture is a healing practice with thousands of years of history. For centuries, people across Asia have turned to this ancient medicine to relieve various conditions, and this practice continues today.

In modern times, people find acupuncture helpful for chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, headaches, and more. Although acupuncture hasn’t been scientifically proven to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS), the current research indicates there may be some benefits.

Is acupuncture effective in reducing restless leg syndrome?

Some people with RLS report experiencing benefits from acupuncture treatment. These benefits include relief of RLS pain and discomfort, increased sleep quality, and reduced restless leg sensations.

Acupuncture is considered an alternative or complementary treatment for RLS, and it isn’t fully backed by scientific research. However, some studies suggest that it’s both safe and effective as a possible treatment option for people with RLS.

In a 2023 study analyzing data collected between 2007 and 2022, researchers found that participants with RLS who received acupuncture treatment had significant improvements in factors such as sleep quality.

Additionally, very few side effects were reported in the collected data. The reported side effects were mild and included dizziness, muscle pains, cramps, and joint pain.

A 2021 review found acupuncture to be an effective treatment for those with RLS. It also called for more high quality studies to continue looking into the benefits of acupuncture.

Want to get involved?

If you have RLS and want to help researchers understand how acupuncture or other traditional medicines can help treat your condition, visit ClinicalTrials.gov to look for studies with open admissions.

Before signing up for a clinical trial, be sure to discuss it with your primary healthcare professional first, especially if it involves changes to your current treatment plan.

Drawbacks of acupuncture for restless leg syndrome

Acupuncture isn’t a proven treatment for RLS. Although some data and anecdotal reports suggest that it provides benefits for people with RLS, its use as a treatment for RLS  isn’t backed by any major U.S. medical associations.

Since acupuncture isn’t an approved treatment, many insurance providers don’t cover acupuncture, or they may only cover acupuncture for certain conditions. For many people with RLS, that means paying out of pocket for acupuncture treatment. Additionally, a licensed acupuncture practitioner isn’t always easy to find.

While some metropolitan areas have many practicing alternative medicine professionals, others have only a few options. If you live in an area with fewer alternative medicine professionals, it may cost more to see one and you may need to travel a long distance.

Typical side effects of acupuncture can include temporary soreness and a small risk of infection. Seeing a fully accredited acupuncturist can minimize the risk of adverse side effects.

Acupuncture pressure points for restless legs

There are a few acupuncture pressure points that might help soothe restless legs. You can try stimulating these spots on your own with a pressure point massage or gua sha stones . They include:

• Shenshu (BL23): This point is on either side of your lumbar vertebra, about at the midpoint between the bottom of your ribs and your belly button (but on your back).
• Xuehai (SP10): This point is on the back of your inner thigh muscle, about 2 inches above the kneecap, toward the center of your body.
• Chenshan (BL57): This point can be found at the bottom of your calf muscle, in the depression that forms when you point your toes.
• Zusanli (ST36): This point is about 2 inches below the front of your knee and a half inch toward the inside of the calf muscle.
• Sanyinjiao (SP6): This point is on the inside of your leg, about 2 inches above the ankle bone.
• Taixi (KD3): This point is found between your Achilles tendon and your ankle bone on the inside of your leg.

Other alternative treatments for restless legs

Beyond acupuncture, there are other alternative and lifestyle-related treatments that may help with RLS. These include:

• mediation
• stress management
• iron, calcium, magnesium, and other vitamin supplementation
• dietary changes that increase your vitamin intake
• hot baths and warm compresses in the evenings
• massage therapy
• increased daily exercise

Finding an acupuncturist for restless legs

If you’re interested in trying acupuncture for RLS, it’s important to find a licensed acupuncturist that you can trust. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine maintains a directory of all the professionals who have achieved their certification.

All the acupuncturists you’ll find listed in this directory have graduated from an accredited educational program and passed a national-level board certification exam.

Takeaway

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that many people turn to as an alternative treatment for a variety of health conditions, including RLS. Although acupuncture isn’t currently a recommended treatment for RLS, some research has linked it to benefits such as increased sleep quality and decreased RLS symptoms.

Additionally, there are very few side effects and risks linked to trying acupuncture for RLS. Other alternative treatments for RLS include meditation, stress management, supplements, hot baths, massage therapy, and increased daily exercise.