By Richmond Natural Medicine

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January 15, 2020

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Have you ever had the uncontrollable urge to move your legs in the evening while sitting or lying still? Does it feel like pins and needles, aching in the legs or prickling? Does movement, such as walking or stretching help relieve the sensation? If so, you may have a condition called Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). RLS affects mostly women past the age of 50 (about 10%) and there could be a genetic component particularly if it begins prior to 50.

There is no single known cause of RLS, however nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency, diabetes, deficient dopamine, pregnancy, smoking and lack of exercise can be contributing factors. It is advisable to be evaluated by a healthcare professional to identify if any of the above are attributing factors. In addition to ruling out any of the above, studies have shown that acupuncture may be of benefit to patients who have RLS, and even to those already taking medication for RLS.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, RLS is analyzed based on symptom patterns showing imbalances. Patterns or Chinese medicine assessments take into account symptoms along with tongue and pulse diagnosis. Because acupuncture, much like naturopathic medicine, evaluates the individual, and not the condition, treatment plans are customized to each person’s unique presentation. Typically acupuncture is performed weekly for a series of 10 weeks, then bi-weekly, and finally as needed.

Interested in exploring how a naturopathic approach could support your RLS? Request an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors or call our office for more information, (804) 977-2634.