Restless No More: How Acupuncture Can Allerviate RLS

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is more than just an annoying nighttime sensation. It disrupts sleep, affects your mood, and can lead to long-term exhaustion and frustration. The uncontrollable urge to move your legs, often accompanied by tingling, aching, or crawling sensations, can feel relentless. Many individuals search for relief through conventional methods, but the results are often short-lived or come with unwanted side effects.

At Herb + Ōhm in Chicago, we offer a natural, holistic approach to managing Restless Leg Syndrome through acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. By addressing the root causes of your symptoms and restoring balance to your body, we can help you find long-lasting relief.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often during the evening or nighttime. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can interfere significantly with sleep and daily life.

Common Symptoms of RLS:

  • Tingling, itching, or "crawling" sensations in the legs.

  • An irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve discomfort.

  • Symptoms worsening during rest or inactivity, especially in the evening or at night.

  • Interrupted sleep, leading to daytime fatigue.

While the exact cause of RLS remains unclear, it is often associated with:

  • Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels can affect dopamine production, worsening RLS symptoms.

  • Nerve Issues: Conditions like neuropathy or diabetes can contribute to RLS.

  • Genetics: A family history of RLS increases your risk.

  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can temporarily exacerbate symptoms.

  • Lifestyle Factors: Stress, caffeine, and lack of exercise can trigger or worsen symptoms.

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding RLS, viewing it as an imbalance in the body’s energy (Qi) or blood circulation. Acupuncture and other traditional therapies aim to restore this balance, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes.

1. Improving Circulation

Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the legs, reducing the tingling and discomfort associated with RLS. Improved circulation nourishes the muscles and nerves, promoting overall leg health.

2. Balancing Qi

In Chinese Medicine, RLS is often linked to imbalances in the Liver and Kidney meridians, which govern blood flow and nervous system health. Acupuncture works to harmonize these systems, reducing restlessness and calming the body.

3. Regulating the Nervous System

Acupuncture calms the nervous system, helping to address the hyperactive nerve responses that contribute to RLS. This not only reduces symptoms but also promotes better sleep.

4. Alleviating Stress

Stress is a common trigger for RLS. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine therapies, such as gua sha and herbal remedies, help reduce stress and improve relaxation.

5. Drug-Free, Personalized Care

Unlike conventional treatments, acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive approach tailored to your unique needs.

Supporting RLS Relief with Lifestyle Changes

While acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are effective, incorporating healthy lifestyle habits can enhance results:

  • Regular Exercise: Gentle activities like walking or yoga improve circulation and reduce restlessness.

  • Iron-Rich Diet: Foods like leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats can help maintain healthy iron levels.

  • Reduce Stimulants: Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.

  • Stress Management: Practices like meditation, tai chi, or deep breathing can lower stress and ease RLS.

  • Sleep Hygiene: Create a calming bedtime routine and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Why Choose Herb + Ōhm for RLS Treatment?

At Herb + Ōhm in Chicago, our expert team combines acupuncture with complementary therapies such as herbal medicine, gua sha, and cupping to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Dr. Amy Wolf, DACM, L.Ac., says:
“It’s how we combine acupuncture with all of our other healing therapies that gets us the great results that we do. We give people their lives back.”

Reclaim Restful Nights and Relaxed Legs

You don’t have to live with the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome. With acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, you can find relief, improve your sleep, and restore balance to your life.

Contact Herb + Ōhm in Chicago today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward peaceful, pain-free nights.

Stay well,

The Herb + Ōhm Team

Amy Wolf