Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS for short, is commonly seen in the clinic. In Restless Leg Syndrome, a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs that can be described as painful, numbness, crawling, cramping, and tingling. These occur usually in the calf, but may be experienced down the rest of the leg, sometimes radiating up to the thigh. Both legs may be affected simultaneously, or just one leg. Some people also have this sensation in the arms. When a patient has this problem, it generally occurs from sitting or lying in one place too long. This can be a problem for patients when at work, during plays and shows, and driving long distances. Relief comes from walking, standing up, moving about, massaging or rubbing the legs. Showers or baths can also help. Usually symptoms are worse in the nighttime, which can interrupt sleep, causing a host of other problems.
Many MD’s cannot diagnose the problem through medical tests. However, the condition is thought to be hereditary, can be gestational with pregnancy, associated with anemia or low iron, may be present in kidney failure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy, and high caffeine consumption.
Chinese Medicine looks at RLS as either Internal Wind, or Qi And Blood Deficiency, or Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency.
The Classic of Internal Medicine, the Neijing, states “All wind and dizziness disorders belong to the liver.” Internal Wind is the TCM diagnosis when the Liver channel is affected, producing seizures, uncontrollable eye movements, lock jaw, or tetanic cramping. Cramping is a main feature of RLS. Since the Liver is responsible for the tendons, it is said that the tendons connect the muscles to the bones, facilitating smooth and continuous movement. The proper functioning of the tendons relies upon nourishment by liver blood. It is suggested that if there are disorders of the Liver, do not take an excess of sour foods as this can cause cramping of the tendons. If the diagnosis of Internal Wind is clear, we can choose the classical formula Zhengan Xifeng Tang (Sedate the Liver and Extinguish the Wind Decoction) or use the Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang (Course the Channels & Quicken the Blood Decoction) with modifications.
Qi and Blood deficiency is when there is a lack of ample energy and blood to circulate in the body causing a deficiency in the nourishment of the lower limbs. A person may also experience paleness and numbness of the affected limb(s), light red tongue, and thready weak pulse. Here in TCM, we strive to reinforce the qi, nourish blood, promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis in the vessels. We can choose to use the formula Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Decoction for Nourishing Blood) with modifications and Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction).
Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency is a result of our modern overactive lifestyles, excessive sexual activity, not getting enough rest, excessive consumption of caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol and drugs. By burning your Yin, one uses up the potential energy to heal yourself. Common signs and symptoms of Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency include low back pain, weak knees, heel pain, thirst, mental restlessness, blurry vision, night sweats, and dark circles under the eyes. The best prescription to use in this case would be Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycii Chrysanthemum Teapills), which serves to tonify the Liver and Kidney Yin.
Regarding Acupuncture, the best points to use would be points of the Liver and Gallbladder channel, including Liv 2, 3, 6, and GB 34, 43 which are points around the lower leg. These points are known to sedate Internal Wind, and move Qi and blood of the Liver and Gallbladder channels. Acupuncture is no mystical science, as it helps stimulate the autonomic nervous system through sending a stimulus to the brain, resulting in the body’s attempt to homeostasis. Of course it will not be an instant cure in one treatment, you will definitely have to see someone at least twice a week for a period of several weeks and take herbs. The best bet is to find a local licensed acupuncturist in your area and consult with them regarding acupuncture and herbal therapy.
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
1028 N. Lake Avenue, Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91104
U.S.A.
(626) 345-0441 Clinic
(626) 487-1815 Cell/VM
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