Two acupuncture treatments a week.
At a glance
Severe restless legs calmed down, and the patient can sleep peacefully at night.
Presentation
A 47-year-old patient’s legs became restless at night, causing severe insomnia and daytime fatigue. She had tried exercise, leg massage, warm baths, heat and ice packs, and magnesium, but nothing helped.
Diagnosis
In TCM, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is seen as a disorder of Qi and blood circulation, where the channels in the lower limbs become obstructed or under-nourished. When blood stasis (Xue Yu) and phlegm-dampness (Tan Shi) combine, they create a thick, turbid blockage that stops Qi and blood moving smoothly, leading to night-time leg discomfort, crawling sensations and the compulsive urge to move. This patient’s RLS was caused by severe phlegm dampness and blood stasis.
Treatment
- Acupuncture — Dr. Tan’s [Jueyin, Yangming] I/IV meridian conversion, which can treat RLS: [LI-1 (Shangyang), LI-4 (Hegu), LR-1 (Dadun), LR-4 (Zhongfeng), PC-9 (Zhongchong), PC-6 (Neiguan), ST-45 (Lidui), ST-42 (Chongyang)]
She preferred not to take herbs, so more frequent acupuncture treatments were needed.
Result
Her legs calmed down and she can now sleep peacefully at night. Without herbs to clear the phlegm dampness and blood stasis, though, the problem can come back.
Additional notes
This reflects an individual patient experience, not clinical trial data.
Results vary from person to person depending on the condition, its severity, and how an individual responds to treatment. TCM and acupuncture are not a substitute for care from your physician or another regulated health professional. If you’re dealing with a serious or urgent symptom, please see a doctor first.