Restless legs syndrome affects between 5 and 11 percent of the population in North America and Europe, The cause may be a number of clinical factors, such as iron deficiency, but it has a strong genetic component as well. In most people, it is likely due to a number of different causes, but genes are very likely the most important factor in affected families.For those wondering what this intriguing-sounding condition is, restless legs syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system, originating in the brain.
Can acupuncture help restless legs syndrome?
Many practitiner claim they can help...really?
New research:There was no significant difference for the reduction in either the longest or the shortest duration of RLS and There is insufficient evidence to determine whether acupuncture is an efficacious and safe treatment for RLS(1)While restless legs is a lifelong problem, treatment such as this can improve patients chances of restful sleep. Focus patient's attention here rather than on acupuncture
But Another trial found thatacupuncture used in combination with medications and massage was more effective than medications and massage alone, in terms of remission of unpleasant sensations in the legs.
so that is why Zak acupuncture can help restless legs ayndrome,not general acupuncture.
for detail:www.backachetherapy.co.uk
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Reference
1)Acupuncture for restless legs syndrome.Cui Y, Wang Y, Liu Z.Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guang An Men Hospital
A new study shows that the elevation in estradiol levels that occurs during pregnancy is more pronounced in pregnant women with restless legs syndrome (RLS) than in controls
An international team of researchers led by scientists at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida have found what they believe is the first mutated gene linked to restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic disorder Source: sciencedaily
Yin and Yang Stagnation was present in 13 patients (aged 29-47 years), and RLS improved or disappeared in 12 patients up to 6 months after acupuncture treatment. The other patterns were present in 17 patients (aged 76-82 years), and RLS improved or disappeared in 10 patients after acupuncture treatment. Sleepless nights decreased from a mean of 3.9/wk at baseline to 2/wk at the end of treatment, and to 1/wk at 6-month follow-up. Global patient satisfaction at the end of treatment was excellent in 24% of patients, good in 35% of patients, and unsatisfactory in 41% of patients.
Conclusions: Acupuncture may have a positive effect on RLS and the effect can be long-lasting. However, further research is necessary, especially given the mixed patient satisfaction in this study.
I'd like to take this opportunity to tell other RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) sufferers about my experiences with acupuncture...
A few years ago I began to have very uncomfortable feelings in my legs at night. To the point that it was painful and impeding my sleep. I remember trying to sleep with my legs propped up along the wall (I was desperate by this point!). Sleeping in a sitted position was another of my "poses". When neither worked, I would pound on my legs with my fists to try to alleviate the discomfort. Also Advil and Tylenol were frequently used. Anyway, this went on for a couple of months. In the meantime, I was receiving acupuncture treatments for chronic back pain (which helped significantly). I asked Steve (my acupuncturist) if treatments could help my condition. He suggested I try a few sessions. Imagine my utter shock when AFTER THE FIRST TREATMENT I slept like a baby! And every night thereafter for about a year! Now I get a treatment occasionally when it flares up. And I educate myself as much as possible on the disorder. Anyone who suffers from RLS should see an acupuncturist.... give it a try!