Acupuncture in the Treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of distress and insomnia. Due to the limited effectiveness of biomedical treatment for this condition, patients frequently seek out acupuncture. A common acupuncture treatment approach emphasises point selection according to eight principle zangfu diagnosis. However, research has shown this approach to produce mediocre clinical results. In the experience of the authors, clinical success with this condition requires reframing the pathology in terms of qi and blood of the channel system, careful observation and palpation of the tissues of the hips, ‘kua’ and legs, and robust needling of ashi points. This article summarises this approach to acupuncture treatment and gives two illustrative case studies.