Acupuncture for Soothing and Calming Restless Legs
Picture this: You're settling into bed after a long day. The sheets are cool, the room quiet. Just as sleep starts to pull you under, your legs have other ideas. There's that crawling sensation again. That tingling. That overwhelming urge to move that refuses to let you rest.
If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects about 7.6% of adults across Europe, making it a surprisingly common condition that can seriously disrupt sleep and quality of life. And in Ireland specifically, research suggests that around 2.8% of primary care patients have moderate to severe RLS — though many cases go undiagnosed.
At AcuFusion in Blanchardstown and Castleknock, we've seen how restless legs can chip away at your wellbeing. Poor sleep. Daytime fatigue. That constant nagging discomfort. But here's what we've also witnessed: acupuncture can offer a calming, soothing pathway to relief.
What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition that creates an irresistible urge to move your legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. The NHS describes these sensations as tingling, crawling, pulling, or aching that typically worsens when you're resting — particularly in the evening and at night.
It's not just annoying. For many people, RLS seriously impacts sleep quality. Because symptoms intensify when you're trying to relax, falling asleep becomes a nightly struggle. Some people also experience periodic limb movements during sleep, which can wake them repeatedly throughout the night.
What triggers restless legs?
The underlying causes vary. According to research, factors linked to RLS include advanced age, smoking, depression, and diabetes. There's often a genetic component too — RLS tends to run in families.
But here's something crucial that's often overlooked: iron deficiency plays a significant role. Studies show that low iron levels in the brain can trigger RLS symptoms, even when blood iron levels appear normal. The NHS recognises that iron deficiency anaemia can lead to a fall in dopamine, the brain chemical that helps control muscle movement, which in turn triggers restless legs.
That's why conventional medical approaches typically include checking iron levels, addressing any deficiencies, and sometimes prescribing dopamine-regulating medications. Lifestyle modifications, better sleep hygiene, gentle exercise, and avoiding caffeine also form part of standard care.
How Acupuncture Approaches Restless Legs
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views restless legs through a different lens. Rather than focusing solely on dopamine or iron, TCM sees RLS as an imbalance affecting specific organ systems — particularly the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys.
In TCM theory, the Liver controls the tendons and the Spleen governs the muscles. When these systems become imbalanced, whether through Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, or Yin-Yang disharmony, the legs don't receive proper nourishment, leading to restlessness and discomfort.
Sounds mystical? It's actually quite practical. Think of it this way: acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote circulation, helping your body regulate itself more effectively.
What the science suggests
Modern research is catching up with what TCM practitioners have known for centuries. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2021 examined 18 studies involving over 1,000 RLS patients. The findings? Acupuncture showed significant promise. Patients treated with acupuncture, either alone or combined with other therapies, had a cure rate of 47.8%, compared to just 21.7% in non-acupuncture groups. The ineffective rate was notably lower too: 4.7% versus 32.9%.
Another randomised controlled trial found that acupuncture combined with a low dose of medication provided better symptom relief than medication alone, with improvements lasting through an 8-week follow-up period.
More recent studies continue to build on these findings. Research from 2024 notes that "clinical trials have confirmed that acupuncture has significant efficacy in the treatment of RLS, is easy to operate, has no toxic side effects, and is easily accepted by patients."
Does this mean acupuncture cures restless legs overnight? No. What it suggests is that acupuncture may help reduce symptoms, improve sleep quality, and support your body's natural regulation — without the side effects often associated with long-term medication use.
Which Acupoints Help Calm Restless Legs?
Acupuncturists select points based on your individual pattern and presentation, but certain acupoints appear frequently in RLS treatment protocols.
Common points for restless legs include:
SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) — Located above the inner ankle, this point is known for nourishing Blood and Yin, helping to calm the mind and improve sleep
ST 36 (Zusanli) — Found below the knee on the front of the leg, this powerful point strengthens the Spleen and promotes overall energy and circulation
LR 3 (Taichong) — Between the first and second toes on top of the foot, this point helps smooth Liver Qi and release tension
GB 34 (Yanglingquan) — At the side of the knee, this point influences the tendons and is particularly useful for leg discomfort
BL 57 (Chengshan) — In the belly of the calf muscle, this local point can directly relieve leg tension and cramping
KI 3 (Taixi) — Behind the inner ankle, this point nourishes Kidney energy and addresses deeper constitutional imbalances
Research protocols often combine these points strategically — for example, using knee and ankle points together (articular needling) with points in the muscles of the thigh and calf (muscle needling) to comprehensively address leg discomfort.
At AcuFusion, William J.J. O'Donnell selects acupoints based on a thorough assessment of your individual condition, taking into account not just your leg symptoms but your overall health picture, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any underlying imbalances.
What About Electroacupuncture?
Some studies use electroacupuncture, where a gentle electrical current is applied to the needles to enhance the treatment effect. This can be particularly helpful for stubborn cases or when stronger stimulation is needed to promote blood flow and release deep muscle tension.
What Does the Research Really Tell Us?
While the results are encouraging, most researchers note that study quality has been variable. A Cochrane review, the gold standard of systematic reviews, concluded there's "insufficient evidence to determine whether acupuncture is an efficacious treatment for RLS" and called for more rigorous, large-scale trials.
However, more recent systematic reviews with larger datasets have been more positive, suggesting that "acupuncture is an effective treatment option for RLS."
What does this mean for you? Acupuncture shows real promise for restless legs, but it's not a guaranteed cure-all. Many people notice improvements within 3-10 sessions, particularly when acupuncture is part of a broader approach that includes lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, addressing iron deficiency or other underlying factors.
Real-world clinical experience, including our own at AcuFusion, suggests that acupuncture can be particularly effective for people who either haven't found relief with conventional treatments alone or want to reduce their reliance on medication.
What to Expect in Your Acupuncture Sessions
Starting acupuncture treatment for restless legs begins with a proper appointment. At your first visit to AcuFusion, William will spend time understanding your symptoms: when they occur, how severe they are, and what makes them better or worse. He'll also ask about your sleep, energy, diet, stress levels, and any other health concerns.
Traditional diagnostic methods, including pulse and tongue examination, help build a complete picture of your individual pattern according to TCM principles. From this, a personalised treatment plan is developed.
During Treatment
Acupuncture sessions typically last 30-40 minutes. Fine, sterile, single-use needles are gently inserted at selected acupoints. Most people find the sensation surprisingly mild — nothing like an injection. You might feel a brief tingling or dull ache when the needle reaches the right depth (called "de qi" in TCM), which is actually a positive sign that the point has been activated.
Once the needles are in, you rest quietly. Many people find this deeply relaxing. Some even drift off to sleep despite their restless legs — which is rather lovely when you think about it.
Depending on your needs, treatment might also include cupping (to release muscle tension), red light therapy (to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing), or gentle advice about herbs or supplements that could support your recovery.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Most people notice changes within 3-10 sessions, though this varies. Restless legs that have been troubling you for years won't vanish overnight. Think of it as a gradual rebalancing rather than a quick fix.
An initial course of 6-10 treatments is typically recommended, with sessions once or twice weekly. After that, you and your practitioner can assess progress and decide whether to continue, space treatments further apart, or move to occasional maintenance sessions.
Supporting Your Treatment: The Lifestyle Piece
Acupuncture works best when it's part of a broader approach to calming your restless legs. Here are practical steps that can amplify your treatment effects:
Improve your sleep environment Make your bedroom genuinely restful. Dark curtains. Comfortable temperature. Quiet. Regular bedtimes. Your nervous system craves consistency.
Mind your iron levels If you haven't had your ferritin levels checked recently, it's worth doing. The RLS-UK charity notes that measurement of ferritin, rather than just iron, provides a more accurate assessment of iron stores. Low ferritin can indicate low iron availability in the brain even when blood iron seems normal.
Current guidelines suggest considering iron supplementation when ferritin is 75 μg/L or below. However, always work with your GP or healthcare provider on this — iron supplementation needs proper monitoring.
Move gently and regularly Gentle walking, stretching, or swimming can help. But avoid intense exercise close to bedtime, as this can sometimes aggravate symptoms.
Watch your triggers Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking have all been linked to worsening RLS symptoms. Even if you don't want to eliminate them completely, try reducing intake — particularly in the evening — and see what happens.
Manage stress Easier said than done, we know. But chronic stress can aggravate just about any health condition, and restless legs are no exception. The breathing exercises and meditation techniques often incorporated into TCM treatment can help here.
Try warmth and massage Some people find warm baths, heat pads, or gentle leg massage soothing before bed. These simple self-care measures can be surprisingly effective when used consistently.
Questions You Might Be Wondering
Is acupuncture painful? Most people are pleasantly surprised. The needles are much finer than those used for injections — about the width of a human hair. You might feel a brief pinch on insertion or a mild tingly sensation as the point is stimulated, but this typically passes quickly. Many patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing.
Can I do acupuncture alongside my medication? Usually, yes. Acupuncture can work alongside conventional treatments. In fact, research suggests that combining acupuncture with medication may allow for lower doses while maintaining good symptom control. Always keep both your GP and your acupuncturist informed about all treatments you're receiving.
How quickly will I notice results? This varies. Some people feel immediate relief — their legs feel calmer after just one or two sessions. For others, benefits build gradually over several weeks. Most practitioners suggest committing to at least 6 sessions before deciding whether acupuncture is helping.
What if it doesn't work for me? Not everyone responds the same way to acupuncture. If you've tried 6-10 sessions with no improvement, it may not be the right approach for you.
Are there any risks or side effects? When performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is very safe. Mild bruising at needle sites can occasionally occur. Rarely, people feel briefly lightheaded after treatment. Serious complications are extremely uncommon when treatment is delivered by a properly trained acupuncturist.
The Bottom Line
Restless legs syndrome isn't just an irritation; it can genuinely disrupt your life. Poor sleep affects everything: your mood, your energy, your work, your relationships.
While we can't promise acupuncture will eliminate your symptoms entirely, the evidence suggests it can help many people find relief. Combined with attention to iron levels, lifestyle modifications, and stress management, acupuncture offers a natural, well-tolerated approach that works with your body's own healing capacity.
Is it right for you? That depends on your individual situation. But if you're tired of tossing and turning, if medications aren't quite doing the job or you're concerned about long-term use, if you're looking for a more holistic approach, acupuncture may be worth exploring.
Ready to calm those restless legs?
We're based in Blanchardstown near Castleknock, with evening appointments available. Book an appointment to discuss how acupuncture might help your restless legs. Call (01) 524 0874 or book online.
AcuFusion Clinic offers acupuncture and integrative medicine services in Dublin. William J.J. O'Donnell is an AFPA-registered acupuncturist with over a decade of clinical experience. All needles are sterile, single-use, and treatments are delivered in a calm, professional environment with fully private treatment rooms.