If you suffer from an urge to move your legs, especially when you’re trying to rest or sleep, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is a disorder that affects the nervous system. Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like tingling, crawling, or cramping.

Restless Leg Syndrome treatment in Ayurveda effectively gives relief from troublesome symptoms and significantly improves sleep with the use of herbal medicines, massage, balancing diet & lifestyle and regular practice of yoga asana.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis Ekbom Disease, is a neurological disorder that causes a strong urge to move one’s legs. This urge is usually worse when at rest, such as when sitting or lying down. Moving the legs often relieves the urge temporarily.

RLS can occur at any age, but it is more common in middle-aged and older adults. Women are more likely than men to have RLS. The disorder runs in families, so it may be inherited.

Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms

Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensation like tingling, crawling, or cramping. The urge to move may be so strong that it interferes with your daily activities. The condition is often worse at night and can lead to sleep disturbances. Restless leg syndrome can cause fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

Some of the symptoms experienced are:

  • Itchiness
  • “Pins and needles” and unpleasant sensation like buzzing
  • Numbness
  • Muscle aches
  • General uncomfortable feelings in the limbs, arms or other body parts
  • Twitching or jerking
  • An uncontrollable desire to move, especially when sitting or lying down.
  • A worsening of symptoms at night or whilst attempting to sleep

Health complications of restless leg syndrome

Severe RLS can cause a number of health complications, including:

  • Fatigue: The constant urge to move can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, leading to fatigue during the day.
  • Sleep Disorder: Restless legs syndrome is often worse at night, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can change your sleep pattern, leading to insomnia.
  • Daytime sleepiness: The fatigue and insomnia associated with restless legs syndrome can cause daytime sleepiness. This can make it difficult to concentrate and increase the risk of accidents.
  • Anxiety and depression: Restless legs syndrome can cause anxiety and depression due to the lack of sleep and the constant feeling of fatigue.

If you’re experiencing any of these complications, talk to your doctor. Restless legs syndrome can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but there are treatments that can help.

Diagnosis

There is no one test that can diagnose RLS. Instead, the diagnosis is made based on symptoms and a medical history. Your doctor may also order blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as low levels of Iron, Magnesium and Calcium in the body.

If you think you may have restless legs syndrome, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can help you find the best treatment option for you.

Causes of restless legs syndrome

The exact cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown, but there are several factors that may play a role. These include:

Genetics: Restless legs syndrome tends to run in families, so it’s thought that genetics may play a role.

Iron deficiency: Iron is essential for the proper function of the nervous system. Low Iron can cause restless legs syndrome.

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Kidney failure: Kidney failure can lead to iron deficiency and anemia, which can trigger restless legs syndrome.

Pregnancy: Restless legs syndrome is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It’s thought that the hormonal changes of pregnancy may play a role.

Certain medications: Some medications, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, can cause restless legs syndrome.

Medical Condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure and neurological disorders as Parkinson’s Disease.

If you think you may have restless legs syndrome, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can help you find the best treatment option for you.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Restless Legs

In Ayurveda, restless leg syndrome is caused by an imbalance of the vata dosha. This can be due to a number of factors, including stress, dehydration, and mineral deficiencies.

Vata is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, or body types, and is associated with the elements of air and space. Vata dosha imbalance is often characterized by dryness, coldness, and irregularity, which can all contribute to RLS, anxiety and insomnia.

Some of the factors that cause vata imbalance include over exercising, excess fasting, excessive indulgence in sexual activities, too much drying and bitter foods.

RLS can be compared to Gridhrasi, a condition characterised by nerve pain in the lower limbs. RLS patients typically also experience itching, numbness and strange sensations in the legs.

Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment: Ayurvedic Approach

RLS Ayurvedic treatment involves dietary changes, herbal supplements, and massages. These treatments help to re balance the vata dosha and reduce the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

In addition, Ayurvedic practitioner often recommends lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and relaxation techniques, to help prevent future imbalances. By following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce the symptom of restless leg syndrome and improve your overall health.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Treatment of Restless legs

There are a number of Ayurvedic medicine and home remedies that can be used for the treatment of restless legs.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Restless Leg Syndrome-min
  1. Ashwagandha is one such herb that has been traditionally used for a range of conditions, including restless legs. This herb is known to help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be two of the main triggers for restless legs.
  2. Bala is a potent rejuvenating Ayurvedic medicine that is highly effective for treating restless legs. This herb is known for its ability to calm the mind, which can be helpful in reducing the symptom of restless legs.
  3. Guggulu is an ayurvedic herb that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can be helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with restless legs.
  4. Kapikacchu: is an ayurvedic herb that has been traditionally used for the treatment of nervous disorders. This herb helps to calm the nervous system and reduce the symptoms of restless legs.
  5. Nutmeg: is an Ayurvedic spice that has traditionally been used for the treatment of nervous disorders. This spice helps to calm the nerves and reduce the symptoms of restless legs.
  6. Massage: Massaging the affected area with warm medicated oil can help to reduce the symptoms of restless legs. This is because massage helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
  7. Lavender oil has a calming effect on the body, which can help to reduce anxiety and improve your sleep.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle tips to prevent & treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Practicing an Ayurvedic lifestyle can really help to balance vata dosha and support the health of your nervous system functioning. Here are the most important lifestyle changes that you should be making to find relief from restless legs:

Ayurvedic Tips for RLS-min
  1. Sleep: Restless leg syndrome can be aggravated by sleep disturbances, so it is important to make sure that you are getting enough rest. Ayurveda recommends sleeping for 7-8 hours every night in order to give your body the time it needs to heal and repair itself.
  2. Diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. This will help to pacify vata dosha and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
  3. Exercise: Exercise is an important part of keeping your body and mind healthy. Ayurveda recommends moderate exercise like walking or yoga to keep your muscles strong and your joints mobile.
  4. Ayurvedic treatments: You can also find relief from restless legs with Ayurvedic treatments like abhyanga (massage with warm oil), shirodhara (pouring of warm oil on the forehead), and Swedana (steam therapy).
  5. Deep Breathing: Taking some time out for deep breathing exercises can help to calm the mind and reduce stress levels, both of which can trigger restless legs.
  6. Stretching Exercises: Simple stretching exercises can help to relieve the tension in your muscles and improve circulation, both of which can help to reduce the symptoms of restless legs.
  7. Healthy Lifestyle: Remove alcohol, smoking and caffeine if you are dependent on them. They can really aggravate vata dosha and immediately trigger RLS symptoms.
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Nutrition for RLS Treatment

There are a few nutrients that your body could be lacking when you have restless legs. Here are the most important minerals and vitamins that you need to replenish for RLS treatment naturally:

  1. Iron: Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which is part of your red blood cells. If you don’t have enough iron, your red blood cells can’t carry enough oxygen to your muscles, which can make you feel tired and weak.
  2. Magnesium: It helps your muscles relax, so if you’re deficient in magnesium, your muscles may be tense and twitchy.
  3. Vitamin D: It helps your body absorb calcium, and calcium is important for muscle contraction and relaxation. If you don’t have enough vitamin D, your muscles may not be able to function properly.
  4. Folic acid: It is important for cell growth and repair, so if you’re deficient in folic acid, your cells may not be able to heal properly.

Yoga Asana for Restless Leg Treatment

Yoga can help improve circulation and ease muscle tension. It can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation. There are a number of yoga poses that can be helpful for treating restless legs syndrome.

Yoga for Restless Leg Syndrome-min
  1. Reclining hand-to-big-toe pose: This pose helps to stretch and lengthen the muscles in the legs. It also helps to improve circulation.
  2. Chair Pose: It helps to strengthen the muscles in the legs and improve circulation. It can also help to ease tension in the back and shoulders.
  3. Child’s Pose: It helps to stretch the muscles in the back and legs. It can also help to ease tension and promote relaxation.
  4. Legs up the wall: This pose helps to improve circulation and ease tension in the legs. It can also help to promote relaxation.

If you’re new to yoga, it’s important to start slowly and consult with a yoga instructor. They can help you modify the poses to meet your needs and make sure you’re doing them correctly.

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Takeaway

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes an urge to move the legs, often accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation. The condition can lead to difficulty sleeping and can be painful. While there is no single treatment for restless leg syndrome, a holistic approach as Ayurveda offers can help to relieve symptoms and provide long term relief.

If you are interested in trying Ayurveda medicine for your condition, it is important to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor a treatment specifically for you. In addition, your Ayurvedic doctor will also assist you to figure out the best diet and foods to take and which meals to avoid to regain strength and better health.

Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.

FAQ
1. Can Ayurveda cure RLS?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effectiveness of Ayurveda in treating RLS depends on the individual’s unique constitution and the underlying cause of their condition. However, in many cases, Ayurvedic treatment can be extremely helpful in relieving the symptoms of RLS. The first step is to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, who will assess your individual constitution and recommend a course of treatment accordingly. This may involve dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and the use of herbs and other natural remedies. With the guidance of a qualified practitioner, you can explore whether Ayurveda is an effective treatment for your RLS.

2. What foods trigger restless leg syndrome?

There is no one specific food that has been shown to trigger restless leg syndrome. However, there are some general dietary guidelines that may help to minimize symptoms. First, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help to ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly. Second, you should avoid eating processed foods and sugary snacks. These can irritate the digestive system and trigger inflammation. Finally, you should make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps to keep the body’s systems running smoothly and can reduce the likelihood of experiencing cramps or other muscle spasms. If you follow these dietary guidelines, you may be able to minimize your symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

3. How do you calm restless legs naturally?

There are a few things you can do to help calm restless legs naturally. First, try massaging your legs with a mixture of warm olive oil and lavender essential oil. This will help to relax the muscles and soothe the nerves. You can also try taking a warm bath with Epsom salt and lavender oil. This will help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Finally, make sure you are getting enough magnesium in your diet. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and nervous system. You can get magnesium from green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. You can also take a magnesium supplement if needed. If you follow these steps, you should be able to calm your restless legs naturally.

Ayurvedic Treatment Restless Leg Syndrome-min

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About the Author

Dr. Pawan Bansal (Ayurveda Acharya)

Namaskar! I am a registered Medical Practitioner with more than 40 years of experience in Ayurvedic and Herbal treatment. Ayurvedic principles allow us to awaken the incredible physician within our body, help us to attain our potential, to perform, and to heal naturally.
Some areas in which I have successfully applied Ayurvedic medicine – Cysts, PCOS, Obesity, Fibroids, Infertility, Chronic Digestive Disorders, Autoimmune Disorders such as ​Thyroiditis, IBS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Joint Pain, Inflammation, Chronic Cough, and Sinusitis.

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