Acupuncture

[MagpieLane]

My medication protocol/journey for RLS has been rocky, to say the least. Was hoping someone had some experience with acupuncture, since I’ve exhausted most drug possibilities. Any tips/advice?

[Madlegs1]

See jebsat post. Previous !!😝

[SueJohnson]

Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help, support and understanding here.

Put acupuncture in the search box and you can find other posts. Some find it helpful bit most don't.

Please tell us about your medication experience and what you are taking now and how much and we can help you.

Have you had your ferritin checked? If so what was it? This is the first thing that should be done for RLS. Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not ask your doctor for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including in a multivitamin 48 hours before the test, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before and fast after midnight. Have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is less than 20 ask for an iron infusion to quickly bring it up as this will help your withdrawal. If you can't get an infusion, let us know and we can advise you further.

Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise.

Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

By the way it would really help us to give you advice if you would indicate on your profile what country you live in and your gender.

[Joolsg]

When I was augmenting on Ropinirole, I wasted a fortune in supplements, diets, devices, osteopathy and acupuncture treatments.I saw professors in acupuncture from China at the Camden acupuncture academy in London. They were honest and said acupuncture was unlikely to help RLS. They were right.

It may help mild RLS or RLS that hasn't been ramped up by dopamine agonists, but the general view, confirmed by research articles, is that acupuncture won't help RLS.

What medications are you currently taking? What is your serum ferritin level?

[Elisse3]

Acupuncture never helped my RLS. 🙁

[Simkin]

I agree with Joolsg. I also paid a fortune on alternative treatments. Diets etc. Even laying on of hands.None of them, including acupuncture, helped one jot.

[Jumpey]

Acupuncture didn't help me at all sadly.

[2islandboy]

I saw a famous professor of Acupuncture, who told be that he could not help me. I eventually went to the Harvard Sleep Center and they "cured" me with iron infusions and 2X daily 500MG gabapentin. I went from severe RL to zero RL. It's been a year now and I'm super. Find a university sleep center/specialist.

[RiversW]

Unfortunately, acupuncture never relieved my RLS and I gave it a long try. I also tried many OTC meds, supplements and herbs. I was even seen in Brasil by members of a religion who channel spirits. I hoped they could exorcise RLS from my body. Nope and yes, I was desperate. Ultimately, Buprenorphine has been the only medication that has succeeded in giving me relief. But I continue to believe people need to work through the remedies, starting with the least intrusive, until hopefully, they find the answer. If acupuncture works for someone that's great. Good for them! Relief is relief!

[SueJohnson in reply to RiversW]

My laugh for the day "hoped they could exorcise RLS from my body."

[RiversW in reply to SueJohnson]

It's a true story Sue. A close friend who belongs to this order offered to take me with the hope that I might get some help and though I was skeptical, my RLS was so severe I was ready for anything. It would take too long for me to describe all that happened during the 6 hours I was at their service, but suffice it to say that it was fascinating and the people were incredibly kind and generous. Really lovely. Even though all their ministrations were unsuccessful, I felt nothing but respect for those involved. Sometimes I can't help myself from trying to be funny. However, in this case I am only making fun of myself and not the people who I believe were sincerely trying to help me.

I am still happy I made your "laugh of the day.!"