From the Guidelines
Acupuncture is not recommended as a primary treatment for restless leg syndrome (RLS) based on the provided evidence. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guidelines 1 do not mention acupuncture as a recommended treatment for RLS.
Instead, the guidelines suggest the use of ferrous sulfate, dipyridamole, extended-release oxycodone, and bilateral high-frequency peroneal nerve stimulation as potential treatments for RLS, depending on the patient's specific condition and medical history 1.
While acupuncture may be considered as a complementary therapy, its effectiveness in treating RLS is not well-established, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations 1.
Some patients may still want to try acupuncture as a complementary approach, and it is essential to discuss this with a healthcare provider first. A licensed acupuncturist with experience in treating neurological conditions should be consulted, and patients should continue any prescribed medications while trying acupuncture.
Common acupuncture points used for RLS include those along the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians, particularly points like LV3, SP6, and KI3. Acupuncture may work by stimulating the release of endorphins, improving circulation to the legs, and regulating neurotransmitters involved in RLS.
However, the primary focus should be on established treatments, and patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Restless Leg Syndrome
- Non-pharmacological measures such as massage or temperate baths may provide adequate symptom control for some people with RLS 2
- First-line management options include iron-replacement therapy, gabapentin, pregabalin, and dopamine agonists such as pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine 2, 3
- Second-line therapies include intravenous iron infusion and opioids such as tramadol, oxycodone, and methadone 2, 3
- The direct dopamine receptor agonists, including pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole, and cabergoline, have been shown to alleviate RLS symptoms in 70 to 100% of patients 4
- Alpha-2-delta ligands, including gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, and pregabalin, are effective for RLS without known occurrence of augmentation or impulse control disorders 3, 5
Acupuncture for Restless Leg Syndrome
- There is no mention of acupuncture as a treatment option for restless leg syndrome in the provided studies 2, 3, 5, 4, 6
- The studies focus on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, but do not discuss alternative therapies such as acupuncture 2, 3, 5, 4, 6
Limitations of Current Treatments
- Long-term use of dopaminergic treatment can result in a serious worsening of symptoms known as augmentation 3, 4, 6
- Augmentation occurs in up to 82% of patients treated with levodopa, limiting the long-term usefulness of this agent 4
- Other treatments, such as opioids, may have adverse effects and are not recommended as first-line therapy 3, 5