Restless legs is a condition difficult to explain, but it tempts one to move the legs and surely the difficulty is relieved only by the movement. According to Dr. Margaret Stearn “ It is not pins-and-needles, but is more like a crawling, prickling and tingling irritation just under the skin”
Restless legs come when you are to rest for a while like sitting in the same position in flight or cinemas or lying or sleeping. The calves of both legs are involved mostly, sometimes thighs and feet also involved. Rarely people with the same issue in their arms were also reported. As said, the only way to get rid of the irritation is by moving your legs or walk. When you try to keep still, the painful ache crosses the limits and forces to move.
Restless legs is well described in Ayurveda classics. In Ashtangahridaya nidana, the vitiated Vayu located in bones is described as the cause of this disease.
Ashtisth: sakthisandhyasthi shoolam theevram balakshayam||
( Ashtanga hrdayam Nidana stana Chapter 15/)
The nomenclatures of this dreadful agony are Vatakhudatha, Sakthisadham, Padaharsham, and Saksthigraham. The symptoms of Padaharsham is understood as the feet having tingling (pins and needles) sensation and loss of tactile sensation arising from the aggravation of Kapha and Vayu.
What is the main cause of restless leg syndrome?
The real reason for restless legs is not known, but the most appreciated hypothesis is the lack of dopamine in an area of the brain or spinal cord. The lack of neurotransmitter Dopamine is identified as the reason for Parkinson’s which has the similar symptoms, so the reason for the absence of Dopamine has gained credibility.
The observations from different studies make clear that the real reason of Restless legs cannot be easily traced.
- Restless starts in some pregnant or pregnancy worsen
- Smoking, caffeine, and alcohol make it worse.
- Stress and strain trigger the condition.
- Deficiency of iron in elderly also manifests the symptoms.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, renal disorders show similar feeling.
- A pattern of heredity is found in more than 40 % patients.
- Regular intake of medicines like Ca channel blockers, anti depressants, tranquilizers, antihistamines etc also marked as a cause.
Ayurvedic classics refer to the causes vitiation of Vata and Kapha as the reason for restless legs. The food which increases Vata and Kapha, premature initiation of urges like urine, faeces etc, keeping awake at nights and sleeping in the day time, fear, worry, excessive physical activities and Sexual intercourse increases Kapha and increased Kapha blocks the channels in the body and in turn increases Vata in the body. So the basic quality of movement of Vata is abandoned by this physiologic imbalance and the same happened in the lower extremities manifests as restless legs. Kampa Vata is the terminology used in the classical Ayurvedic books and involuntary tremors and difficulty in walking are the symptoms of this dreadful disease.
Restless leg syndrome Symptoms
- Uncomfortable itchy, pins and needles or creep crawly feelings in the leg, aggravate on rest.
- Sleeplessness in the night.
- Urge to move
Causes
- Mostly idiopathic
- Chronic diseases.
- Parkinsons’ disease.
- Renal Diseases.
- Diabetes
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Trauma
- Infections
What helps restless legs go away?
Lifestyle Modifications Such as:
- Quit smoking
- Proper stress management
- Engage in interesting activities
- Avoid day sleep.
- Manage circulation to the legs.
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda considers RLS as the impairment of the nervous system. According to Ayurveda physiology, vitiated Vata locates in the bones and blocks the channels of nervous transmission. This block results in the improper transmission of the motor functions and finally manifests as RLS.
Ayurveda treats patients, not the disease. So there will be a general line of treatment and a customized prescription for individual patients depending on the variables like body nature, causes, pathology, and others.
Ayurvedic Treatment For RLS
The digestive power of the patient is evaluated and any issues with the digestion are addressed initially. The root cause for the vitiation of Vata is identified and the extent of the progression of the disease is evaluated. The advices to avoid the reasons are given and treatment to bring the vitiated Vata to the normalcy is initiated. In addition, the damages caused to the internal tissues and organs are addressed properly and rejuvenative treatments are started. All should be incorporated wisely, not affecting the normal metabolism of the body. So the result of the treatment is the complete or partial cure of RLS and not causing any side effects resulting in a new disease. This is the pure treatment concept of the mighty medical science- Ayurveda.
The physicians may use a large set of medicines to manage the complications of RLS depending on body nature, the extent of disease, prognosis, etc. Commonly used medicines are listed below and this is for information only and not to replace professional medical advice.
Best Ayurvedic Medicines for RLS
Kashayam/ Decoctions
- Ashtavargam Kashayam
- Sahacharadi Kashayam
- Dhanwantharam Kashayam
- Pachanamrutham Kashayam.
- Amruthotharam Kashayam
- Rasnadi Kashayam
- Dasamoola Rasnadi Kashayam
- Dhanadanayanadi Kashayam
- Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
- Maharasnadi Kashayam
- Punarnavadi Kashayam
- Rasonadi Kashayam
Before incorporating any health supplement into your routine, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. For a Free consultation, click here!
Ayurveda Oils for internal use in RLS.
- Kshirabala 101 Avarthi
- Dhanwantharam 101 Avarthi
- Bala Tailam
- Gandha Tailam
- Maharajaprasarini Tailam
Ayurveda Tablets/ Gulika for RLS
- Yogaraja Gulgulu Vati
- Kaisore Gulggulu Vati
- Shaddharanam Gulika
Oils for external application for RLS
- Sahacharadi Tailam
- Dhanwantharam Tailam
- Supti Tailam
- Pinda Tailam
Panchkarma Therapy
Panchkarma is internal cleansing. It consists of three layer administration- Poorva Karma ( Before the main procedure), Karma ( Main procedure) and Paschat Karma ( After the main procedure). The commonly used external therapies are listed below. This is the general outline of the management, which may be customized for the individuals.
- Sneha Panam ( Intake of medicated Ghee)
- Sneha Karma ( Fomentation)
- Virechana ( Medicated laxation)
- Vasti ( Medicated enema)
- SPS – ( Shastika Pinda Swedam)
- Pizhchil
- PPS Patra podala swedam
- Udwarthanam
Yoga for RLS
- Uttanasana: Standing Forward Fold
- Vipariti Karani: Legs Up the Wall Pose
- Tadasana: Mountain Pose
- Paschimottonasana: Seated Forward Fold
- Janu Sirsasana: Seated Forward Fold Variation
- Trikonasana:Triangle Pose
- Naukasana: Boat Pose
- Bhujangasana:Cobra Pose
- Setu Bandhanasana: Supported Bridge Pose
- Balasana: Child’s Pose
- Vrikshasana :Tree Pose
- Adho Mukho Svanasana: Downward Facing Dog Pose
What foods trigger restless leg syndrome?
As discussed above, RLS patients have impaired digestive systems. Chocolates and fried foods can be avoided and light foods that are easy to digest are advised. Sprouted cereals and grains are very good for RLS.
