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    neurological

    Restless legs syndrome (adjunctive care)

    Also known as: restless legs syndrome, RLS, Willis-Ekbom disease

    Restless legs syndrome causes an urge to move the legs, worse at night. Checking iron levels and reviewing medicines are first steps; Chinese medicine sees it as Blood deficiency with internal Wind, Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency or Qi and Blood stagnation.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Ask your GP to check iron (ferritin) levels.
    • •Regular moderate exercise and a consistent sleep routine help.
    • •Cut back caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, especially in the evening.
    • •Leg massage or a warm bath before bed can ease symptoms.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Do not stop prescribed RLS medication without the treating doctor.[]
    • •Avoid deep needling of the calf if DVT is suspected.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Track symptom nights per week and sleep quality every 4 weeks; recheck ferritin with the GP.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Restless legs syndrome — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Restless legs syndrome — NICE CKS
      NICE · 2023
    3. Cui et al. — Acupuncture for restless legs syndrome (Cochrane)
      Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2008
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.