Reflexology and Restless Leg Syndrome

Managing Symptoms of this Neurological Disorder of the Legs

Aug 27, 2009

Clients with restless legs and limb movement disorders may find relief from symptoms by incorporating Reflexology sessions into their wellness plans.

Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological disorder that affects the legs by causing unpleasant sensations in the legs. It is accompanied by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs when they are at rest – sitting, reclining or lying down.

The two types of sensations are called parasthesias: abnormal sensations, and dysesthesias: unpleasant abnormal sensations. They are described as feelings ranging from crawling, to burning, tugging and more. Characteristically the sensations are activated during relaxation of the legs.

Reflexology for RLS

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. website suggests persons with RLS explore non-drug activities that may help, “These could include walking, stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massaging, acupressure, or relaxation techniques.”

Anecdotally Reflexology seems to be effective in helping people lessen the severity of their symptoms and of course promote an overall sense of wellbeing. The writer had one client who always came in for a Foot Reflexology session before cross-country flights which were described as “agonizing” for the RLS sufferer without the session. In other case studies clients received sessions to maintain a level of tolerant symptoms as a way of maintenance care. Extra sessions were required on occasion when a flare-up of symptoms presented themselves, sometimes triggered by stress.

Reflexology and the Nerves

In Reflexology the practitioner is applying pressure techniques to the feet which are sending messages to the brain through the nerve pathways. Reflexology promotes full-body relaxation and encourages balance of every organ, gland and body part through the reflex maps. For people with RLS it may also promote better nerve function and messaging.

One pathway is called the Spinothalamic tract, which is responsible for affective sensation; this tract transmits information that requires an action from the body. For example, the foot will retract when stepping on a sharp object or the user will scratch an itch.

Another pathway is the Extrapyramidal tract, which is responsible for involuntary, unconscious and automatic movement of the skeletal system. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a branch of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, more than 80% of people diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome also have a condition called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). This disorder causes involuntary twitching and jerking movements of the legs during sleep, as often as every 10 to 60 seconds. PLMD causes disruption to sleeping cycles as the sleeper is jolted awake repeatedly through an episode, which may last the whole night.

Foot Reflexology and Energy Meridians

While Foot Reflexology has its own map, mirroring organs and parts of the body on the feet, energy meridians are also found in the feet. The Oriental medicine theories describe the meridians as energy pathways and are used in modalities such as acupuncture, and shiatsu. Meridians are not specifically associated with body parts like Reflexology is but more the essence or qi of a part of the body.

The writer uses pressure techniques on the meridian points that begin or end in the feet to encourage a deeper level of relaxation in sessions. While the direct cause of Restless Leg Syndrome remains unknown clients respond positively to the combination of Reflexology techniques and meridian stimulation.

Including Reflexology in an RLS Treatment Plan

The client should consult with his general practitioner before embarking on new fitness plans or introducing dietary changes. Both are considered key components to drug-free treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome. Create a team of health professionals and encourage that they share pertinent information related to the client’s health or improvement.

For example, if it is determined that the RLS sufferer has anemia or low iron levels the nutritionist on the team will need to know how to coach her client on food sources of iron. Then the Reflexologist will need to know so she can emphasize techniques on the duodenum (where iron is absorbed into the body), as well as the liver and spleen (where iron reserves are stored).

Reflexology can be used alongside drug treatment plans as well as non-drug treatment plans, it is an integrative modality. Either way, the Reflexologist will be happy to recommend self-help techniques for the client to employ between sessions. One simple technique the practitioner may recommend will require a partner to gently hold points along the toes, called the Meridian Toe Hold. Other techniques can be applied without assistance from a loved one.

The copyright of the article Reflexology and Restless Leg Syndrome in Reflexology is owned by Amy Kreydin. Permission to republish Reflexology and Restless Leg Syndrome in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.