Restless Leg Syndrome: Energy Work-Based Techniques to Combat RLS

Although restless leg syndrome can vary in its symptoms and severity-from mild and benign to severe and debilitating-it's always a nuisance. For moderate and severe cases, help is available with nutritional supplements and even in prescription medication. If restless leg syndrome is a chronic or debilitating problem (significant loss of sleep, etc.) for you, a visit to the doctor may be in order.

Those with an occasional night or two of inexplicably jittery, crazy, creepy-crawly energetic legs may benefit from the simple 'energy work' derived techniques offered below. And there's no reason those with severe cases cannot incorporate them into a larger remedial program.

Within an energetic framework, there's reason to assume excessive energy has accumulated in the legs, and has not been properly incorporated or otherwise distributed throughout the body, or even out of the body. Although this may seem a simplistic notion, it does generally describe allopathic theories of the syndrome; circulation issues have been cited as causation, etc.

There are several techniques that can help encourage the excessive and/or misplaced energies in the legs; below are my recommendations.

Stretching and/or yoga

Obviously, stretching is not necessarily energy work, but it is certainly warranted prior to or in combination with any therapy or technique for dispersing energy in the legs. A focused, sustained effort is required. Use any and all athletic-style and/or yoga leg stretches you know, and if you are not familiar with any, there are great resources. As you maintain each stretch or yoga position, visualize the fibers of your muscles, your tendons, fascia, etc. lengthening, and releasing little clouds of stress, problems, toxins, or whatever seems comfortable or appropriate to envision letting go.

After stretching, find a clear spot on in an area on the floor and wall. Lying on the floor with your legs straight out, scoot up against the wall so you are perpendicular to it; one entire side of your body should be touching the wall. Now, maneuver your body so that your legs are straight up against the wall, pointing toward the ceiling, and your bottom is very firmly resting against the intersection of floor and wall. Your body should conform to an L shape; your torso ahead, and arms resting on the floor. Use any pillows or bolsters necessary for comfort and support in he lower back and neck area.

Maintain a focused posture, legs straight up, but with knees unlocked (meaning to have the slightest bend so the joint is not unduly stressed.) This posture should be held for at least 5 full minutes, but can also last much longer if desired. This is a great way to counteract the effects of gravity, and goes a long way to 'drain' and circulate stagnant blood, lymph fluids, and 'ki', the energetic life force described within the Oriental modalities.

Acupressure technique

I have found there's a particular acupressure point that really works in redirecting stagnant energies in the legs. The point is easily found; simply locate the very top point of your inside ankle bone of your left foot. With the four fingers of your right hand tightly together, and all your fingers extended forming a 'salute' position, place your pinky right at the very top, above the ankle protrusion. Maintaining the salute, keep your extended fingers perpendicular to the length of your foot, find the acupressure point by pressing down (with moderate to heavy pressure) your index finger.

You should feel a fairly strong zingy to painful sensation. If it is mild or not very intense, gently prod around the area with the same pressure to find the point. You can relax your hand position once the point is located. Continue to use finger pressure on the point until it subsides completely, or is otherwise reduced. Repeat the technique on your right leg, using your left hand to find the same point, and use the same pressure to disperse the zingy or painful sensation at the point.

Crystals and Eggs

Run cold water over a clear quartz crystal for a minute or so. While barefoot and standing, hold the crystal and rub it over your legs in a downward movement, starting at the top of your hips, clear down to past your toes to the floor. If the crystal is smooth and larger, you can use it on bare legs. If it's smaller and/or jagged, you can rub it on your legs covered in pants. You can even use the crystal and described movements over your legs, about an inch or so away; the crystal doesn't even have to touch your legs.

You can take this a bit further and perform this technique outside. Go through the above steps, and make sure you take each downward stroke to the ground. If after going through this technique several times, and you still desire more effect, bury the crystal in the ground after completing the technique, and forget about it completely.

You can likewise use an egg for this technique. Simply use the methods described above, but use an egg (just a regular grocery-store style chicken's egg.) Include the initial cold water washing, and take the movements down to the floor. Be extra careful not to break the egg. When the technique is complete, break the egg in the sink, discard the shell, and forget about it. If performing the technique outside (preferred method) dig a small patch of earth, break the egg into the hole, and cover it back up along with the shell. A note: make sure this is an area where it will not harm animals who may dig up and eat a raw egg quickly. It should start decomposing benignly within a couple days.

Aura wash

Just before bedtime, mix a cup of baking soda and a cup of salt (it does not have to be sea salt or fancy-just regular cheap table salt will do) into a plastic container, to form a scrub. Either sitting on the side of the tub, or standing in the shower, with bare legs and water running, get your legs wet. Turn the water off or stand away from it. Take some of the scrub, and starting at the top of your legs, rub it down your legs toward your feet. Use both of your hands, as if you are 'milking' or pushing something out of your legs through your feet. Continue this action on both legs, taking care to cover all areas of your legs and feet with downward motions. Use all of the scrub, and splash water on your legs as necessary to maintain a proper gliding motion and texture. When the scrub is gone, rinse the scrub off. You may wish to then use some soap on your legs to make sure all the scrub is rinsed.

A note

Although these techniques may seem unorthodox, they are rooted in existing, tried and true energy work paradigms. I have had positive feedback from my own clients after recommending and even performing some of these techniques myself; it's great to learn ways to take control of your own health crises. However, if your restless leg syndrome symptoms are severe or are not relieved with these or any other remedies, do not hesitate to take the issue to your doctor.