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Finding relief in Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine sees disorder such Restless Leg Syndrome as a pattern of symptoms and is common in traditional Chinese medicines. The belief is that the excessive movement of the legs is directly related to internal conditions, such as live blood deficiency. It is believed that because the symptoms occur mostly at night and interferes with sleep, the "weiqi" that circulates in the body does not return completely to the interior of the body at night - what is thought to be caused by a fluid deficiency.

Armed with this information, Chinese medical treatments will revolve around increasing deficiencies in the body as well as ensuring proper blood circulation. Herbs would be the first treatment given, a welcome remedy for those who prefer non-medicinal treatments, would focus on the liver and kidney with herbs called Rehmanna and Corrus, to add nourishment and help vitalize the blood, while directing blood to the lower body. These deficiencies can also be treated by eating meat, primarily a meat-like liver that is high in iron and folate.

A major part of Chinese medicine is the use of herbs. For instance, tang-kuei and peony are used for nourishing the blood of the liver and heart, the herbs Millettia and Achyranthes are similar as they will also nourish the blood, but also vitalize it while drawing the blood to the lower part of the body. Focusing on the discomfort in the legs, a major symptom of RLS, Chaenomeles is used to calm these symptoms. Included in this treatment would be the herbs peony and licorice, known to also calm the involuntary movements in the legs.

While traditional Chinese medicine is important in treating many symptoms and disorders, the practice is not based on any modern beliefs, such as physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy. Though the remedies focus on improving circulation and blood deficiencies, the medical practice is actually not based on any type of cell chemistry, circulation knowledge or nerve function. Instead the focus is on deficiency in the body that is treated with herbs and diet.

To bring greater acceptance to the practice of Chinese medical treatments, some studies have been done in reference to RLS. In two separate studies, patients with RLS were provided with a combination of herbs that included Peony and Licorice. Known for their help in circulation, when combined with Achyranthes, salvia and Pueraria the compound will vitalize the circulation in the body, along with calming involuntary leg movements. The herb Pueraria has only been used in the last 30 years as a blood vitalizer.

More modern writings have come to offer support the practices of Chinese medicine, particularly in reference to RLS, as there does seem to be a connection in the relation of RLS and metabolism of the brain, which the Chinese believe to a sign of kidney deficiency, also included in this relationship is heart deficiency thought to influence the brain activities; bringing the idea full circle and seemingly supporting Chinese beliefs and practices.