piercing the upper ear to help with RLS

[ssmlady56]

I've started researching whether RLS can be helped by an upper ear piercing. Has anyone helped with this?

I have had RLS for many years, in the past few years it has gotten to the point that medication isn't helping any longer. My Dr. has tried several different dosages but it isn't helping as much any longer.

Thanks.

Elaine MacDonald

[Madlegs1]

Why piercing? And why the upper ear in particular?

Is there a Chakra or body line support for this?

I can understand that there might be a reasoned background to this, but would love to hear the thinking behind it.

Or maybe you are just looking for any excuse to pierce your ear despite your parents objections??🤡🤔😎

Do let us know the outcome.

Cheers.

[ssmlady56 in reply to Madlegs1]

No I don't need my parents permission, I'm 63. I have a friend that says that it has worked for her. I want more evidence before I take that step.

[Hidden]

This sounds like acupuncture. I vaguely recall that some meridians go through the ear.

I watched a film some years ago where someone has surgery to remove their thyroid gland with no anaesthetic, only an acupuncture needle in their ear. So there may be some basis for what you say.

[ssmlady56 in reply to Hidden]

One of the things that I have read about online is permanent acupuncture implants. Not enough evidence to this point to warrant trying it.

[Hidden in reply to ssmlady56]

I found one randomised controlled trial showing acupuncture effective for RLS in conjunction with gabapentin. Acupuncture points were not in the ears.

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[Pam34]

Tragus and Daith piercing (the inner cartilage of the ear) has become a popular treatment for migraine as well as a current fashion trend! Not heard of it for RLS though.

Nothing lost in trying it - I think they look nice at least! I have my upper ear pierced (helix) and have noticed no difference at all.....

[ssmlady56 in reply to Pam34]

Thank you Pam34 - this is the type of evidence that I'm looking for. Sorry that it hasn't worked for RLS. I'm glad that it's something that you like.

[RLSgirl]

I've never heard of this. can you tell me the theroy behind ear piercing and RLS? FYI: I did try Accupunture a few years ago. And they did put a needle in my upper ear. In the end accupuntrure did not seem to help with my RLS. But I would definitely still be interested in knowing more about this.

[ssmlady56 in reply to RLSgirl]

I am just trying to learn more about it. So far I have not received any information that makes it sound like a viable option.

[Shumbah]

I am about to try gabapentin have you been on it ? I have not heard about the ear . I find it interesting though .

When I am on a long haul TURBULENT rough flight I have NO symptoms and need no medication. Sounds bizzare I know but true .

Upset from that I take 2 Panadiene forte 2 normison twice nightly and that misty gives me some sleep .

[ssmlady56 in reply to Shumbah]

No, I have not tried gabapentin. I have been on lyrica and mirapex - 2 of each per night. Some nights it works well but on those nights when it doesn't - well you know, it is horrible. The pain is the worst.

[ssmlady56]

I have noticed that some have mentioned that they have several episodes of RLS during a night. Once it starts on a particular night for me, it keeps going until the meds kick in -- it usually takes 2 to 3 hours for the meds to work. The worst for me is the pain associated with the restless legs. I'm kicking/shaking my legs because of the RLS and moaning from the pain, both are so strong. Once it stops then I'm fine until the next time, usually 2 or 3 days later.