THINGS THAT DO NOT WORK FOR RLS
All of us with RLS/PLMD have slightly different symptoms. We have tried various 'remedies' to try to relieve our RLS symptoms. We have read articles, some interesting, some ridiculous (bar of soap) that make amazing promises. And there is an entire array of things to try to obtain some peace for our bodies. Probably the best way to manage our disease is 1. educate ourselves about the disease itself and 2. look into possible remedies.
We know that RLS is caused by out-of-whack chemicals in the brain. This has been proven by many studies. It is not caused by 'heredity' - that's a characteristic, not a cause. We know that there is no cure - yet. And so people become desperate - that is understandable. And people who are desperate will try nearly anything, no matter how unscientific, unconventional or non-medical it may be.
The following is a list of non-traditional practices which have been shown to NOT WORK on RLS, not work meaning significant, long term symptomatic relief. There are no peer-reviewed, clinical or randomized trials or scientifically published papers with regard to RLS for:
Accupuncture
Accupressure
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Biofeedback
Neurofeedback
Bodywork
Chiropractic
Diet Therapy
Environmental Medicine
Flower Remedy/Essential Oil Therapy
Folk Medicine
Herbal Therapy
Homeopathy
Hydrotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Imagery
Juice Therapy
Light Therapy
Massage
Naturotherapy
Vein stripping
Osteopathy
OTC (over the counter) products
Sound Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Vitamin & Mineral Therapy (Mg excepted)
Yoga
Quite the list. And it probably incomplete. Again, none have been shown to be of any value at all in treating RLS symptoms long-term. Of course, the problem is that none of the 'modern' Rx drugs have been shown to work long term either. The best solution for now, for many, is a 'cocktail' of medications - two or even three different meds, adjusted to give optimum results. If possible, the fewer the meds you are on, the better. But it appears as if items in the above list are probably a waste of time and money. However, it is your time and your money. If you find something that you sincerely believe helps you, go for it (hypnotherapy for pain management comes to mind). This posting is information, not judgment. For the rest of us RLS sufferers, the list is probably things to steer of. As always, peace, and I hope this helps.