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Restless Legs of Fibromyalgia

© T. Darlene Cheek

If you have Fibromyalgia, you are probably familiar with the term "restless legs." This term is used to describe those feelings of tickling under the skin, burning or prickling, aching, twitching, jerking, and the need to move your legs around in an attempt to ease these symptoms. These things occur at the worst time possible, while you're trying to go to sleep.

That's the reason that restless legs are associated with insomnia. Who knows, though, whether you can't sleep because of the restless legs or whether your inability to sleep is causing your legs to be overly stressed, bringing on the painful and irritating symptoms, and making it even more difficult to sleep as a result? Restless legs are also thought to be due to nervous system problems or might even be hereditary.

We do know that there are triggers and commonalties among those with restless legs. Restless legs can be triggered by cold, damp weather, overexertion, and fatigue. It is more common among older people, smokers, and diabetics. Too much caffeine and not enough Vitamin B or iron are also associated with restless legs.

Is there anything that will help? Well sure!

Since restless legs accompany tension and insomnia, there are many natural remedies that can help by relaxing you and aiding sleep. Chamomile can be taken as a tea or applied as a compress to the legs, and Valerian root aids the nervous system and is a wonderfully calming remedy that can help even the worst cases of insomnia. Another beneficial herb for the nervous system is Clove, which can be lightly bruised and added to any tea.

Aromatherapy offers many benefits and can be used safely and effectively in a vaporizer during the night. Try Benzoin, Bergamot, and Frankincense; these also work well in a nice hot bath. If you are practicing self-hypnosis techniques, you can assist the process with Lavender, Marjoram, and Ylang Ylang. Remember Rescue Remedy? This marvelous flower remedy can be rubbed into the leg muscles for soothing and calming effects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda both suggest that circulatory problems can cause restless legs. These practitioners recommend Mustard seed, Turmeric and Cumin for warming; Black Pepper for the nervous system, as well as for circulation; and Camphor (found in many muscle rubs) for the nervous system and muscle tissue. Chinese Medicine also targets blood deficiency and uses lotus seed sprouts and felskrone root tea (these can be found at your health food store).

The copyright of the article Restless Legs of Fibromyalgia in Holistic Therapy is owned by T. Darlene Cheek. Permission to republish Restless Legs of Fibromyalgia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.