The Chinese Herbal Treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome

Chief Complaint: restless legs
Medical History: this is a 54 y/o female with a 30 year history of smoking and moderate alcohol intake. She is a psychotherapist with an extremely stressful practice. Her restless legs manifest as primarily cramping and interfere with her sleep.
Questioning exam: she complains of fatigue, tinnitus, occasional dizziness and constipation.
Pulse exam: pulse is thin, weak and deep.
Tongue exam: tongue is pale, thin, with a thin white coat, quivery
OM Diagnosis: qi and blood deficiency, primarily blood
Treatment Principle: nourish qi and blood
Point Prescription: patient requests herbs only
Herbal Formula: Shao yao gan cao tang (powder) modified
Lifestyle Prescription: encouraged smoking cessation, decrease alcohol intake and stress management
Results: the symptoms decreased and then ceased altogether after one week on the herbs. After three months of faithful compliance the symptoms have not returned.
Synopsis: this simple formula alleviated symptoms by nourishing blood and relaxing the muscles