Almost all of us have had restless legs at some point in our lives. We didn’t think much of it. However, the problem is much severe for others. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can be very disruptive in people’s lives. It can lead to sleeplessness and thus a lack of focus, anxiety, and even depression. However, not many are aware that meditation can help cure Restless Leg Syndrome. How! You ask? I will tell you all about it in this article.
Before understanding how meditation can help us cure our Restless Leg Syndrome, we must first understand what is the root cause of this syndrome. Only then we can begin the process of healing from the root. So, let’s understand what causes Restless Leg Syndrome.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
Luckily there is a cure. But to find out the cure, we need to find out the cause. Did you know that 99.999999% (made up number) of Americans suffer from Restless Mind Syndrome (made up syndrome)? It’s true (most likely)!
By addressing the root cause, we can become free from the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. Who doesn’t want that?
In some instances, Restless Leg Syndrome may be caused by some other condition, in which case it’s best to also address those causes first. Those conditions include:
- Iron deficiency
- Kidney failure
- Certain spinal cord conditions
- Nerve damage due to issues such as diabetes or alcoholism
Right Technique for Restless Leg Syndrome
Before even trying to begin with meditation for Restless Leg Syndrome, let’s begin with some simple yoga stretches. We must connect the body and mind before trying to quiet the mind.
Here are the series of yoga poses:
- Lie flat on the floor.
- Bring both knees to your chest. Release.
- Bring your left knee to your chest. Release. Then do your right. Release.
- Extend your left leg straight into the air at 90 degrees to your body and then switch legs. Release.
- Rollover onto your stomach.
- Raise yourself into Downward Facing Dog. Heels on the floor and feel those calf muscles stretch.
- Lower yourself into a Plank Position.
- Slowly lower yourself to just above the ground and come up into an Upward Facing Dog.
- Repeat steps 6 through 8 two more times and then return to Downward Facing Dog.
- Finally, come down into Child’s Pose for 30 seconds or a minute to finish your stretching. Let this restful but active pose give you a nice stretch throughout your back as you reach.
Now that we’ve connected our mind and body, let’s begin our meditation.
Benefits of Meditation for Restless Leg Syndrome
Numerous studies have concluded that Restless Leg Syndrome is directly correlated to high stress, low dopamine levels in the brain, and poor functioning of dopamine signaling in the brain.
This means that stress reduction can be the most beneficial thing we can do for Restless Leg Syndrome. Thousands of studies have also concluded that meditation shows significant brain changes related to dopamine and stress.
For many study participants, immediately after their first meditation, dopamine levels were elevated higher than was seen when giving them pharmaceuticals. Stress levels were reduced, anxiety was diminished, sleep problems decreased, sleep became more restful, and blood pressure and nerve functioning improved.
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Restless Leg Syndrome Meditation
Sit down in a comfortable position. Preferably, sit on a cushion cross-legged on the ground, but if you are new to mediation, sit however is most comfortable for you. Later you can work up to sitting cross-legged.
If you are trying to go to sleep, you may also lie down in bed, as this is a great way to help you fall asleep too.
Close your eyes and begin breathing deeply and slowly. Not so deep that you feel you need to put in any effort, just relaxed, calm, and quiet breathing.
Slowly move your awareness from the tip of your head to the tip of your toes, sensing from within each muscle and body part. Each complete cycle from the top of your head to your toes back to your head can take anywhere from a few minutes to 15 minutes. The slower the better, you’re not in any rush. Do this once or twice.
Now turn your attention to your breath. Feel all the sensations of your breath, from the cool air coming in your nostrils and down your throat, to the lungs and belly expanding, to the warm air coming back out. Do this anywhere from 3 to 20 minutes—however much you feel comfortable with and feel free to work your way up to longer as patiently and gently with yourself as you wish.
If you’re not asleep yet, just continue focusing on your breath. Allow thoughts to come and go as they arise. Do not judge them or forcefully try to get rid of them. Just allow them to be and allow yourself to sit with them as the silent witness. Over time, they will become less and less disruptive as you identify more and more with the silent witness of your thoughts. (To get the audio versions of the meditation, follow this link.)
Are there any side effects of meditation for Restless Leg Syndrome?
I do have to warn you, meditation may cause prolonged periods of joy, bliss, and inner peace. Meditators have also reported feeling one with everything, free from pain and suffering, better mental and physical health, and in some cases, enlightenment.
