Research Trend of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess how Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the medical condition of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Methods: The authors searched for relevant articles through the CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure-www.global.cnki.net) with the following keywords: The main search was for the term 'RLS,' with supportive words added such as 'Acupunture', 'Acupoint', 'Meridian', 'Moxibustion', 'Massage', 'Acupoint injection'. Our search yielded a total of 233 articles; there were a total of 71 articles related to clinical fields. We then analyzed the chosen articles using a number of criteria including the study type used, the treatment method utilized, and the main effect of the treatment. Results: The 71 analyzed articles utilized the following type of study design: 4 were classified as Quasi-randomised trial, 22 as Randomized Controlled Trial, and 45 as a case report. Regarding the treatment used for RLS, 25 studies examined a single treatment modality, while 46 studies examined a complex treatment modality. There were a total of 10 types of acupuncture treatment used in treating RLS; several massage and acupoint injection method were also found. Finally, there were a few studies that used Moxibustion, as well as several supportive treatments like Cupping, Moxibustion, Steam-Washing, TDP (Teding Dancibo Pu) were found. Conclusions: Traditional Chinese Medicine has used a variety of different study designs and treatments vis-a-vis RLS. These treatments are also used to treat the condition in South Korea.