How to Use Acupressure for Restless Legs

Restless legs syndrome can be especially frustrating because it often shows up just when you want to relax and sleep.

As you get ready for bed or try to fall asleep, you might feel creeping, tingling, aching, or pulling sensations in your legs, along with a strong urge to move them. While moving your legs can help for a moment, it makes restful sleep hard. This is a real neurological condition that can leave you feeling tired. Acupressure won’t cure restless legs, but it can help ease the discomfort, lessen the urge to move, and help you sleep better. The points below, mostly found on the legs, may provide some relief.

Before trying these tips, know that restless legs are often linked to low iron levels. Addressing an iron deficiency can significantly improve or even resolve the issue. The most effective step is to see your doctor and have your iron levels, especially ferritin, checked. Although we’ll discuss this further later, it’s important to highlight now because, for many individuals, fixing their iron levels is the key solution.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, restless legs are attributed to insufficient Blood nourishing the legs. The Liver, which stores Blood and supports tendons, plays a key role. Blood also calms muscles and the mind. When Blood is lacking, tendons become tense, causing restlessness and preventing relaxation, especially at night when Blood should be resting. This concept aligns with the modern understanding that restless legs are associated with low iron, which is necessary for Blood production. Poor circulation of Qi and Blood, along with ‘internal wind’, a term for involuntary movements and restlessness, may contribute.

Because restless legs is above all a thief of sleep, acupressure for trouble falling asleep is a natural companion to this piece.

Here are nine acupressure points that help nourish Blood, relax tendons, reduce internal wind, calm the mind, and improve sleep.

What Acupressure Points to Press and Why

1. Press on SP6 above the inner ankle to nourish the Blood and calm the legs. SP6 sits four finger-widths up from the tip of the inner ankle bone, just behind the back edge of the shinbone. Press firmly for one to two minutes on each leg. SP6 is called “Sanyinjiao,” the “Three Yin Intersection,” where the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels meet. SP6 is avoided during pregnancy.

SP6 is the primary point for restless legs because it nourishes the Blood, calms the mind, and lies directly at the site of the problem. This point connects three channels, including the Liver channel, which governs the sinews and stores Blood. It is among the most nourishing and calming points, addressing both Blood deficiency and restlessness. If you have uncomfortable, restless legs and trouble sleeping, try this point first. However, SP6 is also strong for the reproductive system and should be avoided during pregnancy. Since restless legs are common during pregnancy, pregnant people should use other points and talk to their doctor.

2. Press on GB34 below the outer knee to relax the sinews. GB34 sits on the outer lower leg, in the hollow just below and in front of the head of the fibula, the bony knob below the outer side of the knee. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each leg. GB34 is called “Yanglingquan,” and it is the influential point for the sinews and tendons of the whole body.

GB34 is the main point for the sinews and tendons, making it a good choice for restless legs when the muscles and tendons won’t settle. It helps relax and ease tension, cramping, and restlessness in the legs, calming the tissues that twitch and ache. This point is known for relieving all kinds of muscle tension, so it directly addresses physical restlessness. It also works well with SP6 to nourish and relax the legs, helping tense, crampy legs become more relaxed.

3. Press on BL57 in the calf for calf restlessness and cramping. BL57 sits in the center of the back of the lower leg, in the hollow where the bulge of the calf muscle meets the Achilles tendon, about midway between the back of the knee and the heel. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each leg. BL57 is called “Chengshan,” and it is the primary point for the calf.

Restless legs often affect the calves, and BL57 targets the calf muscle. It helps with cramping, tension, and restlessness in the calf by relaxing the muscle, where most of the discomfort occurs. BL57 is well known for treating calf cramps and tightness, which are similar to the restlessness and crawling feelings of this condition. For people whose restless legs are deep in the calves, this point works in a way that points higher up the leg cannot, and pressing or rubbing here can be very soothing.

4. Press on ST36 below the knee to rebuild the Blood and Qi. ST36 sits four finger-widths below the lower edge of the kneecap and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone, on the muscle that rises when you flex your foot. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each leg. ST36 is called “Zusanli,” the “Leg Three Miles,” and it is the master point for building Qi and Blood.

Restless legs are often linked to low blood levels, so using ST36, a point that strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, which produce the body’s Qi and Blood, helps address the root cause by restoring the blood needed to calm the legs. ST36 also improves circulation and energy in the legs, as it is one of the main leg points. For people with restless legs and general weakness, low iron, or depletion, this point helps the body recover what it needs. Used regularly, it treats the underlying problem, not just the nighttime symptoms.

5. Press on SP10 above the knee to nourish and move the Blood. SP10 sits on the inner thigh, about three finger-widths above the inner top corner of the kneecap, on the muscle bulge there. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each leg. SP10 is called “Xuehai,” meaning “Sea of Blood.”

SP10, known as the Sea of Blood, nourishes and promotes Blood circulation, making it essential for treating restless legs. It addresses Blood deficiency that leads to restlessness and helps move any stagnant Blood in the legs. Located on the thigh, it also enhances the effectiveness of points on the lower leg. For those whose restless legs stem from Blood imbalance, this point directly targets the issue and pairs effectively with SP6 and ST36 to strengthen Blood.

6. Press on GB39 above the outer ankle for the legs and marrow. GB39 sits on the outer lower leg, about four finger-widths above the tip of the outer ankle bone, just in front of the fibula. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each leg. GB39 is called “Xuanzhong,” and it is the influential point for marrow.

GB39 is a key acupuncture point in Traditional Chinese Medicine related to the marrow, nourishing the bones and legs deeply. It helps address weakness, restlessness, and discomfort in the lower legs, providing support at a fundamental level. This is particularly helpful for chronic or recurring restless legs. Additionally, GB39 works alongside GB34 to target the outer and lower regions of the leg. For restless legs with deep, hard-to-reach sensations, this point offers extra reinforcement.

7. Press on LR3 on the top of the foot to move Blood and calm the wind. LR3 sits on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and second toe, about two finger-widths back where the bones meet in a small hollow. Press firmly with the thumb for one to two minutes on each foot. LR3 is called “Taichong,” the primary point for the Liver.

The Liver stores blood and oversees the sinews, making LR3 crucial for restless legs. LR3 promotes blood circulation, nourishes the sinews, and calms the ‘internal wind’ responsible for involuntary movements and restlessness. It helps stabilize the body by directing energy toward the feet, which can benefit those with persistent leg motion. Additionally, LR3 relieves tension and stress, which often exacerbate restless legs. For the urge to move and twitching sensations, this point helps soothe the Liver and calm an overactive nervous system at night.

8. Press on KI3 above the inner ankle to strengthen the deep reserves. KI3 sits in the hollow between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the ankle bone. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each ankle. KI3 is called “Taixi,” the source point of the Kidney.

The KI3 point, the primary source for the Kidney, plays a key role in restoring deep reserves vital for overall health. Located at the ankle, it supports healthy legs and blood, which matters because restless legs are often linked to depletion, kidney issues, and aging. KI3 boosts your overall constitution and directly supports the lower legs. For those with chronic restless legs, especially older individuals or those feeling depleted, this point works profoundly and is often combined with SP6 to strengthen and calm the lower legs.

9. Press on Anmian behind the ear to rescue the lost sleep. Anmian sits behind the ear, in the hollow between the bony bump behind the earlobe and the base of the skull, a little above the jaw. Press firmly with your fingertip for one to two minutes on both sides. Anmian is an extra point whose name literally means “Peaceful Sleep,” and it is used specifically for insomnia.

Restless legs often disturb sleep, and Anmian, a key acupressure point for insomnia, directly relieves this issue. It calms the mind and helps transition into sleep, counteracting the restless urge to move that disrupts sleep each night. Unlike other leg points that relax the legs, Anmian soothes the mind to promote rest once the legs settle. For those struggling to fall asleep because of restless legs, stimulating this point can help restore the sleep the condition takes away, making it a valuable addition to evening wind-down routines.

Why These Acupressure Points Work

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, restless legs are mainly caused by Blood not nourishing or calming the legs. The Liver is key because it stores Blood and governs the sinews. Sometimes, stagnation in the legs or ‘internal wind’ issues contribute to the condition. It often worsens at night when Blood should be resting, similar to how modern medicine associates restless legs with low iron, which is essential for Blood production. The nine points provided here target all these underlying factors.

• The acupressure points for nourishing the blood (SP6, ST36, SP10) help to restore the Blood, which fails to settle the legs, and correct the fundamental deficiency.
• Acupressure points for relaxing the legs (GB34, BL57, GB39) help relax the tendons and calm cramping and restlessness in the legs and calves where these points are located.
• The Liver acupressure point (LR3) promotes the movement of Blood, nourishes the sinews, and helps to settle the internal wind which is causing the restlessness.
• The point known as KI3 strengthens the constitutional basis that underlies chronic restless legs.
• The sleep point (Anmian) calms the mind, allowing sleep to come when the legs have stilled.

These acupressure points effectively calm and soothe restless legs, with their benefits increasing with consistent evening use.

How to Properly Use These Acupressure Points

Apply these acupressure points in the evening and before sleep, when restless legs are often most intense. Practice regularly to help resolve the root cause.

• In the evening or when symptoms intensify, concentrate on stimulating the leg points: SP6, GB34, BL57, SP10, and LR3 by pressing and rubbing your legs and calves. This method combines acupressure with movement, which naturally alleviates restless legs.
• Regularly stimulate ST36, SP10, and KI3 to help restore Blood and your body’s reserves. Address the deficiency over time, not just in the moment.
• Use Anmian and the routine’s soothing effect when getting ready for sleep.
• Maintain firm, steady pressure on each point for one to two minutes while massaging or stretching the legs, as movement can help. Pregnant individuals should skip SP6 and consult their doctor.

Acupressure can help with symptoms, and certain habits can make it even more effective. In the evening, try to avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as they can worsen restless legs. Keep a regular sleep schedule and exercise moderately and regularly, but avoid intense workouts right before bed. You might also find relief with a warm bath, a warm or cold compress on your legs, or by stretching or massaging your legs before bed. Since restless legs are often linked to iron, eat iron-rich foods and have your iron levels checked.

When to Get Professional Help

Restless leg syndrome is a genuine neurological disorder that requires a doctor’s assessment.

The most important step is to have your iron levels, particularly ferritin, checked, as low iron is strongly linked to restless legs, and correcting the deficiency can help significantly. Only take iron supplements under medical supervision. Consult a doctor if restless legs interfere with your sleep or daily activities, worsen, or are new, to identify the underlying cause. Restless legs can also be associated with pregnancy, kidney issues, nerve problems, or certain medications; your doctor can help identify and manage these. Effective medical treatments are available for more severe cases.

Acupressure may alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep, but it is most effective when used alongside medical consultation, particularly by checking your iron levels.

Above and Beyond Acupuncture offers acupuncture, cupping, and lifestyle coaching at the North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard location in Scottsdale.

Schedule an appointment online to start your healing journey.

The points above are only as effective as the technique used to apply them. Where to press, how firmly, and for how long all affect the result. For a full breakdown of how to perform acupressure properly at home, read Performing Acupressure in 3 Easy Steps.

About the Publisher

Paul Kerzner, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist, as well as the founder of Above and Beyond Acupuncture in Scottsdale. His own journey from chronic patient to practicing acupuncturist shapes his commitment to providing honest, clinically grounded information about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn more about Paul and his clinical approach on the About Us page.