Acupuncture Reduces Menopausal Hot Flushes
Published in the journal Menopause, the study looked at the effect of acupuncture treatments versus no treatments on over 200 women aged between 45-60 years.
The women receiving acupuncture saw a 36.7% reduction in incidences of hot flushes after 6 months of treatment, with improvements starting to show after only 3 acupuncture sessions. Twelve months later, these women were still enjoying this improvement in symptoms, which demonstrates the lasting sustained benefits of acupuncture.
As well as far fewer hot flushes, these ladies also saw improvements in various ‘quality of life’ factors including sleep quality, anxiety and depression.
The control group who had no acupuncture treatments experienced a 6% increase in hot flush symptoms!
Menopause is a natural phase of life, not dis-ease!
Orthodox medicine so often views menopause as a state of ill-health to be ‘cured’ by taking Hormone Replacement Therapy. Some women appreciate the relief HRT can bring from symptoms; however this relief is frequently short-lived as once HRT is stopped, menopausal symptoms can return with a vengeance! This is because HRT is not a ‘cure’; it simply delays the drop in hormones that occurs at this time of life.
Many women prefer not to take artificial hormones and opt for a more natural route instead, supporting their body through this transitional phase with TCM Acupuncture, good nutrition and stress management techniques.
How does TCM Acupuncture help with menopause symptoms?
As a holistic form of healthcare, TCM Acupuncture supports your whole system. Stress can worsen hot flushes so if you are stressed, I will support your nervous system and help you relax. Maybe you are struggling to sleep because of menopausal symptoms: in this case I will use needling to relieve your insomnia (see my previous post on ‘Getting a Good Night’s Sleep’).
TCM acupuncture works on menopausal symptoms by:
- Balancing the release of various female hormones and neurotransmitters such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and serotonin
- Relieving muscle tension and pain
- Rebalancing heat and the flow of Qi which can be altered by the fluctuations in hormone levels
Good Nutrition for Menopause
Alongside my Acupuncture treatments I like to recommend herbs and foods to support you through menopause. Some foods contain ‘phytoestrogens’; plant compounds that have a similar structure to human oestrogen but a much weaker action. These compounds can be helpful in assisting your body to cope with fluctuating oestrogen levels.
Such foods include:
- Traditional soya foods like tofu, miso and tempeh made with organic GM-free soya beans. (Please note: processed soya foods such as Textured Soya Protein are not recommended)
- Flaxseeds, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans and aduki beans
- Sprouted alfalfa seeds and mung bean sprouts
For more detailed nutritional support for menopause – including a recipe for Menopause Cake! – see Nutrition in York.
Exhausted by hot flushes?
Feeling anxious and overwhelmed?
Don’t suffer in silence: contact me today. I am one of the UK’s top 3 Acupuncturists and have many years experience effectively supporting ladies to feel calm and energised throughout the menopause.
Manage your menopause with ease: call me on 07788 633292 or email at info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.uk