Acupuncture and menopausal hot flashes

Abstract

Background: The activities regarding work, sports, and hobbies of a menopausal woman predominantly belong to the Yang principle. Hormones and their changes belong to the Yin (Xue) principle. The balance of Yin/Yang principles needs to be restored with acupuncture treatment and adjustment of lifestyle to control hot flashes. Objective: To report the possible effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of hot flashes. Design, Setting, and Patients: Two patients were treated with acupuncture for hot flashes in a private clinic setting. Intervention: Patients were treated for both their presenting complaints and hot flashes with acupuncture. Main Outcome Measure: Hot flash intensity was quantitatively evaluated. Results: Both patients experienced symptom resolution with acupuncture. Patient 1 experienced a 98% decrease in hot flashes, and patient 2 also had a quick, durable remission. Conclusions: Acupuncture may offer an alternative treatment to control menopausal hot flashes, particularly when hormone therapy is contraindicated or refused. © Copyright 2009, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.