Menopause is a natural biologic process which can trigger physical symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes. It occurs generally in the 40’s or 50’s with the average age in US women being 51. Treatments, especially for the “vasomotor” symptoms which include hot flashes and night sweats, include medications and lifestyle modification such as dressing in layers, drinking a cold glass of water, avoid spicy foods and hot beverages.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest and Duke medical schools, highlighted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, shows that acupuncture practicing in a clinical setting may offer significant and persistent benefit on these vasomotor symptoms. In addition, a number of other quality of life measures were improved such as sleep quality, memory symptoms, and anxiety were improved.
If you have patients experiencing menopause symptoms, recommending acupuncture treatments may prove beneficial for their quality of life.