HEALTH ADVICE

October 24, 2024

How Acupuncture Can Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist

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Menopause can bring a host of uncomfortable symptoms which can significantly impact daily life and work. Many women seek effective and natural ways to alleviate these symptoms. Acupuncture, an ancient medicinal practice, has been shown to offer relief with minimal side effects. Here’s how acupuncture can help manage menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life.

Relief from Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause often brings about symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and aches due to hormonal changes. These can greatly affect daily life and work. Acupuncture provides a potential solution to alleviate these symptoms, helping women regain normalcy and enhance their quality of life.

Safe and Effective Treatment

Acupuncture is a time-honoured medicinal practice known for its therapeutic benefits and minimal side effects, making it a safe option for most women. Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing various menopausal symptoms, grounding its use in both historical and scientific contexts.

Understanding Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body where qi, or vital energy, flows. These points, such as Guanyuan Ren-4, Quchi LI-11, and Sanyinjiao SP-6, are stimulated for about 20 minutes to balance energy flow and potentially release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This practice not only helps control pain but also increases blood flow and balances energy, which can be beneficial for alleviating menopausal symptoms.

Acupuncture can address a wide range of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, depression, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, migraines, palpitations, and various types of pain (such as low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, pain from osteoarthritis etc). This broad spectrum of relief makes it a valuable treatment option for many women experiencing menopause.

Studies Demonstrating Acupuncture's Effectiveness

  • Numerous studies have explored the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving menopausal symptoms. For instance, Di Concetto (1989) treated 100 patients with menopausal hot flushes and found that 20 patients experienced total symptom reduction, 65 had reduced symptoms with monthly treatment, and 85 had satisfactory results. Another study by Limarti and Ricciarelli (1989) followed 25 patients with menopausal anxiety and depression, discovering that 10 patients experienced complete relief and stopped medication, while 15 reduced symptoms and decreased medication intake.

  • Further research by Sotte (1989) analysed 300 patients with menopause-related joint problems. The study found that 122 patients had total relief, 62 had noticeable symptom reduction, and anxiety and depression were resolved in nearly all cases. Grille et al (1989) observed changes in hormone levels after acupuncture treatment in 45 menopausal women, noting increases in oestrogen, TSH, and testosterone with monthly treatment needed to maintain benefits.

  • In a study by Wyon et al (1994), 24 menopausal women treated with electroacupuncture or superficial needling showed a reduction of over 50% in hot flush frequency. A Turkish study published in Acupuncture in Medicine involved 53 menopausal women, with genuine acupuncture reducing hot flush intensity and mood swings more than dummy acupuncture. Similarly, a Norwegian study found that 12 weeks of acupuncture reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

  • A meta-analysis by Chiu et al (2015) evaluated the effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life, concluding that acupuncture significantly reduces hot flush frequency and severity, improves other symptoms, and enhances quality of life. Avis et al (2016) recruited 209 menopausal women and found that hot flush and night sweat frequency decreased by over 30% per day, with benefits lasting at least six months post-treatment.

Benefits of Acupuncture in Menopause

Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. For those considering acupuncture as a treatment option, consulting with a licensed acupuncturist can provide personalised advice and treatment plans to best address individual needs.

Acupuncture Treatment at Aston Clinic London

At Aston Clinic London, our experienced acupuncturists specialise in managing menopausal symptoms through personalised acupuncture treatments. We start with a thorough consultation to understand your specific symptoms and health history, allowing us to create a customised treatment plan.

In addition to acupuncture, we offer guidance on lifestyle and dietary changes to enhance your overall well-being. Our holistic approach aims to help you achieve a better quality of life during menopause.

To book a session with our practitioners, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148 to learn how our treatments can benefit you.

Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.

By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist

References

  • BMJ Open (2018) – Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: https://bmjopen.bmj.com

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