Unlocking Relief: How Acupuncture For Menopause Can Help on World Menopause Day
As we celebrate World Menopause Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore natural treatments for relieving menopausal symptoms.
A significant change during menopause is the cessation of periods altogether.
One highly effective option that many women are turning to is acupuncture for menopause.
This holistic therapy, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, offers relief from a wide range of symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more.
Acupuncture for Menopause
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a natural treatment to help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
By stimulating specific acupuncture points using thin acupuncture needles, acupuncture helps restore balance in the body's energy (Qi) and addresses underlying imbalances contributing to night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings.
According to a comprehensive review of 12 studies highlighted by Evidence Based Acupuncture, acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improved menopause-related symptoms, including psychological, somatic, and urogenital symptoms.
These benefits were shown to improve overall quality of life for women experiencing menopause .
"After suffering from constant night sweats and hot flashes, I turned to acupuncture as a last resort. I was amazed at how much it helped me sleep better and reduce the sudden feelings of discomfort," shared one client, Sarah.
Interested in natural relief from menopause symptoms? Download our free guide to mastering menopause here.
Menopause Symptoms and Their Impact
The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman.
A significant change during menopause is the cessation of periods altogether.
Common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, fatigue, low mood, and aches in the joints and connective tissue.
Some women also experience irritability and migraines, which impact their daily lives.
Acupuncture has proven to be effective in managing these common symptoms.
In particular, research from Evidence Based Acupuncture has shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce hot flashes by up to 50%, with benefits lasting for months after treatment .
“I was really struggling with irritability and brain fog, but after a month of acupuncture, my mental clarity returned, and I felt much calmer,” said Michelle, another client.
Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Managing menopause symptoms requires a holistic approach that incorporates lifestyle changes, self-care practices, and medical interventions.
One effective way to manage menopause symptoms is through acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings by regulating hormonal imbalances and improving overall well-being.
In addition to acupuncture, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also help alleviate menopause symptoms.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate hormone levels and reduce symptoms such as brain fog and low mood. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.
It’s also important to prioritise self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, and stress management techniques.
Exercise can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety and depression, while meditation and stress management techniques can help improve mental wellbeing and reduce sudden feelings of anxiety.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Menopause
Acupuncture has been shown to have numerous benefits for menopause symptoms. One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to regulate hormonal imbalances that contribute to menopause symptoms. Acupuncture needles stimulate the body’s central nervous system and immune system, which can help regulate hormone levels and reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.
Acupuncture can also help alleviate mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. By stimulating acupuncture points, acupuncture can help regulate the body’s emotional response and improve mental wellbeing.
In addition to its benefits for menopause symptoms, acupuncture can also improve overall health and well-being. Acupuncture can help improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) vs. Acupuncture
While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a common medical treatment for managing menopausal symptoms, some women seek natural treatments like acupuncture due to the potential risks associated with HRT. Acupuncture offers a holistic and non-invasive alternative or complement to HRT, helping balance hormone levels without medication.
Evidence Based Acupuncture notes that acupuncture not only helps with hot flashes and night sweats, but also supports emotional well-being and mental health symptoms like anxiety and low mood, which are commonly experienced during menopause .
"I wanted to avoid HRT, and acupuncture was the perfect solution for me. I’ve felt more balanced and in control of my body since starting treatments," said Jane, one of our clients.
Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy to traditional medical treatments for menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common medical treatment for menopause symptoms, but it can have side effects and may not be suitable for all women. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with HRT to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with other complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and massage therapy. Herbal medicine can help regulate hormonal imbalances and improve overall health, while massage therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Mental Health Symptoms During Menopause
Menopause can bring about a range of emotional and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Acupuncture is an excellent option for addressing these challenges.
The therapy helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, which play a role in mood swings and emotional discomfort. Studies have demonstrated acupuncture's positive effects on both depression and anxiety in menopausal women .
"Acupuncture has helped me manage my low mood and mental fog. I used to feel overwhelmed, but after a few sessions, I noticed a real difference," shared Laura, another client.
Supporting Overall Health During Menopause
Managing menopause isn't just about treating specific symptoms, it's about supporting your body as it goes through this major life change. Alongside acupuncture, many women benefit from maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and incorporating stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness.
Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating individual symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the body as a whole. Acupuncture helps balance hormone levels, improve sleep, reduce pain, and restore overall well-being.
Finding an Acupuncturist
When looking for an acupuncturist to help manage menopause symptoms, it’s essential to find a practitioner who is not only experienced but also properly qualified. Look for an acupuncturist who is degree-trained and registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BACC). This ensures they meet the highest standards of training and practice, as not all acupuncturists have the same level of expertise.
A BACC-registered acupuncturist is licensed and held to strict professional standards, ensuring that your treatments are both safe and effective. It’s also important to ask about their specific experience with treating menopausal symptoms. A good acupuncturist will take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your unique symptoms, and develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your needs.
In addition to finding a licensed acupuncturist, understanding the basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you feel more empowered in your health journey. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions about your care and optimise your overall well-being during menopause.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Menopause Journey with Acupuncture
Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Acupuncture provides a safe, effective, and holistic way to manage menopausal symptoms and restore balance. Whether you're experiencing hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, or night sweats, acupuncture can offer the relief you’ve been looking for.
If you’re ready to explore how acupuncture for menopause can help you, book an appointment with Deanna Thomas – Acupuncture & Wellbeing.
We’ll create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
References
Evidence Based Acupuncture. Acupuncture for Menopausal Symptoms. Available at: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/. Accessed [13/10/2024].
Don’t forget to download our free guide to mastering the menopause and take control of your health today!