Gloria Provitola M.S.O.M.
L.Ac. L.M.T.
Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM)
Licensed Massage Therapist
For the latest information about Acupuncture research, studies and articles
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Research:  Acupuncture for Hot Flash Relief

    Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for hot flashes due to menopause, anti-
    estrogen therapy for breast cancer and for men undergoing hormone treatment for
    prostate cancer.

    Hot flashes---that sudden feeling of a flash of heat that causes one to break out in a full sweat.  
    When this happens at night we call them night sweats.  Anyone who has had night sweats can tell
    you they significantly disturb sleep and often result in feeling fatigued during the day which causes
    a negative impact on the quality of their life.   

    Until recently hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was usually recommended for women who had
    menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.  We now know though that HRT (estrogen plus
    progestin) is associated with a greater incidence of breast cancer as well as an increased mortality
    from breast cancer. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/304/15/1684  In addition, it has
    been known for several years now that HRT can increase a post-menopausal woman’s risk of
    heart disease and is therefore no longer recommended to protect post-menopausal women from
    heart disease.  

    Acupuncture is an effective course of treatment for hot flashes and night sweats as well as other
    menopausal symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, digestive problems, decreased libido and mood
    changes.  And acupuncture has none of the risks of HRT.  

    The most recent study of acupuncture for hot flashes was published in the Journal of Clinical
    Oncology  http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/28/4/634.abstract.  The study’s subject group was
    breast cancer survivors who get hot flashes as a result of antiestrogen hormone treatment.  The
    drug therapy of choice for hot flashes in breast cancer survivors is Venlafaxine (Effexor). The
    study directly compared acupuncture treatment for hot flashes in this subject group to drug
    therapy with Venlafaxine (Effexor).  

    The study found that acupuncture was more effective than Venlafaxine (Effexor) in reducing hot
    flashes.  Many in the Venlafaxine (Effexor) group suffered adverse side effects such as nausea,
    dry mouth, dizziness and anxiety and their hot flashes increased after week 2 of the study. The
    acupuncture group faired significantly better as not only did they have a reduction in hot flashes,
    but they also received additional benefits from their treatment.   The study noted that:
    “Acupuncture had the additional benefit of increased sex drive in some women, and most reported
    an improvement in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.”  The study concludes
    that acupuncture “is a safe, effective and durable treatment for vasomotor symptoms” (hot flashes)
    for breast cancer patients receiving antiestrogen therapy.

    Acupuncture helps your body auto-regulate.  If you are experiencing hot flashes or other
    symptoms associated with menopause, or hot flashes from antiestrogen therapy for breast cancer
    a good choice for treatment is acupuncture.   It does not have the negative side effects of HRT or
    Venlafaxine (Effexor).   And it not only will help relieve the hot flashes but brings other benefits that
    can lift your spirits and bring you a sense of well-being that improves your quality of life.
    Eating a well-balanced diet, reducing intake of alcohol and caffeine, taking herbal and vitamin
    supplements, exercising, and reducing stress by practicing meditation, yoga, qi gong or tai chi are
    excellent ways along with acupuncture to help control the symptoms of menopause.  

    By the way, acupuncture has been found to be effective for men with hot flashes too. If you know
    men undergoing hormonal therapy for prostate cancer they may be getting hot flashes regularly.  
    A recent study has shown that these men can benefit from receiving acupuncture for hot flashes.  
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20494414  

    Disclaimer:  Although recent studies indicate that acupuncture is safe and effective
    treatment for hot flashes there is no guarantee that everyone will benefit from
    treatment with acupuncture for this condition.  As with all modalities of treatment
    individuals respond differently and some may benefit more than others, and some not at
    all.  No guarantee is made or intended otherwise in this article.  Check with your M.D. to
    see if acupuncture is a viable alternative treatment for you.


























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