Acupuncture for Hot Flushes
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Hot flushes (hot flashes) and night sweats are the most common menopausal symptoms, affecting up to 75% of women during the perimenopausal transition. They can be severe enough to significantly disrupt sleep, work, and daily life. Acupuncture is one of the most evidence-based non-hormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms — making it a valuable option for women who cannot or do not wish to take HRT.
The Evidence
Multiple RCTs have confirmed that acupuncture significantly reduces hot flush frequency and severity. A large Swedish trial demonstrated acupuncture produced meaningful reductions in vasomotor symptoms compared to no treatment, with benefits sustained at six-month follow-up. A Cochrane review confirmed that acupuncture reduces hot flush frequency and severity better than sham controls. These effects are comparable to some pharmacological alternatives to HRT.
TCM Understanding
Hot flushes in TCM are an expression of kidney yin deficiency — as kidney yin declines through the menopause transition, it becomes less able to anchor yang, which rises upward producing the characteristic surges of heat. The heat is not true excess heat but empty heat arising from yin's inability to cool and contain yang. Night sweats follow the same mechanism — yin is most active at night and its deficiency is most apparent when the body should be cooling and resting.
Treatment
Acupuncture points that nourish kidney yin and anchor yang are the foundation of treatment: KD 3 (Taixi), KD 6 (Zhaohai), SP 6 (Sanyinjiao), and HT 6 (Yinxi) for night sweats specifically. Chinese herbal medicine with Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan nourishes kidney yin and clears empty heat. Most women notice meaningful improvement within four to six weekly sessions. See our full article on natural HRT alternatives.
To discuss hot flushes and menopausal symptoms, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
