Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common symptoms affecting approximately 70% of women in Western cultures.

A review of acupuncture studies reported 50% reduction in hot flashes lasting up to six months (1) and a  significant reduction in frequency and severity of hot flashes (2). 

Many women suffer from mood disorders during the perimenopause and menopause and a review of studies focussing on acupuncture for anxiety in 2007 reported positive outcomes for all trials (3). 

By altering neurotransmitters in the brain acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety (4).

12 studies on acupuncture for sleep disorders in post- menopausal women showed 75% reported improvements in sleep complaints following acupuncture treatment (5).

(1) Alfhaily F, Ewies AAA. Acupuncture in managing menopausal symptoms: hope or mirage? Climacteric. 2007; 10(5): p. 371-380

(2) Chiu HY, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS. Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2015 Feb; 22(2): p. 234-244

(3) Pilkington K, Kirkwood G, Rampes H, Cummings M, Richardson J. Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders – a systematic literature review. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2007; 25(1-2): p.1-10

(4) Qian-Qian L et al. Acupuncture Effect and Central Autonomic Regulation. Evidence Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2013; 2013: 267959

(5) Bezerra AG, Pires GN, Andersen ML, Tufik S, Hachul H. Acupuncture to Treat Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015; 2015:563236.