Well, recent research published in the British Medical Journal demonstrates that yes it does.
Acupuncture may not be everybody’s “go to” treatment for problems and complaints they have and clearly those afraid of needles or who have increased sensitisation to pain (Alloydinia), but what if I told you that Acupuncture can help reduce common symptoms that women experience when going through the menopause, with little to no side effects.
The research was conducted on 70 women aged between 40 and 65 years of age, with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms in a randomised controlled study. The participants were split in two with the control group being offered acupuncture after week 6 and the intervention group having 5 consecutive weekly treatments, using 2 acupuncture points in the lower tummy, 2 in each calf and 1 behind each knee for ten minutes at a time.
The results showed a statistically significant improvement with no adverse effects during the research period.
There were improvements at both week 3 and week 6 for a range of symptoms including, Hot flushes, day and night sweats, general sweating, menopausal specific sleeping problems, emotional symptoms, physical symptoms, urinary and vaginal symptoms, abdominal symptoms, skin and hair symptoms and tiredness.
While this is a small study and the placebo effect cannot not be ruled out, this is a treatment option that should be considered by menopausal women especially if they are reluctant to take HRT.
If you would like more information on Acupuncture, our practitioners will be more than happy to discuss how we can help you. Feel free to contact us via our website and we will get back to you.
Full details of the study can be found at https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/1/e023637#T3 or on the bbc website at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47279032
