A multicenter study was recently conducted to assess acupuncture’s effectiveness for menopausal hot flashes. Dr. Einar Kristian Borud led a team of 10 researchers. They conducted a randomized, controlled trial that compared women who received a series of 10 acupuncture treatments in 12 weeks plus advice on self care with a group of women who only received advice on self care.

Even with this minimum amount of acupuncture, the results were impressive. Hot flashes decreased by 5.8 per day in the acupuncture group (n = 134) and only 3.7 per day in the control group (n = 133), a statistically (and personally) significant difference. The acupuncture group also reported better sleep and reduction in other somatic symptoms.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture plus self-care can significantly reduce hot flashes and increase quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Published in Menopause: May/June 2009 – Volume 16 – Issue 3 – pp 484-493
Borud, Einar Kristian MD, MPH; et al