Researchers in Brazil have shown acupuncture to be helpful for hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. A total of 81 women were enrolled into a randomised, single-blind, controlled crossover trial. Group 1 received 12 months of true acupuncture treatment followed by 6 months of sham acupuncture. Group 2 received 6 months of sham acupuncture followed by 12 months of true acupuncture treatment.
After 6 months, women in Group 1 exhibited significantly lower hot flush and menopause symptom intensity scores compared to Group 2. At the 12 month point, scores were similar in both groups. After 18 months, scores for women in Group 2 were lower than those for women in Group 1.
(Acupuncture-ameliorated Menopausal Symptoms: Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomised Trial. Climacteric Journal May 2010. Epub ahead of print.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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