Waking up with terrible night sweats now that you are in menopause? Suffering from menopause-related insomnia? For many women, as the body’s natural level of estrogen decreases during menopause, an array of uncomfortable symptoms develop. These can include hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. Such symptoms can cause discomfort or embarrassment, and even impact the quality of your daily life. Luckily, acupuncture offers several strategies that can help alleviate your symptoms.

According to Chinese medicine, menopause occurs because the body is preserving your energy and increasing your longevity. The body’s Qi, or energy, is being channeled away from fertility towards longevity. As a result, in Chinese culture menopause is a sign that an older woman has reached a state of wisdom and enlightenment. However, you may not feel terribly enlightened if you are struggling with insomnia or mood swings! Utilizing acupuncture can help you feel better on a daily basis. Improving the flow of Qi is the ultimate goal of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. For menopausal women, acupuncture offers a safe, effective treatment that can improve energy and quality of life.

Acupuncture can be used alone or as a compliment to Western medicines, like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT is controversial because of concerns about its link to certain forms of cancer.  Furthermore, not all women are good candidates for HRT. For women who are unable to use HRTs, or for those who simply prefer alternative medicine, acupuncture is a drug-free, safe form of treatment.  To compliment your acupuncture treatment plan, your acupuncturist may recommend other therapies and activities. In particular, diet can impact hot flashes and mood swings, so it is important to lessen or avoid certain foods and habits, like:

• Dairy
• Red meat
• Alcohol
• Sugar
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Tobacco products

“For many women, as the body’s natural level of estrogen decreases during menopause, an array of uncomfortable symptoms develop.”

Together, you and your acupuncturist can devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and overall wellness. That treatment plan may also incorporate anti-stress therapies.