Menopause is the natural hormonal decline women experience in their 40s and 50s. This phase, during which the reproductive period ends, can present a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes, slowed metabolism, and emotional changes. While there are several therapies available to manage menopause symptoms, many women turn to acupuncture, a naturopathic treatment, for relief. Discover why below. 

A Guide to Acupuncture for Menopause

What is Acupuncture?

A key element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture involves placing needles strategically along the body’s meridians to stimulate anatomical points. Using this process, acupuncturists address blockages of Qi, or the body’s vital energy. According to TCM, when Qi is blocked, it alters the body’s natural balanced state, inviting disease, disorders, and other maladies. The treatment is commonly used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic back pain, headaches, and menopause symptoms.

How Can It Help With Menopause?

All women who approach the end of their childbearing years experience menopause, with roughly 80% of women reporting menopausal symptoms. Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate some of these symptoms. In women who have undergone studies, it has improved hot flashes, one of the most prevalent symptoms of menopause. The TCM practice helped in terms of both frequency and severity of hot flashes within 6 weeks. Additionally, the treatment has been shown to help manage obesity and depression, and may contribute to a healthier hormone balance overall.

While hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for menopausal women, research suggests it may increase breast cancer risk. Prescription medications may also cause their own host of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, bloating, and breast tenderness. For many women, naturopathic medicine has a natural appeal because it lacks the side effects seen in many drugs used to treat menopause symptoms. 

If you’re experiencing menopause and are seeking relief from your symptoms, turn to The Ellenburg Center for Natural Medicine, Inc., in Anchorage, AK. This center is led by naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist Dr. Michael J. Ellenburg, whose services are used to treat a broad range of conditions including menopause, depression, and headaches, among others. Learn more about the center’s approach to acupuncture by visiting their website or call (907) 563-2366 to schedule an appointment.