Last Updated on 11 October 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Acupuncture for Menopause: Supporting Your Health Through Transition
Menopause brings about several changes in the body due to hormonal shifts. Acupuncture may support women during this time by promoting overall well-being and addressing common symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, night sweats, and weight gain.
Menopause is a condition that affects women after a certain age. The term is used to describe the physical and psychological changes women go through after their menstrual cycle stops. After menopause occurs, women stop reproducing. Menopause usually occurs after the age of 40, but for some women, it can start early. This can be due to several reasons. Autoimmune diseases, premature ovarian failure and surgical procedures can result in early menopause or worsen symptoms of menopause.
This article explores how acupuncture can be used to support your health during menopause and improve your overall quality of life.
What are the Common Symptoms of Menopause?
Menopause typically occurs after perimenopause and 12 months after a woman’s final menstrual period, marking the end of her reproductive years. While the age of onset can vary, most women experience menopause between the ages of 48 and 55.
The most common and distressing symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot flushes & sweating
- Sleep problems (falling asleep, staying asleep, waking early)
- Anxiety, fretfulness, feeling panicky & overwhelmed
- Depressed mood, feeling sad or prone to weepiness
- Irritability, aggression, feeling pent up
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Memory impairment, decreased focus and concentration, feeling groggy
- Stubborn weight gain
- Vaginal dryness, irritation, or recurrent candida infections
- Sexual problems
- Bladder problems
- Aches and pains
- Headaches, including migraines
- Palpitations, skipped heartbeats, chest tightness
- Digestive issues such as bloating, gas
- Menstrual irregularity, heavier periods, worsening PMS
Women going through menopause can find it difficult to do even the simplest of tasks. Spending time with friends and family can become challenging if their symptoms become difficult to manage. Fatigue and headaches can take a toll on their physical well-being and mood swings, or irritability can make them prone to outbursts, which can affect their relationships with loved ones.
Acupuncture can support your health during this stage by focusing on these symptoms to support the improvement of your overall well-being.
When Does Menopause Occur?
A woman is officially considered to be in menopause 12 months or more after her final menstrual period. During the early menopausal years, some of the more common and distressing symptoms may continue to cause problems.
Some women do not experience hot flashes or other symptoms, such as joint and muscle aches. Therefore, it can be difficult to tell whether menopause is occurring or not. Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, changes in the menstrual cycle, weight gain and mood swings can be associated with depression. These all make it harder for women to know.
As time goes by, it becomes important to focus on long-term health and general well-being, including maintaining a healthy body weight, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal health.
How Acupuncture Can Support Your Menopause Symptoms
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that uses fine needles, known as acupuncture needles, to alleviate the symptoms of stress. Each needle is inserted below the surface of the skin, near the nerves, targeting different pressure points.
This can promote blood circulation in the body, supporting tense muscles to relax and jump-starting the nervous system in the healing mode (and away from “fight or flight”). When the mind and body relax, the symptoms of menopause are alleviated. The effects of fatigue, tensed muscles, anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia can then be reduced.
Below, we explore how acupuncture may address specific menopausal symptoms.
1. Acupuncture for Menopausal Anxiety
Anxiety during menopause can be disruptive and unsettling. Acupuncture for menopausal anxiety focuses on calming the nervous system, which may support the reduction of stress and anxious feelings. Specific acupuncture points help to regulate emotional well-being, leaving women feeling more centred and relaxed.
2. Acupuncture for Menopause Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most common complaints during menopause. Acupuncture for hot flashes can support the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature and may help reduce the intensity and frequency of these episodes. Stimulating specific points linked to thermoregulation can bring much-needed relief for women struggling with hot flashes.
Women who suffer from hot flashes may find relief with Acupuncture therapy because stress is one of the causes of aggravating hot flashes. Acupuncture also slows down the heart rate, normalising it. Therefore, women who suffer from hot flashes (that can cause an increase in heartrate) may find the therapy to be relaxing and may find improvement in breathing problems and anxiety.
3. Acupuncture for Menopause Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common issue during menopause due to hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture for menopause weight gain may support your body’s metabolism by stimulating acupuncture points that promote digestion and energy balance. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, Acupuncturists may support their patients to maintain a stable weight during and after menopause.
4. Acupuncture for Night Sweats During Menopause
Night sweats can severely affect sleep quality, leading to fatigue and irritability. Acupuncture for menopause night sweats focuses on points that regulate the body’s sweating mechanisms and may help improve sleep patterns.
Many women report that regular acupuncture sessions lead to better sleep and reduced night-time sweating.
5. Acupuncture for Menopause and Weight Loss
Acupuncture can support women who are struggling with weight management during menopause. Acupuncture for menopause and weight loss focuses on points that may support digestion, reduce cravings, and improve energy balance, helping women achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Overall Acupuncture for Menopause Symptoms
Acupuncture for menopause symptoms addresses a wide range of issues including mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. The holistic nature of acupuncture allows for a personalised approach, where specific symptoms are targeted through customised Wellness Plans that focus on balance and well-being.
Where Do Acupuncture Needles Go for Menopause?
Acupuncture needles are placed in specific points on the body based on a thorough assessment of your symptoms. Common points include the hands, feet, back, and abdomen. The exact placement of needles is tailored to address your unique symptoms and promote overall health.
Acupuncture Points for Menopause Symptoms
Acupuncture points for menopause symptoms are selected based on a patient’s specific needs. Common points include:
- SP6 (Spleen 6): Known for promoting hormonal balance and reducing stress
- LI4 (Large Intestine 4): A point that may support the reduction of hot flashes and stress
- KD3 (Kidney 3): Often used to support energy levels and hormonal balance
These acupuncture points may be complemented with others, depending on the unique symptoms experienced during menopause.
Does Acupuncture Work for Menopause?
Acupuncture may not cure menopause, but it can support symptom relief and improve overall well-being. Women who receive acupuncture for menopause often report experiencing reduced symptoms, better sleep, and improved mood.
Consulting with a qualified Acupuncturist like Jasmine Peris or Caitlin Reilly will allow you to explore a personalised Wellness Plan to support your specific concerns.
Is Acupuncture Good for Menopause?
Many women find acupuncture helpful during menopause because it addresses both physical and emotional symptoms. Acupuncture supports the body’s natural balance and can provide a more comfortable transition through menopause by managing symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, and weight fluctuations.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Menopause
The benefits of acupuncture for menopause extend beyond symptom relief. Acupuncture may support:
- the promotion of overall well-being
- hormonal balance
- sleep and relaxation
- the reduction of stress and anxiety
Many women find that regular acupuncture sessions provide a sense of balance and well-being during menopause, helping them navigate this life transition more comfortably.
Find Relief with Acupuncture at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our experienced acupuncturists have a particular interest in women’s health, offering personalised acupuncture sessions to support your menopause symptoms.
Whether you’re struggling with hot flashes, weight gain, or anxiety, they can help create a tailored Wellness Plan to suit your needs.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a more balanced, comfortable menopause experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Menopause
1. How does acupuncture support menopausal hot flashes?
Acupuncture may support menopausal hot flashes by targeting specific points that regulate body temperature and balance energy. Many women report a reduction in both frequency and intensity of hot flashes after regular acupuncture sessions.
2. Can acupuncture help with weight gain during menopause?
Acupuncture may support patients with menopause-related weight gain by supporting metabolic function and the improvement of digestion. Acupuncture can stimulate points that encourage the body’s natural processes, potentially aiding weight management.
3. Does acupuncture work for menopausal anxiety?
Acupuncture may support the reduction of menopausal anxiety by calming the nervous system and regulating emotional well-being. Many women find that acupuncture sessions help them feel more relaxed and emotionally balanced.
4. Where are the acupuncture points for menopause symptoms?
Acupuncture points for menopause symptoms are selected based on individual symptoms and may include points on the hands, feet, abdomen, and back. Points such as SP6, LI4, and KD3 are commonly used to address hormonal balance, stress, and energy regulation.
5. How often should I have acupuncture for menopause symptoms?
The frequency of acupuncture sessions depends on your symptoms and overall health. Many women benefit from weekly or fortnightly sessions initially, with the frequency reducing as symptoms improve.
Your Acupuncturist will create a tailored Wellness Plan based on your individual needs.
6. Is acupuncture good for night sweats during menopause?
Acupuncture may help manage night sweats by supporting the regulation of the body’s sweating mechanisms and promoting restful sleep. Regular sessions may support the reduction of the severity and frequency of night sweats and the improvement of overall sleep quality.
7. Can acupuncture help improve overall well-being during menopause?
Acupuncture is a holistic practice that supports the body’s natural balance, and it may help support the improvement of overall well-being during menopause by addressing both physical and emotional symptoms. Many women report feeling more balanced, relaxed, and energised after acupuncture sessions.
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External References
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
- Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies of Australia (FCMA )
- National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, USA
- Roberts J, Moore D, 2006, Mapping the evidence base and use of acupuncture within the NHS, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham
- Australian Medical Association (AMA) – Acupuncture Overview
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) – Cosmetic Acupuncture
- University of Sydney – Acupuncture and Skin Health
- Acupuncture and Cutaneous Medicine: Is It Effective?
- University of Melbourne – Acupuncture and Immune Response
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – Complementary Therapies
- Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
- RSPCA Australia – Cruelty-Free Practices
