Menopause and Acupuncture: Hot Flashes, Sleep and Mood
Perimenopause vs menopause, how TCM views hot flashes, what research says about acupuncture, skin changes, and when to see a doctor.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byTabasom (Tabi) Mirshahi, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Menopause and Acupuncture: Hot Flashes, Sleep and Mood
Perimenopause and menopause can bring hot flashes, night sweats, broken sleep, mood changes and skin changes. TCM links many of these to declining Kidney yin, with "heat" rising. Some studies suggest acupuncture may modestly reduce hot flashes for some people. It works alongside medical options, including hormone therapy, which your doctor can discuss.
Perimenopause vs menopause
- Perimenopause: the years before menopause, when hormones fluctuate and periods become irregular. Symptoms often begin here, sometimes in your early to mid-40s.
- Menopause: 12 months in a row without a period, usually between 45 and 55.
- Postmenopause: the years after.
Common symptoms
Hot flashes and night sweats · sleep problems · mood changes, anxiety or low mood · brain fog · vaginal dryness · joint aches · skin dryness and loss of firmness · changes in hair.
How does TCM view menopause?
TCM describes menopause as a natural transition. Many symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, restlessness and dryness, are linked to Kidney yin deficiency: the cooling, moistening aspect declining, so "heat" rises. Other patterns involve Liver Qi stagnation (irritability) or Heart involvement (poor sleep, anxiety). Care aims to nourish and calm.
What does research say about acupuncture?
Several trials and reviews suggest acupuncture may modestly reduce the frequency or severity of hot flashes for some people, and may help sleep and wellbeing, compared with no treatment. Comparisons with sham acupuncture show smaller differences. Evidence quality varies. Acupuncture isn't a replacement for medical assessment or options like hormone therapy.
Supportive options at Flourish
- Acupuncture (waitlist): the main TCM approach.
- Reiki and Relaxation Massage (bookable): for calm and sleep. See sleep problems.
- Skin changes (bookable): TriPollar RF and Microneedling + LED for firmness and texture, with daily SPF. See sagging skin.
Everyday TCM advice
- Cooling, nourishing foods; less alcohol, caffeine and very spicy food, which many find trigger flashes.
- Regular sleep and wind-down routines.
- Gentle, regular movement.
- Stress care. TCM strongly links stress to symptoms.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any bleeding after menopause (after 12 months without a period); very heavy or irregular bleeding during perimenopause; low mood that doesn't lift; or symptoms that disrupt daily life. Your doctor can discuss hormone therapy and other options. See menopause symptoms.
Where to book
Relaxation and skin treatments are bookable at our Yaletown clinic, easy to reach from Kitsilano and Point Grey. Acupuncture is on the waitlist. The team speaks English and Farsi.
Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture help hot flashes?
Some studies suggest a modest benefit for some people.
Can I have acupuncture with hormone therapy?
Often yes. Tell both your doctor and practitioner.
What helps menopausal skin?
Collagen-focused treatments, hydration and daily SPF.
What helps sleep?
A wind-down routine, a cool bedroom, and relaxation treatments.
Can I book acupuncture now?
It's on a waitlist.
Sources
- Dodin S, et al. Acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Befus D, et al. Management of menopause symptoms with acupuncture: an umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2018. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- NHS — Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Post-menopausal bleeding (nhs.uk)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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Body Wellness
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in which a registered acupuncturist places fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, a 45-minute session costs $170. Appointments open once a registered acupuncturist joins our team; join the waitlist.
Body Wellness
Reiki Healing with Gentle Massage
Reiki Healing with Gentle Massage is a 60-minute, fully clothed relaxation session that combines Reiki with soothing touch to the scalp, arms, hands and feet and a gentle gua sha facial. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it costs $170 with Lida Fazlinejad (Lida Fazli), certified Reiki practitioner.
Skin Care & Facials
TriPollar RF Skin Tightening
TriPollar RF Skin Tightening is a 75-minute, non-surgical facial that uses multi-polar radiofrequency to gently warm the deeper layers of the skin on the face, neck and jawline. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it costs $190 and is performed by Mina Gharnian, skin care practitioner.
Body Wellness
Relaxation Massage
Relaxation Massage is a calming, Swedish-style full-body massage using long, flowing strokes to help you unwind. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it's $170 for 60 minutes or $250 for two hours, with Amir Norouzi. It is a relaxation service, not registered massage therapy.
