Tag Archives: research

Acupuncture and the menopause: the evidence base and how it works

Acupuncture and the menopause

Acupuncture is increasingly used for many different conditions, but one that may not at first be obvious if that of menopausal symptoms, where acupuncture has been shown in studies to be of benefit. Here I will present information on acupuncture for hot flushes, and other menopausal symptoms of sleep quality, mood and anxiety, memory and cognition and general quality of life.

I’ll also discuss theories and scientific studies showing how acupuncture may be achieving these effects.

I will also touch on hot flushes of other causes, in males and females after cancer-treatment using hormonal drugs these can also cause “vasomotor symptoms”, also known as hot flushes.

I’ll discuss how research shows acupuncture to affect the hormonal system, and finally I’ll leave you with some information and links to follow up for the references and bibliography relating to this area.

Important to know: Chronic health conditions should be addressed under direct medical supervision of your GP or consultant, and acupuncture would be an adjunct or complement to usual care – we advise that you let you doctor know when you use this approach.

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Helen
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Shaftesbury Clinic Star of Conditions

Research Resources

About the research: It is worth noting that in research, randomised controlled studies (RCT) are the most reliable in terms of quality of evidence, with a systematic review or meta analysis of numerous studies being the best way of seeing the overall picture of the state of the evidence. The n= figure tells you how many people were participants in the study.

Resources:

British Acupuncture Council Factsheet Directory of Evidence A-Z

British Acupuncture Council Research Digest

Helen
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Is acupuncture just a placebo?

We are always happy to answer any questions that people put to us about acupuncture. One of the ones that used to take me by surprise was “but it’s just a placebo, right?”
Really? What a question. I was surprised to consider it possible that anyone would believe that an entire profession, training colleges, regulatory boards and research bodies would be built on a treatment that was placebo. Where would the ethics and justification come from? Why would acupuncture still exist?
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Helen
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