Acupuncture and Herbs for Menopausal Hot Flashes
Many people are not aware
that acupuncture and Oriental medicine have enjoyed a rich and
extensive history in treating the gamut of female health
concerns, from PMS to dysmenorrhea to postpartum issues.
Menopause is another dimension of female health that can be
extremely difficult for women, as hot flashes and night sweats
can cause unbearable discomfort. Fortunately, acupuncture and
herbs are an excellent options for menopausal women, as they
offer safe, noninvasive, and effective treatment for these often
debilitating symptoms. Menopause is a time where many women
become yin deficient, meaning that the cooling, moistening, and
calming aspects of their physiology are weakening. As a result,
they often get hot, irritated, anxious, and can’t sleep as
well. The main treatment principle for menopausal women involves
nourishing yin with acupuncture and herbs.
Acupuncture is considered to
be a cooling therapy. The stainless steel needles that are used
during treatment are said to disperse Qi. This means that they
are unblocking energy that has become blocked or stuck. When
energy gets blocked for too long, it generates heat which will
burn yin and lead to yin deficiency. I have heard many women say
that they felt cooler right after the needles were put in. The
needles are actually deflating certain areas that have become
overheated and compressed. Certain points are also used that
have a direct effect on nourishing yin, thereby rejuvenating the
cooling aspects of one’s physiology.
Chinese herbs work
synergistically with acupuncture to create a state of continuity
in clearing heat and nourishing yin between treatments. I would
highly recommend committing to this approach before using
hormone therapy, as these natural options are free of side
effects. Hormone therapy is quite controversial in terms of its
long-term effects. While it has worked wonders for many women in
the short-term, when I hear references to increased incidence of
ovarian cancer, fibrocystic breasts, and emotional fluctuations,
I cannot give it a raving endorsement. Below is a list of
several Chinese herbal formulas that are used to treat hot
flashes and night sweats:
Zhi bai di huang
wan/temper fire: This is probably the most popular
Chinese herbal formula for hot flashes. It is considered a
kidney yin tonic that clears fire from the kidneys. Other
symptoms would be low back pain, scanty dark urine, and low
energy. It is safe, gentle, and can work miracles if it matches
well with the patient’s constitution.
Jia wei xiao yao
wan/free and easy wanderer plus: This formula addresses
hot flashes that are due to a liver depressive heat pattern
which would include symptoms such as irritability, high stress,
red eyes, headaches, and indigestion.
Da bu yin wan: This
formula is for a pattern called ‘steaming bone syndrome’ in
which the hot flashes feel as if they are penetrating into the
depths of one’s bones. It is a kidney yin tonic that utilizes
herbs that penetrate deep into the body to clear heat.
Tian wan bu xin dan/celestial
emperor’s teapill: This formula is for a combination
of heart and kidney yin deficiency, which will manifest with
symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, thirst, and
malar flush.
Er xian tang: This
formula is for a mixed pattern of kidney yin and yang
deficiency. Symptoms include a history of feeling cold with
recent onset of hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, and low back
pain.
Hot flashes and night sweats
tend to respond very well to treatment with acupuncture and
herbs. It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms often
have an underlying emotional component that needs to be
addressed before they will disappear. It is natural to feel
heightened emotions as you go about healing this condition with
acupuncture and herbs. I highly recommend seeking out the help
of a qualified healthcare professional if you are interested in
using herbs for hot flashes and night sweats. Many patients have
said things like, ‘I heard that black cohosh is good for hot
flashes, but it never worked for me.’ It is important to keep
in mind that herbs will only work if they address your specific
constitutional needs. These needs are assessed by examining the
tongue, palpating the pulse, and matching these findings with
one’s symptoms. In this way, a much more specific and accurate
diagnosis and treatment is formulated that will more likely
optimize the benefits for the patient.
Call North York Acupuncture today at 416-455-0351
to set up your first appointment today!
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