Menopause and how acupuncture can help

How Acupuncture Can Help During the Menopause

Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of menstrual cycles. It’s a time of transition that can bring both physical and emotional changes, including hot flushes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, and sleep disturbances. For many women, these symptoms can affect daily comfort and overall wellbeing.

Alongside medical treatments and lifestyle approaches, some people choose acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support their health through this period.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for thousands of years to help promote balance and wellbeing. In the UK, acupuncture is provided by a variety of practitioners — including traditional acupuncturists and healthcare professionals such as doctors and physiotherapists who use medical acupuncture techniques.

How Acupuncture May Help with Menopausal Symptoms

While menopause is not an illness, its symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Research into acupuncture and menopause has produced mixed results, but some studies suggest it may help reduce the frequency or intensity of hot flushes, and improve mood, sleep quality, and overall quality of life for some women.

Although the evidence is not yet strong enough for acupuncture to be recommended as a standard treatment by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), many women report that they find acupuncture relaxing and supportive, particularly for managing stress and promoting a sense of calm during this transitional phase.

Acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the nervous system, promoting blood flow, and encouraging the release of natural chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. These effects may contribute to an overall feeling of wellbeing.