Acupuncture and Menopause

Some people find that acupuncture can help relieve some of their peri/menopausal symptoms, while others simply find it relaxing and beneficial for their mental wellbeing. A successful treatment for the menopause is as unique as you are and it’s important to find what works for you. 

Acupuncture is where super-fine needles are inserted into the skin across specific parts of the body. It comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that believes acupuncture restores the body’s ‘Qi’ or energy flow. Nowadays the needles are also used to relieve pain in the muscles, tendons and joints by stimulating the nervous system.

It might take several sessions of acupuncture to bring about any improvement of symptoms and it can be safely used alongside HRT.

It’s worth noting:

Healthcare professionals (such as physiotherapists) that practice acupuncture have often done a short course in medical needling/trigger point acupuncture. For more in-depth, advanced acupuncture, you can look for an accredited TCM practitioner registered with the British Acupuncture Council, or British Acupuncture Association, for example, who will often be trained in acupuncture to a degree-level.

Health guidelines recommend acupuncture for treating headaches, migraine and chronic pain. Some studies have looked into acupuncture and menopause.

Side effects are rare, but they can occasionally include localised pain, some bruising, drowsiness, and feeling sick or dizzy.

You should consult your healthcare professional if you’re considering acupuncture and have a bleeding disorder, take anticoagulants or have an underlying health condition.