sponsor




 
Homepage > Health

E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Doctors: Acupuncture May Help With Hot Flashes

POSTED: 2:43 pm EST December 12, 2005
UPDATED: 11:49 am EST December 22, 2005

The following report by medical editor Marilyn Brooks first aired Dec. 22, 2005, on Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

Hormone replacement therapy has been the traditional medication women use to fend off sometimes embarrassing hot flashes.

Now, some say they're getting relief with acupuncture.

Talli Flanigan is an elementary school assistant principal.

"I could be talking to a parent, a teacher and just burst into sweat," said Flanigan.

Flanigan has a common problem women experience during menopause.

Hormonal changes increase blood flow, which can cause hot flashes.

Flanigan says she has up to 20 a day.

The common treatment is hormone replacement therapy.

The pills helped some, but Flanigan's sister, Dr. Tanya Edwards, gave her some advice about acupuncture.

"Our experiences is that it's been overwhelmingly helpful for women with hot flashes," said Edwards.

The ancient Chinese treatment uses needles, supposedly to channel healing energy in the body.

The British Acupuncture Council reviewed five small studies and found acupuncture can be effective in reducing hot flashes.

However, the North American Menopause Society cites in its own journal "there's no conclusive proof acupuncture works."

Despite the controversy, Flanigan says her hot flashes have dropped by 75 percent.

Edwards said she has seen success with acupuncture and she does recommend the procedure.

She also wants to do her own study to find out if it is a reliable option for most women who battle hot flashes.

Links We Like

Is your boring bathroom embarassing? Find out how to make it really shine.
More


Autism affects many parts of the brain. Learn the signs – and the top treatments for autism. More

If you want to see Yankees Stadium in its final year, you can. Enter to win a trip to the 2008 All-Star Game and be a part of baseball history. More

Airline travel is becoming more expensive and more of a hassle than it has been in years. Find out what your airline isn't telling you about flying the friendly skies. More

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Sponsored Links

Health Topics & Information

Learn the secrets to a passionate long-term relationship. Rev up your sex life and get insight from our sex education experts. More

Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA