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

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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.