| High quality research is showing a link between | | | | explains it like this: "Effective research models for |
| Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and breast | | | | studying acupuncture need more development. |
| cancer. In fact with long term HRT, over ten | | | | We're still trying to use the same research model |
| years, the risk may even double. As news travels | | | | to see if acupuncture is effective that we use to |
| about the possible harm caused by this therapy, | | | | study whether or not pills work. Both acupuncture |
| women across America and indeed across the | | | | and pill usage are very different and so require |
| globe are responding by declining HRT. Of course | | | | different research models. Acupuncture is, by its |
| one of the great benefits of HRT has been the | | | | very nature subjective, it must be. The higher the |
| reduction of menopausal symptoms like hot | | | | skill of the acupuncturist the better the results for |
| flashes. Mild hot flashes can be annoying, while | | | | a broader range of patients. We are not little pills. |
| severe hot flashes can be debilitating. Mayo clinic | | | | When we have skilled acupuncturists working |
| reported that up to 75% of American | | | | within research models that allow their skills to be |
| menopausal and post-menopausal women suffer | | | | used properly, we will see more and better |
| from hot flashes. | | | | results. However, even within the current |
| Decrease in HRT usage means an increase in hot | | | | constraints of research models, acupuncture is |
| flash sufferers. While the scientific evidence is still | | | | showing itself to be effective. |
| mixed, a recent study published in the Journal of | | | | Should you try acupuncture for your hot flashes? |
| Fertility and Sterility suggests that acupuncture | | | | There is evidence to suggest that it will be helpful. |
| may be helpful in reducing hot flashes. | | | | It's also safe. The British Medical Journal published |
| Acupuncture, the ancient art of using tiny needles | | | | a study showing no serious adverse reactions in |
| to affect the body's energies, may have an | | | | 34,000 acupuncture treatments. Many patients |
| effect on hormones. Women who received | | | | also say that they experience a sense of |
| acupuncture in the study had a reduction of the | | | | well-being and relaxation during and after |
| severity of their hot flashes. | | | | acupuncture treatments. It is also possible, in |
| Acupuncturists and their patients have long known | | | | some cases, to treat more that one condition in |
| that acupuncture can be helpful for a host of | | | | the same session. So if you have headaches and |
| conditions. So, why is the research only now | | | | hot flashes for instance, acupuncture can help |
| starting to show that acupuncture works? Michael | | | | both within the same session. |
| Roland, L.Ac., MTCM a licensed acupuncturist who | | | | Along with acupuncture, you may also want to |
| works with Dr. Andrew Weil's Program in | | | | try a higher fiber diet that includes soy as well as |
| Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona | | | | regular exercise. |
| and has a private practice in Tucson, Arizona | | | | |