Acupuncture and Auricular Acupressure for Menopausal Hot Flashes
Author Information
Author(s): Zhou Jue, Qu Fan, Sang Xisheng, Wang Xiaotong, Nan Rui
Primary Institution: Zhejiang University
Hypothesis
Can acupuncture and auricular acupressure relieve menopausal hot flashes in bilaterally ovariectomized Chinese women?
Conclusion
Acupuncture and auricular acupressure can effectively relieve menopausal hot flashes for women who cannot or do not want to use hormone replacement therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Both acupuncture and auricular acupressure significantly reduced the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
- FSH levels decreased and E2 levels increased significantly in both treatment groups after the intervention.
- The HRT group showed greater reductions in hot flash severity and frequency compared to the acupuncture group after treatment.
Takeaway
This study shows that acupuncture and ear pressure can help women who have had their ovaries removed feel better during menopause without using hormones.
Methodology
46 women were randomized into two groups: one received acupuncture and auricular acupressure, and the other received hormone replacement therapy. They recorded their hot flashes for 12 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of a placebo control for acupuncture.
Limitations
The sample size was small and sham acupuncture was not used, which may limit the conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Bilaterally ovariectomized Chinese women, average age around 41-43 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI for median differences reported
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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