Acupuncture: A Natural, Proven Solution for Hot Flash Relief
- Heather Carell
- Dec 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Hot flashes can feel overwhelming — sudden waves of heat, night sweats that interrupt sleep, and a sense of being “out of sync” with your own body. At Deanna Carell Aesthetics + Acupuncture, we help women navigate this transformative stage with grace, comfort and holistic support rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For many women, acupuncture not only reduces hot flashes but restores balance, sleep quality and emotional wellbeing without relying on heavy medications.
Why Hot Flashes Happen Through a TCM Lens - Acupuncture Support for Hot Flashes
In TCM, menopausal hot flashes are often associated with Kidney Yin deficiency, a pattern where internal cooling, hormonal regulation and fluid balance decline naturally with age or medical treatments. When Yin is depleted, Yang rises unchecked, creating the heat surges, flushing, irritability and insomnia so many women experience.
Chemotherapy, surgical menopause, hormonal therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, and high stress levels can exacerbate this imbalance by draining Yin, Blood and Essence.
Acupuncture restores harmony by:
Nourishing Kidney Yin
Anchoring rising Yang
Calming Shen (the spirit), easing anxiety and mood swings
Regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
Improving circulation and thermoregulation
Supporting restorative sleep
What Modern Research Shows (Including Sloan Kettering)
Dr. Jun Mao, Chief of Integrative Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering, led a groundbreaking study comparing acupuncture with gabapentin for hot flash–related sleep disturbances. The results were striking:
Acupuncture improved sleep quality more effectively than gabapentin.
Patients fell asleep more quickly (improved sleep latency).
Sleep became deeper and more continuous (improved sleep efficiency).
Hot flashes decreased with 6–10 weekly treatments, and benefits lasted longer than with medication.
Acupuncture stood out for being effective, well-tolerated, and side-effect free, a crucial consideration for women who cannot or do not want to rely on hormone therapy or pharmaceuticals.
How Acupuncture Supports Women in Menopause and Beyond
At Deanna Carell Aesthetics + Acupuncture, we view menopause as a transition rather than a decline. Your body is recalibrating, and acupuncture helps guide that shift with:
Regulation of internal temperature
Reduction in frequency and intensity of hot flashes
Relief from night sweats and insomnia
Improved mood stability and anxiety reduction
Enhanced energy and overall sense of wellbeing
Support for women experiencing chemo-induced menopause
We also incorporate TCM dietary therapy, recommending Yin-nourishing foods such as:
Pears, apples, berries
Black sesame, walnuts, almonds
Seaweed, tofu, miso, leafy greens
Cooling teas like chrysanthemum or mint
Avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, excessive caffeine and late-night meals helps reduce internal heat.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your first session, we assess your symptoms, lifestyle, sleep patterns, and TCM diagnosis. Most women begin with weekly treatments for 6–10 weeks, followed by maintenance care as needed. Many notice improvements within just a few sessions.
Acupuncture for hot flashes is deeply relaxing, grounding and supportive, a moment for your body to reset and your nervous system to unwind.
Book your menopause support session at Deanna Carell Aesthetics + Acupuncture and experience natural relief, deeper sleep and restored balance.
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