Acupuncture hits the headlines again! Many people are turning to acupuncture as treatment for a variety of conditions and now the latest research suggests it’s better than drugs for combating menopausal symptoms.

A study involving acupuncture found that it works as well as a breast cancer treatment drug when used to help with hot flushes and menopause symptoms that accompany cancer.

Researchers inserted the ultra-fine needles against the use of Wyeth antidepressant Effexor which is used for breast cancer patients.

Acupuncture was found to be as effective as the drug in managing hot flushes and night sweats, according to the researchers at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

With 12 weeks of acupuncture treatment, symptoms were reduced for an additional 15 weeks compared to just 2 weeks for those who’d taken Effexor.

“It was a more durable effect,” said lead researcher Dr. Eleanor Walker.

“There were no bad side effects with acupuncture, and women reported increased energy, overall sense of well-being and sexual desire”.

Those taking the drug reported side effects including nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, increased blood pressure, fatigue and anxiety.

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