Latest news with #traditionalmedicine
CBC
13 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Meet Cheech: this Sturgeon Lake healing guide turned from a life of drugs to plant medicine
Social Sharing CBC's virtual road trip series Land of Living Stories explores the hidden gems across Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield hit the road to Sturgeon Lake First Nation in search of inspiring stories of community spirit. This is the first of a two-part series from that community. Step inside Sturgeon Lake First Nation's healing lodge, and the smell of drying plants fills the air. Elsewhere in the province, fires rage and smoke fills the sky, but this morning, all is clear and peaceful here in this First Nation that sits on the shores of Sturgeon Lake, surrounded by towering trees. Through the course of the morning, Darren Turner — known to locals as Cheech and the reserve's pharmacist — gets a wave of requests from people looking for his help to find a similar peace within themselves. Want to get rid of heartburn? There's a traditional medicine for that. Want to get rid of negative energy? He hands a man some diamond willow and tells him to burn it in his house. As a respected guide to healing, people seeing Turner now would never know he's had to fight his own inner demons. "I want to be part of helping people because people helped me through my addictions and helped me through my trauma that I went through," he said. Turner is focused on how to support the health of the people in his nation. It's top-most in his mind and the mind of Willie Ermine, the nation's traditional health co-ordinator. Their work isn't surface level. It's at the very heart of the earth and land they live on. Here on their land, they say they can find 90 per cent of the traditional medicines they need to treat any ailment. "I tell people our Cree culture here in the community is like a bag of treasures, and we're not using these treasures," said Ermine. "The more you dig into our treasure bag, the more you uncover all these beautiful things that we have, but we have to grow them." Ermine notes ancestors of Sturgeon Lake First Nation have lived in this area for thousands of years, with Indigenous knowledge keeping their people healthy and alive for centuries. It's Ermine's mission in life to share this knowledge with others, particularly young people. "This is an opportunity to keep showing them, to keep hammering away at this image that we can be a healthy community without alcohol, without drugs. But it needs community cohesion," he said. From violence to medicine It was turning to the land and its medicines that gave Turner his own purpose. Growing up, life was harsh for him growing up in a home where both his parents dealt with addictions and trauma from having lived through residential schools. "I grew up seeing violence, I grew up seeing alcoholism," he said, adding he started drinking at the age of seven or eight. "We didn't have no role models." By the time he was 16, he described himself as "a full-blown junkie." But after 15 years of living that life, he'd seen too many of his friends die, and he was also hospitalized for IV treatment. Then his father got sick. "I kind of grew up not liking my dad because of [him] just not being a good role model to me," he said, adding that when his father got sick, it reminded him of the times when his father had been caring toward him. "When I told him I wanted to quit my addictions, he encouraged me," he said, adding it was the first time in a long time that he listened to what his father had to say. "I said, 'OK, I'll try it.' So we kind of made a bet and then about two weeks later he passed away." That led to Turner seeking methadone treatment and counselling, and a spiritual awakening within himself. When someone recommended he attend a medicine camp in Manitoba, he took the opportunity, which led to four years of learning traditional medicines. As someone living with Hepatitis C, he said he could see the benefit himself when guides showed him the uses of dandelion root to cleanse his liver. He felt clearer in his own mind and once-sluggish body after following their teachings. "It's not just taking the dandelion, just like going with it, but at the same time, going along with that medicine too, taking care of yourself … having a good mind." He and others in this nation just wrapped up an annual trip to the mountains, inviting others to come with them to harvest some of the medicines that can't be found in the local region. These harvested medicines will be shared freely, with Turner only asking for an offering of tobacco or cloth in return. He only hopes to live a good life, and help others do the same. "Most of the times it was pretty negative when I was growing up, and now I have a grandson," he said. "I wanna hug him, I wanna kiss him, you know, things like that … I wanna be around for a long time for me to show them something good." He believes it's his turn to show others unconditional love and support, part of a domino effect for others to become part of a healthier community.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
A trip to the Bone Healer – and a different side of Bali
'The Bone Healer can fix anything but a broken heart.' Advertisement I whisper this to myself over and over as I crawl through the narrow, traffic-choked carriageways that fan out from downtown Denpasar. It takes an hour's drive to clear Bali 's capital and reach an east-coast highway, where I pick up speed before detouring up a winding road to Besakih. Set in the western foothills of the Mount Agung volcano , the village is home to the Besakih Great Temple, the largest religious site on the Indonesian island. But I have not come to explore the tiered shrines and labyrinthine alleys of the 10th century complex. I have come to see Mangku Sudarsana, aka the Bone Healer, a balian, or holy man, who practises medicine in the courtyard of his ancestral home (Klinik Mangku Sudarsana), about 1km down the road from the temple. Mangku Sudarsana, aka the Bone Healer, giving writer Ian Lloyd Neubauer 'a whopping back crack'. Photo: Ian Neubauer Balians are said to harness energy from the universe and are called upon to cure everything from the common cold to cancer. Most are quacks and there is no empirical evidence to show their methods deliver results. But the Bone Healer's patients swear by him, claiming he provides better long-term outcomes than modern medicine. I know this because I'm one of them. Five years ago, I herniated two discs in my lower back and consulted a conga line of healers for the chronic pain : masseuses, physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and, finally, an orthopaedic specialist. The only solution was surgery, or so I was led to believe, until the day I overheard a conversation at a beach club in Bali about a miracle man who lived in the mountains and had helped people walk again. The very next day, I went to see him. The treatment took less than a minute and the effect was immediate: a 70 to 80 per cent reduction in pain. It was also permanent, or it had been until a few weeks ago, when I hurt my back again. When the pain returned with a vengeance, I knew what I had to do. Advertisement Now 72, Sudarsana doesn't appear to have aged a single day since I last saw him. Dressed in a sarong with a decorative sash and sporting a mane of long white hair collected loosely into a bun, he looks the archetype of an Asian healer but does not act the part, asking to see any scans or diagnoses from a hospital or Western practitioner. After glancing at my X-rays, he tells me to sit on the floor with my back towards him. Pressing his knee into my lower spine, he grabs my shoulders and, in one quick move, gives me a whopping back crack, the same thing he did last time I visited. I yelp with fright and then sigh as the pain melts away. And with that, my treatment is complete. I thank him profusely, stuff a few notes into a donation box and leave.
Health Line
21-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Acupressure Points for Toothaches
Acupressure points like Gallbladder 21 (GB21) and Small intestine 18 (SI18) are believed to relieve toothache pain. Other points may help with facial pain or promote relaxation. Acupressure has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. Many people advocate its effectiveness in soothing muscle aches and pains. Some research suggests that applying pressure to acupressure points may also relieve tooth pain during dental procedures. Toothache pain requires treatment by a dentist. Untreated, specific underlying causes of tooth pain can get worse. But if you're looking for relief while waiting for your appointment or during a dental procedure, stimulating acupoints may help as a complementary therapy. Acupressure is a natural, holistic form of Chinese traditional medicine that involves applying pressure to a certain point on the body. The pressure signals the body to relieve tension, remedy blood flow issues, and reduce pain. It can be done by self-massage, by a professional, or by a friend. However, acupressure is not a substitute for dental care. Keep reading to learn how to perform acupressure and the specific points that may help relieve toothache pain. How do I do acupressure? Acupressure can be administered at home or in an acupressure therapy facility. If you choose your home, pick a quiet, non-stressful area of your living space to help you focus and maximize the benefits of acupressure. Get into a comfortable position. Breathe deeply and try to relax your muscles and limbs. Massage or rub each point with firm pressure. Repeat as often as you like. Make sure to stop if intense pain occurs. Trigger finger 4 (TF4) for toothaches The trigger finger 4 acupressure point, also known as Shenmen or 'Heavenly Gate,' may be beneficial for tooth pain, according to a 2022 study. It's located on the top of the ear in the middle of a depression. Small intestine 18 (SI18) for toothaches The Small intestine 18 acupressure point, also known as Quanliao, is widely used to relieve pain associated with: toothaches swollen gums tooth decay It's found perpendicular to the outside of your eye and the outside of your nose, under the cheekbone. It's typically called the cheekbone crevice. To find it, draw a line directly from the outer corner of your eye down to the hollow of your cheekbone. Gallbladder 21 (GB21) for facial pain The Gallbladder 21 point, also known as Jianjing, is often used for: facial pain neck pain headaches It's located at the top of your shoulders, one on each side. It's right in the middle of the end of your shoulder and the side of your neck. Practitioners recommend not using the Jianjing acupressure point if you are pregnant, as it may potentially be implicated in inducing labor. Large intestine 14 (LI4) for above-the-neck pain The Large intestine 14 point, also known as He Gu, is used for: headaches stress other pains above the neck You can find it between your thumb and index finger. You can find it by resting your thumb beside the second knuckle of your index finger. The apple (highest point) of the muscle is where LI4 is located. Chinese medicine practitioners recommend not using the He gu acupressure point if you are pregnant, as it may potentially be implicated in inducing labor. Stomach 6 (ST6) for mouth and tooth ailments Stomach 6, also known as Jiache, is typically used to relieve mouth and tooth ailments, particularly those that affect the jaw. This point is halfway between the corner of your mouth and the bottom of your earlobe. To find it, clench your teeth together naturally. It's located halfway between the corner of your mouth and the bottom of your earlobe. It's the muscle that flexes when you press your teeth together. Stomach 36 (ST36) for stress The Stomach 36 acupressure point, also known as Zusanli or Leg Three Miles, is typically stimulated to relieve: nausea tiredness stress It is located below your knee. If you place your hand on your kneecap, it's typically where your pinky is resting. You should apply pressure in a downward motion to the outside of your shin bone. Extra points on the head and neck 1 (EXHN1) for pain The EXHN1 acupressure points, also known as Sishencong, are believed to relieve head pain, including tension-type headaches. A 2023 experimental study suggests that acupressure at this point reduced pain during IANB injection in 5- to 10-year-olds and can be used along with conventional measures like topical anesthesia to reduce pain. It is a group of four points at the vertex of the head around Bai Hu (GV20), in front of, behind, and to either side of GV20. Extra points on the head and neck 3 (EXHN3) for relaxation The EXHN3 acupressure point, also known as Yintang or the Hall of Impression, is associated with mental stability and relaxation. A 2022 clinical trial in children undergoing a dental procedure suggests that stimulating this acupressure point before the procedure may lower heart rate, a potential indicator of anxiety. It is located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. When to contact a doctor Acupressure should not be used in place of a visit to a dentist or doctor. However, it can help provide temporary pain relief along with traditional treatments for toothaches, like pain relievers, until you can schedule a dentist or doctor's appointment. You should contact your doctor if: your pain is worsening or unbearable you have a fever you have swelling in your mouth, face, or neck you're experiencing difficulty swallowing or breathing you're bleeding from the mouth »FIND CARE: Find a dentist in your area today. Potential risks of acupressure Acupressure is generally viewed as safe. However, if you experience worsening pain while stimulating acupressure points, do not continue. Acupressure should not hurt. If you are in pain while performing acupressure, talk with a doctor. You should also talk with a doctor before performing acupressure if you are pregnant or have chronic health conditions. People who are pregnant should not stimulate Jianjing (GB21) or He gu (LI4), as they have the potential to induce labor.
Telegraph
19-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Five surprising health benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is now stealing the spotlight as one of the most powerful ingredients in your cupboard. With its sweet, woody scent and warm, spicy kick, it's travelled through kitchens from Mumbai to Marrakech, laced through everything from sticky buns to slow-cooked curries. Long prized in traditional medicine and central to Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, this age-old spice is now being studied for a surprising range of modern-day health benefits, from blood-sugar control to brain health. These effects stem from cinnamon's powerful natural compounds and how you consume it may influence what you get out of it. 'It's been used in a range of different ways. Some people use it as a tincture, some people use it as a tea. Some people use it as a spice in cooking,' says registered nutritionist Jenna Hope. 'When you're consuming it in a number of different ways, there's going to be different bioactive compounds in the different mechanisms.' Here are the five ways cinnamon could support your health – and how to get the most out of it. 1. It may help regulate blood sugar Cinnamon's best-documented benefit is its potential to support blood sugar control, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2023 study found that regular cinnamon supplementation was associated with improved fasting blood sugar and longer-term glucose markers, suggesting real promise for this store-cupboard spice. 'Supporting blood sugar regulation in those with type 2 diabetes is the most compelling evidence-based health benefit of cinnamon,' says Dr Megan Rossi, founder of the Gut Health Doctor (@theguthealthdoctor). 'Some research shows that it can help to reduce blood glucose post-meal,' adds Hope. 'But some found it had no effect. I think it comes down to the doses and the methods.' The form matters, too. 'Some studies look at it using cinnamon tea, some cinnamon extract, some cinnamon powder,' says Hope. 'They're also looking at a wide range of doses… the largest I saw was around 8g, which is really quite high.' Its effects are thought to come from compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, procyanidins, catechins and MHCP (methylhydroxychalcone polymer), which may mimic insulin activity in the body. As ever, consistency is key. A teaspoon sprinkled into your morning porridge or whizzed into a smoothie is an easy way to reap the benefits, but don't go overboard. Experts generally advise keeping intake under 6g a day. 2. It could support heart health Several studies suggest cinnamon could be more than just a cosy comfort – it might offer real support for your cardiovascular system. This aromatic spice has been shown to help improve cholesterol and reduce blood pressure, particularly in people with metabolic conditions. One 2021 review found that cinnamon supplementation helped lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. A more recent 2024 study also suggests that cinnamon may help reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and easing arterial tension. 'It's been shown to increase HDL, which is high-density lipoprotein – the good cholesterol,' says Hope. She also notes that by improving blood sugar levels over time, cinnamon may offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits when used regularly. 'There do seem to be some potential heart health benefits on blood lipids,' says Dr Rossi. 'But the clinical trials were done in those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes… we're not able to extrapolate out to a healthy population.' Still, if you're already eating a diet that supports cardiovascular health – think plenty of fibre, healthy fats and plant-based foods – cinnamon may offer a small but useful bonus. Its warming flavour also makes it an easy ingredient to include in everyday meals: try stirring it into a chickpea stew or using it in a spice rub for roasted root vegetables. 3. It's packed with antioxidants Cinnamon doesn't just bring warmth and sweetness – it also delivers a generous hit of antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, a process linked to ageing, inflammation, and chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Dr Rossi highlights its antioxidant potential, noting key bioactives like 'cinnamaldehyde, procyanidins and catechins (polyphenols), and methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP)' among the compounds that underpin cinnamon's health effects. These protective benefits appear most promising when cinnamon is consumed regularly in small amounts, not as a supplement but simply as part of your usual cooking routine. While cinnamon is often reserved for baking, its aromatic profile works just as well in savoury settings. Try stirring it into a lentil soup, using it to season roast squash or carrots, or pairing it with cumin in a homemade curry powder. Its versatility means it can slot easily into a variety of dishes, sweet or savoury – all while quietly working in your favour. 4. It might help curb cravings and support weight control While cinnamon isn't a magic bullet for weight loss, it might play a small supporting role in metabolic health when used alongside a balanced diet and lifestyle. A 2023 controlled trial looked at a supplement containing Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon) and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in overweight and obese adults. Those taking the supplement while following a mildly calorie-restricted diet saw a 2.66 per cent reduction in body weight over four weeks, compared with a 1.28 per cent loss in the placebo group. It was well-tolerated, with no significant side effects reported. There's also emerging interest in cinnamon's effect on satiety. A 2023 study found it increased levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps regulate appetite and makes you feel fuller after meals. 'Some research found that [cinnamon] can increase GLP-1… but equally, some found no effect,' says Hope. 'I think it's really important just to highlight that we don't know how significant of an effect that is in terms of weight loss.' So while it's far from a slimming aid, cinnamon does offer something that many flavourings don't: warmth and sweetness without added calories or sugar. Try sprinkling it over roasted vegetables or blending it into smoothies for an aromatic twist. 5. It shows early promise for brain health As well as being linked to improvements in some aspects of physical health, cinnamon might have more to offer the brain than you'd expect, early research suggests. A 2023 study found that cinnamon extract improved memory in rats and appeared to protect brain cells from damage. Another 2022 investigation linked cinnamon's phytochemicals to antidepressant and memory-enhancing effects in mice. 'Although there are some animal and test-tube studies suggesting potential benefit on neuroplasticity, memory and even Parkinson's, there haven't been human clinical trials to confirm or refuse this,' says Dr Rossi. 'More research is needed in this area.' Hope adds: 'Some research suggests that cinnamon – specifically the acid components cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid – have been associated with an improvement in cognitive function. Additionally, the antioxidant capabilities may have protective effects on brain health; however, again, this depends on the dose and the type of cinnamon.' For now, the findings are intriguing but far from conclusive. Still, cinnamon's broader anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may offer gentle support for long-term brain health when used regularly as part of your diet. Which type is best – and how much is too much? Not all cinnamon is created equal. In fact, the type you pick up at the supermarket could make a big difference to its safety and effectiveness. 'There are two main types,' explains Dr Rossi. 'Cassia is more common and has a stronger aroma, but it contains much more coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver in high doses. Ceylon has a milder taste and is considered safer for long-term or high-dose use.' While Cassia is the type most commonly found on supermarket shelves, its higher coumarin content means it should be used more cautiously. Ceylon, sometimes labelled as 'true cinnamon', is typically more expensive and often available in health-food shops or listed by name on packaging, so it's worth checking the label before you buy. The European Food Safety Authority sets a tolerable daily intake of just 0.1mg per kg of body weight. That means even small, frequent amounts of Cassia could tip some people over the recommended limit. Ground cinnamon is also a better option than sticks if you're looking to get the most from it. 'You're consuming more of the bioactive compounds,' says Hope. 'With sticks, it's generally more of an infusion – you're not getting the full compound content.' She adds that while cinnamon is 'generally safe up to around 6g a day', which is roughly two level teaspoons, taking more than 3g long-term could cause issues for some people or interact with certain medications. In particular, it may amplify the effects of antidiabetic drugs like metformin or interfere with how the liver processes other medications. If you're taking regular medication or considering cinnamon supplements, it's best to check with your GP first. Three simple ways to enjoy cinnamon Blend it into your breakfast Stir half a teaspoon into porridge, overnight oats or yogurt for a warming start that doesn't rely on added sugar. 'It's a really good alternative to sugar,' says Hope. 'It provides a little bit of natural sweetness, so you don't need to add so much sugar.' It also pairs well with ground flaxseed or chia for a fibre-rich, blood-sugar-friendly breakfast. Add warmth to savoury dishes Cinnamon's warmth works surprisingly well outside of baking. Try it in stews, tagines or lentil soups, where it complements tomatoes, pulses and root veg. A pinch with cumin and paprika makes a quick, aromatic rub for roasted carrots or chickpeas. Upgrade your smoothies or snacks Blend cinnamon into nut butter or protein shakes for a comforting twist that also helps manage blood-sugar spikes. It also adds flavour and antioxidants to roasted nut and seed mixes –ideal for cooler months or post-gym recovery.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Relief From Menopause Just a Needle Away? The Truth About Acupuncture
Menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and other sleep disturbances aren't just annoying—they can be disruptive. Whether you're suddenly overheating and covered in sweat or you're having trouble focusing on tasks at work because you didn't get a restful night's sleep, menopause symptoms can interfere with your daily life in truly significant ways. Fortunately, there are tools at our disposal—like hormone therapy and lifestyle changes—that can make dealing with these symptoms a bit easier. More from Flow Space The Menopause Symptom No One Talks About-But Might Signal Bigger Health Issues Some doctors also recommend acupuncture: the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice involving the insertion of extremely thin needles into the skin on specific parts of the body. But can this really help with menopause symptoms? Here's what the research and experts say. Can Acupuncture Help Relieve the Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause? In short: yes, acupuncture may help relieve some symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, says Dr. Maria Colon-Gonzalez, a physician at Salud Revisited and acupuncture practitioner. In TCM, perimenopause and menopause are viewed as natural transitional phases characterized by an imbalance, she explains. 'As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue can arise,' she says. 'Acupuncture works by restoring balance within the body's meridian system, calming the nervous system and regulating hormonal function.' According to Dr. Haley Parker, an acupuncturist and director of clinical operations at the Academic Clinic of the Virginia University of Integrated Medicine, rather than addressing or masking symptoms, acupuncture works by restoring balance in the body's energetic systems. 'These vital substances begin to shift during perimenopause, and acupuncture helps harmonize their flow,' she explains. A 2016 study published in the journal Menopause supports this. The researchers found acupuncture treatments were associated with significant improvement in quality-of-life measures that participants who did not receive acupuncture treatments didn't experience. The study also found that the clinical benefits of acupuncture for menopause symptoms lasted at least six months beyond the end of treatment. A 2015 meta-analysis of 12 studies on acupuncture and menopause, also published in the journal Menopause, came to the same conclusion. According to Parker, modern research supports what TCM has known for centuries: acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, regulates hormone levels and promotes endorphin release—all of which help mitigate the wide range of symptoms experienced during this time. However, as Dr. Anita Sadaty, an OB-GYN, founder of Redefining Health Medical and medical advisor for Womaness, points out, there are also studies that cast doubt on the effectiveness of acupuncture for menopause symptoms. 'I think it's important to recognize that some studies caution that the effects of acupuncture may not be significantly different from sham acupuncture, suggesting a potential placebo component,' she says. 'Despite this, I believe that acupuncture is a reasonable, low-risk alternative for women seeking non-hormonal relief from menopausal symptoms, especially vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.' Which Menopause Symptoms Can Acupuncture Help Alleviate? Technically, TCM doesn't treat symptoms and isolated issues, Parker explains. Instead, practitioners look at root patterns, which may manifest differently in each woman. 'In a treatment, we treat the root and branch of the condition to address the symptoms and why they are presenting,' she says. Here are some of the most common menopause symptoms that acupuncture may help alleviate, according to Parker, Sadaty and Colon-Gonzalez: Hot flashes Night sweats Irregular or heavy periods Insomnia and restless sleep Anxiety or depression Irritability and mood swings Fatigue and low energy Brain fog and poor memory Digestive changes Weight fluctuations Vaginal dryness Loss of libido Joint pain or stiffness Pain related to intercourse Bone health How Does Acupuncture Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms? Acupuncture influences the body's energy pathways—called 'meridians'—to create physiologic shifts, Sadaty explains. 'It is thought that acupuncture may influence cortisol, cortisol metabolites and DHEA levels. These levels typically increase with menopause, contributing to changes in mood, metabolism, bone density,and cognition. It is possible that the same mechanisms play a role in the treatment of hot flashes, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, obesity, osteoporosis and dementia.' Additionally, there is evidence that acupuncture enhances stimulation of several brain regions to improve cognitive symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, cognitive decline, insomnia and mood symptoms, she adds. According to Park, each acupuncture treatment is personalized. 'There's no 'one-size-fits-all' because we honor the individual pattern presenting in each woman,' she says. 'We recommend booking a consultation with your acupuncturist to go through a thorough review of symptoms and medical history to make a tailored treatment plan, with point prescriptions and herbal formulas fit for your main concerns.' How Long Does It Take for Acupuncture to Relieve Menopause Symptoms? The short answer is that it depends. 'The benefits, the duration of the effects and the overall experience depends on the patients' health, lifestyle and other lifestyle factors that contribute to whole-person health,' Parker explains. 'This means that a patient who is inherently healthy and practicing a healthier lifestyle will usually see results faster and sustain longer.' Most women benefit from weekly sessions for the first four to five weeks, Colon-Gonzalez says. The findings of a 2019 study published in BMJ Open suggests that as few as five weeks of weekly acupuncture may be enough to improve vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats. As symptoms improve, treatments can be spaced to every two to three weeks. 'Once stable, monthly 'tune-ups' are helpful for maintenance,' Colon-Gonzalez says. 'While some women feel relief immediately—though it's not the case for most—cumulative benefits are more common with consistent care over time.'
