Traditional Chinese Medicine and Menopause

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, perimenopause and menopause are understood as a period of shifting energy, influenced by the balance of Yin and Yang – particularly the gradual depletion of Kidney Yin.

This decline can lead to excess internal heat, manifesting as symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, and dryness. However, other TCM patterns can also contribute to menopausal symptoms, including Kidney Yang deficiency (resulting in fatigue, cold intolerance, and fluid retention), Liver Qi stagnation (causing mood swings, irritability, and tension), and Spleen Qi deficiency (leading to digestive issues, bloating, and brain fog). Acupuncture aims to restore balance by nourishing Kidney Yin, calming internal heat, and strengthening the body’s overall energy (Qi).

By addressing underlying imbalances rather than just symptoms, acupuncture supports a smoother transition through perimenopause and menopause, promoting both physical and emotional well-being. The ability of Chinese medicine to treat each person individually based on their unique symptom presentation (and TCM pattern) makes it an effective and personalised approach to menopause care.

Research on Acupuncture and Menopausal Symptoms

A recent (2025) large-scale review (2) assessing the evidence for acupuncture across a range of health conditions has upgraded menopause to a category with recognised evidence of positive effects. This update reflects growing research showing acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.

The findings support acupuncture as a safe and beneficial alternative or complement to conventional treatments. For a deeper dive into this research, read our blog – The Latest Acupuncture Research – https://www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com/the-latest-acupuncture-research-looking-at-all-the-studies/

Acupuncture and TCM have been used for centuries to support various menstrual health concerns, with increasing evidence from a Western Medicine perspective in recent years. Common menopausal symptoms include:

Hormonal Balance & Mood Support

Perimenopause and menopause can bring emotional shifts, including anxiety, mood swings and emotional changes such as perimenopausal anxiety and depression and cognitive changes often referred to as “brain fog”. (3, 4, 5, 6. 7)

Relief from Hot Flushes & Night Sweats

Hot flushes and night sweats are common during menopause and can significantly impact daily comfort and sleep quality. (8,9,10)

Better Sleep & Increased Energy

Many women experience insomnia, restless sleep, and fatigue during perimenopause and menopause. Acupuncture supports sleep by calming the nervous system and regulating hormonal fluctuations, helping you feel more rested and energised. (3,11, 12)

Cognitive Clarity & Focus

Brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating are common complaints during perimenopause. Acupuncture aims to help sharpen mental clarity and enhance cognitive function and research also suggests acupuncture may have benefits for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions. (5,13)

Joint Pain & Musculoskeletal Support

Oestrogen fluctuations can contribute to joint pain and stiffness. Acupuncture improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports musculoskeletal health to keep you moving comfortably. (14)

Treatment Focus of Perimenopause at Yin

At Yin, menopause care is a natural extension of our deep focus on women’s health. Just as we support menstrual health for fertility and pregnancy, we see perimenopause and menopause as another key stage in a woman’s health journey – one that benefits from the same level of attention and care. In TCM, all these transitions are interconnected, with hormonal shifts influencing overall wellbeing across the lifespan. Our practitioners are passionate about working with women at every stage, helping to restore balance, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Each of our practitioners has undertaken additional studies in perimenopausal care, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to every treatment. We understand the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause, and we are committed to providing holistic, evidence-based care to support you through this phase with confidence and ease.

If you’re experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, acupuncture may help. Book a consultation with us to learn more about how we can support your health and wellbeing during this stage of life.

References

1. Alfhaily, F., & Ewies, A.A.A. (2007). Acupuncture in managing menopausal symptoms: hope or mirage?. *Climacteric, 10*(5), 371-380.

2. Hempen M, Hummelsberger J.  The state of evidence in acupuncture: A review of metaanalyses and systematic reviews of acupuncture evidence (update 2017–2022). Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2025 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096522992500024X?via%3Dihub#sec0055

3. Zhao, F.Y., Fu, Q.Q., Kennedy, G.A., Conduit, R., Zhang, W.J., Zheng, Z. (2021). Acupuncture as an independent or adjuvant management to standard care for perimenopausal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *Front Psychiatry, 12*, Article 666988.

4. Zhao, F.Y., Fu, Q.Q., Kennedy, G.A., Conduit, R., Zhang, W.J., Zheng, Z. (2021). Acupuncture as an independent or adjuvant management to standard care for perimenopausal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry, 12, Article 666988.

5. Xiao, X., Zhang, J., Jin, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q. (2020). Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for perimenopausal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evid Based Complement Altern Med, 2020, Article 5865697.

6. Sniezek, D.P., & Siddiqui, I.J. (2013). Acupuncture for Treating Anxiety and Depression in Women: A Clinical Systematic Review. *Medical Acupuncture, 25*(3), 164-172.

7. Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Cummings, M., Richardson, J. (2007). Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders – a systematic literature review. *Acupuncture in Medicine, 25*(1-2), 1-10.

8. Li, T., Zhang, Y., Cheng, Q., et al. (2021). Quantitative study on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of menopausal hot flashes and its comparison with nonhormonal drugs. Menopause, 28 (5), pp. 564-572.

9. DGfGuGeV (DGGG). (2021). Peri- und Postmenopause – Diagnostik und Interventionen. 22.01.2021; Version 2.3. Retrieved from: https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/015-62.

10. Chiu, H.Y., Pan, C.H., Shyu, Y.K., Han, B.C., Tsai, P.S. (2015). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. *Menopause, 22*(2), 234-244.

11. Bezerra, A.G., Pires, G.N., Andersen, M.L., Tufik, S., Hachul, H. (2015). Acupuncture to Treat Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015*, 563236.

12. Huang, Q., Luo, D., Chen, L., et al. (2019). Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. *Current Medical Science, 39*, 500–511.

13. Xiao, X., Zhang, J., Jin, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q. (2020). Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for perimenopausal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. *Evid Based Complement Altern Med, 2020*, Article 5865697.

14. Li, T., Zhang, Y., Cheng, Q., et al. (2021). Quantitative study on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of menopausal hot flashes and its comparison with nonhormonal drugs. *Menopause, 28*(5), 564-572.