Which Acupuncture Points And Protocols Best Support Women’s Hormonal Wellness During Perimenopause And Menopause?

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts can bring a host of symptoms — hot flushes, mood swings, sleep disturbance, fatigue and more. Many are asking: Does acupuncture work for menopause? At Proactive Wellbeing Clinic, we believe it can, when applied with the right protocols and acupuncture points. This guide, created by our Acupuncturist, explains how targeted treatment can make a real difference.

Still, if you’re curious about how acupuncture might support your hormonal wellness, call us on 01634 723 600 or email to discuss your individual needs.

Understanding Hormonal Changes In Perimenopause And Menopause

Before exploring acupuncture points, it’s essential to understand what’s happening inside your body. During perimenopause and menopause:

• Oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and then decline, affecting temperature regulation, mood, sleep, skin and more.
• The hypothalamus and pituitary gland (in the brain) respond to these changes, which can lead to hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, etc.
• The autonomic nervous system and stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) often go unbalanced, amplifying symptoms.

Knowing this helps us choose acupuncture protocols that support hormone regulation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Evidence: Does Acupuncture Work For Menopause?

Many women ask: Does acupuncture work for menopause? The scientific literature provides encouraging findings:

• The NICE guideline Menopause: Identification and Management (NG23) (latest update Nov 2024) does not recommend acupuncture for menopausal symptoms, because the evidence shows “little clinically important effect” of acupuncture.
• The 2019 NICE surveillance summary specifically looked at menopausal symptom management and found that while many complementary therapies have been studied, acupuncture did not have enough high-quality evidence to support its inclusion in the recommendations.

At Proactive Wellbeing, we don’t claim acupuncture is a cure-all. Still, we have seen in practice that when we use correct point selection and regular sessions, many clients report fewer hot flushes, better sleep, reduced anxiety and improved quality of life.

Key Acupuncture Points And Protocols For Hormonal Balance

Here are acupuncture points and protocols that are especially helpful for perimenopause and menopause wellness. These are ones that our experts use in their acupuncture sessions at Proactive Wellbeing Clinic (Strood).

Core Acupuncture Points

Point Name	Location / Traditional Use	Benefit for Hormonal Symptoms
SP6 (Sanyinjiao)	Inner lower leg, about three cun above the medial malleolus	Regulates the liver, kidney, and spleen channels; often used to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety.
LR3 (Taichong)	On top of the foot, between the big toe and the second toe	Helps with stress, mood swings, and menstrual irregularities.
KI3 (Taixi)	Behind the inner ankle bone, into the Achilles tendon	Supports kidney function in TCM, increasing vitality, helping with night sweats, and fatigue.
CV4 (Guanyuan)	Midline of the abdomen, about 3-4 cun below the navel	Strengthens Yuan (source) energy, supports hormonal regulation.
CV6 (Qihai)	Midline, about 1.5-2 cun below the navel	Boosts Qi, supports energy and digestion; calms the body.
HT7 (Shenmen)	Wrist crease, on the ulnar side	Helps with anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations.
GV20 (Baihui)	Top of head, midpoint between ears	Calms the mind, lifts the mood, and helps with sleep and dizziness.
Yintang	Between the eyebrows	Calms the mind, reduces stress, and aids in insomnia relief.

Protocols: How Often And What Strategy

• Initial Phase: Weekly sessions for 6–8 weeks. We often combine the points above with individualised points depending on the symptom profile (e.g., sleeplessness, mood, hot flashes).
• Maintenance Phase: Once symptoms reduce, taper to every 2–3 weeks, then monthly for upkeep.
• Seasonal / Triggered Sessions: Additional booster sessions if symptoms worsen (e.g. on stress, illness).
• Complementary Lifestyle Support: Acupuncture works best when combined with healthy sleep routines, avoidance of stimulants (caffeine, alcohol), gentle exercise, and stress reduction (mindfulness, yoga).

Patient Experience At Proactive Wellbeing Clinic

At our clinic, we provide comprehensive consultations during the first session to gain a thorough understanding of your menstrual history, symptom patterns, and overall health.

Our acupuncturist, Alison Wood, employs both classical TCM and five-element acupuncture, enabling a tailored blend of approaches. We also offer Facial Enhancement Acupuncture (FEA) to address concerns about skin elasticity and hormonal health.

You can view more information about our Acupuncture services, including pricing and what to expect.

Safety, Risks And Precautions

While acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner:

• Always ensure needles are sterile and single-use.
• Inform about any medical conditions: hormone therapy use, bleeding disorders, implants, etc.
• Some dizziness or mild bruising may be possible; serious adverse effects are rare.
• If you are pregnant or have specific conditions, certain points may need modification.

At Proactive Wellbeing Clinic, Alison is fully certified and registered with the British Acupuncture Council. We adhere to the highest safety protocols.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering does acupuncture works for menopause, the evidence and our experience at Proactive Wellbeing Clinic strongly suggest that yes—it can be a powerful tool when paired with the right acupuncture points, protocols, and supportive lifestyle changes.

If you’d like to explore this further, book a consultation with Alison Wood, find out more about our Acupuncture page, or get in touch by calling on 01634 723 600 or .

Let’s work together to achieve greater hormonal balance, improved sleep, increased calmness, and overall well-being.

FAQs

1. How soon will I see results from acupuncture for menopause symptoms?

Many clients notice improvements in sleep or hot flushes within 3-6 sessions, but full benefits often emerge over several weeks with regular treatment.

2. Can acupuncture replace hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Acupuncture may help reduce symptoms and support well-being, but it is not a direct substitute for HRT. Discuss any changes with your GP before making them.

3. Does acupuncture hurt during perimenopause or menopause treatments?

No — most women feel a light, brief sensation. If there’s discomfort, your acupuncturist can adjust the treatment accordingly. Needles are wonderful.

4. How many sessions will I need?

Typically, 6-8 sessions weekly to start, then reducing to fortnightly, then monthly once symptoms stabilise.

5. Is it safe alongside existing medical treatments, e.g. HRT or antidepressants?

Usually yes, but always inform your practitioner and GP. We tailor treatment to your overall health picture.