Conditions Treated: Menopause and Hot Flashes
Most women who experience hot flashes have them daily, and they typically continue for more than seven years. Many would rather manage them without hormone replacement therapy. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, acupressure, and changes to diet are the approaches we use at our East Village clinic, and we
have been treating menopause symptoms here since 2016.
What we treat:
Menopause is a natural stage of life that occurs when the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone declines, often causing a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Acupuncture may help support women through perimenopause and menopause by addressing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, headaches, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and changes in mood. At East Village Acupuncture & Massage, acupuncture treatments are tailored to each person’s individual symptoms and overall health, with the goal of helping you feel more balanced and comfortable during this transition. Acupuncture may be particularly helpful for women looking for a natural, non-hormonal approach to managing menopause symptoms and improving sleep, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Hot flashes:
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. They can occur during the day or at night and often feel like a sudden wave of heat spreading through the chest, neck, and face. Some women experience flushing, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, or a feeling of anxiety during a hot flash, followed by chills as the body cools down. When hot flashes occur at night, they can interrupt sleep repeatedly, leading to fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and feeling generally run down the next day. For some women, hot flashes are occasional and manageable, while for others they happen several times a day and continue for years. If your hot flashes are disrupting your sleep or quality of life, acupuncture may offer a non-hormonal approach to helping reduce their frequency and intensity.
How acupuncture treats this:
Your acupuncturist selects points based on your particular symptoms and your overall health, rather than following a fixed protocol. Points commonly used for menopause include Du 20 at the top of the head, which helps rebalance the yin and yang elements of the body, Urinary Bladder 23 in the lower back, which invigorates the kidney system, and Kidney 3 at the ankle. Many patients combine acupuncture with a Chinese herbal formula. While you are taking herbs we like to see you every two weeks, because we adjust the formula as your symptoms change rather than leaving you on the same prescription. Your practitioner can also show you acupressure points to use at home when a flash begins, and talk through paced breathing and dietary changes that may help.
What to expect on your first visit:
We start with an intake covering your symptoms, your sleep, and your general health. It helps to arrive with some notes about your symptoms (how often they occur, what makes them better or worse). The acupuncturist will place needles in the appropriate acu points and then you will rest for approximately 30 minutes. At the end of your session you will be emailed a treatment plan letting you know how often the practitioner would like to see you, along with any dietary or lifestyle advice. Book a 45-minute session and allow an hour at the clinic.
What it costs:
Acupuncture is $85, or $75 for students and seniors. A herbal consult is $85, or $105 combined with acupuncture. Herbal consult prices do not include the cost of the herbs themselves. Students and seniors with valid ID may book Tuesday to Friday before 2pm.
Which practitioner should I book with:
All of our acupuncturists have a lot of experience treating women's health issues, however not all of them are herbalists. We would recommend getting started with whoever works best with your schedule. You can also have a look at our practitioners bios.
Common Questions:
How many sessions will I need?
This varies a bit from person to person depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Ideally we like to see some improvement after the first session but often recommend seeing a patient weekly until their symptoms resolve. We suggest coming in less frequently as your conditions improve.
Can I have acupuncture while on HRT?
You can definitely still receive acupuncture while on HRT, please let your practitioner know about HRT and any other medications you are taking.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Many patients feel an improvement in mood and other symptoms after their first session. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it can take weekly visits for one to three months to see symptoms resolve.
Are the herbs safe alongside my other medication?
Yes, taking herbs while on medications is generally safe but please let your practitioner know what medications you are taking and if that changes during the course of your treatment as this might change the herbal formula that they recommend for you.
Do you take insurance?
We are not in network with any insurance companies but will provide a superbill upon request. You may also use your HSA/FSA to pay for your sessions.
Finding us:
We are at 155 East 2nd Street in the East Village, a short walk from Union Square, the Lower East Side and Soho. Our closest subway stations are the 2nd avenue F train (exit at 1st avenue), and the JMZ trains at Essex Street/Delancey. We are open seven days a week, with morning
appointments Tuesday through Thursday from 9am.
Book a session or call 212-777-4486 if you would like to discuss first.
