Acupuncture for Hot Flashes Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors

For quite a few survivors of breast cancer, the irritation of continuing hot flashes – sometimes as often as multiple times each day – makes day-to-day life a struggle. And although there are a variety of treatment choices available, one unexpected therapy is beginning to rise in popularity: acupuncture.

In a clinical study, 120 women were provided with a variety of treatments, reporting the number of occurrences and severity of their hot flashes over periods of time of 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Not only did acupuncture for hot flashes exceed medications in its ability to offer lasting relief, but even a “phony” variation of the acupuncture scored almost as high.

At this time, it’s not clear whether acupuncture is effective (and recommended) for menopausal hot flashes. The effects of hot flashes are usually more severe in breast cancer survivors, who do not have the choice of hormone replacement therapy that menopausal women may be able to consider using. Anyone interested in acupuncture for relief from hot flashes should first consult with her doctor.

At New Horizons In-Home Care, providers of the best elder care Salem, OR and the surrounding areas have to offer, our care team is trained and experienced in bringing relief in a full range of ways to breast cancer survivors, and anyone else who is recovering from a medical procedure or experiencing challenges from the effects of a chronic illness or aging. Several examples of how we can help include:

• Transitional care from hospital to home
• Assistance with personal care needs, such as bathing/showering, getting dressed, and using the toilet
• Planning and preparing healthy meals
• Medication reminders
• Safe transfers and ambulation assistance
• Housework and laundry
• Companionship
• And many others

Contact New Horizons In-Home Care, experts in elder care Salem, OR and surrounding areas trust, for an assessment right in the comfort of your home. Call us any time at 503-400-3000 in Salem, 541-752-9059 in Corvallis, 541-997-8115 in Florence, or 541-687-8851 in Eugene.