Moxibustion therapy, or moxa treatment, is an Oriental medicine therapy that involves burning moxa (mugwort herb) near or on the skin, particularly at acupoints. Moxa treatment strengthens and stimulates the blood flow and qi. This process is typically used to treat diseases, provide pain relief, expel colds, and upkeep health in general.

A recent study conducted by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in Daejeon, South Korea found that moxa treatment can be used to treat hot flashes, one of the most prominent symptoms of menopause. The study results showed that moxa treatment reduces both the intensity and frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women. The study consisted of 51 women between the ages of 45 and 60 who were experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes at least five times a day. The women were split into three groups. Two of the groups received 14 moxa treatments over the course of four weeks, and the third group was a control group. In four weeks results showed a "statistically significant" difference in the intensity and frequency of hot flashes between the treatment groups and the control group.

Moxa treatment, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and a multitude of other alternative treatment options have proven effective in easing symptoms of menopause. But no single treatment is a panacea. While some women will experience severe hot flashes, others may only experience mild symptoms or none at all. Some will experience fatigue and others will experience severe nutrition deficiencies. Menopausal symptoms vary and their level of intensity ranges. Optimal treatment methods will vary from woman to woman, but HRT is hardly the only available remedy. Alternative solutions are out there, and they are effective.

For more information on acupuncture, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu