TCM Hot Flushes Treatment: Available Options & Lifestyle Tips

If you're experiencing hot flushes, you know how uncomfortable they can be. It feels as if waves of heat are suddenly spreading throughout the body, causing sweating that disrupts your day and leaving you with restless nights spent tossing off the blankets. To help address this issue, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a gentler, more holistic approach, restoring balance to the body rather than simply managing symptoms.

What causes menopause hot flushes from TCM perspective

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hot flushes are not random, they are signals from your body indicating that something is out of balance. There are three main imbalances that can contribute to hot flushes:

• Kidney Yin deficiency:

  • Your body's cooling, nourishing energy (Yin) becomes depleted. Without enough Yin to balance things out, heat rises freely through your system.

  • This kidney-yin deficiency is one of the most common patterns practitioners identify when treating menopausal hot flushes.

• Kidney energy imbalance:

  • In TCM, your kidneys store vital essence that naturally declines with age. When this essence weakens, your body struggles to regulate temperature properly.

• Excess heat patterns:

  • Heat builds up in your system and needs to be released.

While Western medicine links menopause hot flushes to declining oestrogen levels affecting your brain's temperature control, TCM looks at the underlying energy imbalance. Think of it this way, when your body's natural cooling system weakens, heat has nowhere to go – and that's when you experience those uncomfortable flushes.

TCM treatments for hot flushes

TCM takes a whole-person approach to treating menopause hot flushes. Rather than masking symptoms, treatments work to restore balance in your body's energy systems – nourishing your kidney Yin, clearing excess heat, and strengthening Kidney function.

Many women find the best results come from combining treatments. Your TCM physicians will create a plan tailored to your specific symptoms and overall health

Acupuncture for hot flushes

In acupuncture, fine needles are placed at specific points on your body to restore energy flow and ease hot flushes. The needles stimulate key meridians, including the governor vessel, which runs along your spine and plays a crucial role in regulating your body's temperature as well as Yin and Yang balance.

Sessions last 20 to 30 minutes, with weekly treatments for 8 to 12 weeks showing the most benefit. Your physician usually focuses on:

• Wrists and ankles to balance kidney energy

• Lower back to strengthen cooling functions

• Abdomen to regulate heat distribution

• Points along the governor vessel to harmonise overall energy flow

If you're feeling anxious, there's no need to worry, as the needles are much thinner than injection needles.

Chinese herbal medicine for menopause hot flushes

Herbal formulas nourish yin and clear heat from within. Two commonly prescribed options include:

• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, which nourishes kidney yin for general hot flushes

• Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, which clears heat for intense menopausal symptoms with night sweats

Available as pills, powders, or teas, these herbs restore balance gradually. Your TCM physicians will ensure the herbs are safe for you, especially if you're taking other medications or have specific health conditions.

Gua sha for hot flushes

Gua sha is a therapeutic technique that uses a smooth tool to gently scrape your skin, releasing heat and promoting circulation. Physicians normally treat your upper back, shoulders, neck, and spine – particularly along the governor vessel pathway.

The gentle scraping brings blood to the surface, helping your body release trapped heat. You may notice some temporary redness afterward – this is a positive sign that the treatment is working and will fade within a few days.

Sessions last 15 to 20 minutes and work well alongside acupuncture or herbs.

If you're unsure which treatment would work best for you, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our TCM physicians can help provide a treatment plan  for your specific condition.

TCM lifestyle changes for managing hot flushes

In addition to the treatments mentioned above, TCM also offers lifestyle changes to help manage hot flushes. These include:

Dietary adjustments

In TCM, the foods you eat can have nourishing properties that influence your body's internal temperature. By choosing more nourishing foods, you can help your body stay balanced and alleviate symptoms like hot flushes.

Yin-nourishing foods you could try include:

• White fungus (snow fungus)

• Chinese yam

• Peach gum

• Mulberries

• Goji berries

Stress management

When stress builds, it can disrupt your body's energy flow and trigger hot flushes. Tai chi and Qigong offer a gentle way to calm both mind and body through slow, mindful movements, and breathing. Even just 10 to 15 minutes each day can help provide relief.

Sleep and daily habits

Your sleep environment and daily rhythms play a bigger role than you might think in managing hot flushes. These simple adjustments can help you rest more comfortably, such as:

• Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated

• Wear loose, breathable clothing that you can easily remove

• Avoid heavy meals or hot drinks before bed

• Maintain consistent sleep and wake times

These lifestyle changes work best when paired with TCM treatments. Together, they create a foundation for long-term balance and comfort.

If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough or you need guidance on a thorough TCM approach, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our physicians can help you find the right care and support you through this transition.

FAQ

How long does it take for TCM to work for hot flushes?

Most women begin noticing improvements within 4 to 8 weeks of regular treatment. Some experience changes sooner, while others find it takes around 3 months to feel the full benefits. Your individual response depends on symptom severity and how consistently you're able to follow your treatment plan.

Can you use TCM alongside hormone replacement therapy?

Yes, many women safely combine TCM with hormone replacement therapy. The key is open communication – let both your TCM physician and doctor know about all treatments you're using. This way, they can work together to monitor your progress and adjust dosages if needed.

Are Chinese herbs safe for menopausal hot flushes?

When prescribed by a qualified TCM physician, Chinese herbs are generally safe. Because herbs can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone, it's important to work with a licensed physician who understands your health history and can create a formula tailored specifically to you.

Do you need to see a TCM physician, or can you treat hot flushes yourself?

You can start with dietary and lifestyle changes on your own. However, for acupuncture and herbal formulas, seeing a qualified TCM physician is important. They'll develop a tailored treatment plan that's both safe and effective for your unique needs.

Will acupuncture hurt when treating menopausal hot flushes?

Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine – much thinner than those used for injections. Most women feel only a light pinch or gentle tingling when the needles are inserted. Many actually find the treatment deeply relaxing, and any sensation passes quickly.

Can TCM help with night sweats as well as daytime hot flushes?

Yes, TCM treats both night sweats and daytime hot flushes, as they arise from the same underlying Yin and Yang imbalances. Your practitioner may fine-tune your treatment depending on which symptom affects you most, ensuring you get relief where you need it.

What meridians do TCM physicians focus on for hot flushes?

TCM physicians often focus on two important meridians, the governor vessel (Du Mai), which runs along your spine, and the conception vessel (Ren Mai), which runs along the front of your body. These vessels are crucial for regulating temperature and nourishing your body's cooling yin energy. 

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine.