Acupuncture in association with enhanced self-care is an effective integrative intervention for managing hot flushes and improving quality of life in women with breast cancer, according to Italian researchers. A pragmatic, randomised controlled trial compared acupuncture plus enhanced self-care versus enhanced self-care alone in 190 women with breast cancer. Both groups received a booklet with information about climacteric syndrome and its management, to be followed for at least 12 weeks. In addition, the acupuncture group received 10 l acupuncture treatment sessions. Evaluation of tongue and pulse was performed at each session and acupuncture was performed at three common acupoints (Sanyinjiao SP-6, Quchi L.I.-11 and Guanyuan REN-4), plus others chosen according to the specific TCM pattern diagnosed. Acupuncture plus enhanced self-care was associated with a significantly lower hot flush score than enhanced self-care alone at the end of treatment, and at three- and six-month post-treatment follow-up. Acupuncture was also associated with fewer climacteric symptoms and higher quality of life in vasomotor, physical and psychosocial domains.
Acupuncture As an Integrative Approach for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (AcCliMaT). J Clin Oncol. 2016 Mar 28. pii: JCO632893.
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