Three ways to naturally reduce menopausal hot flashes

Monday, January 14, 2013 by: Katherine Leonard, MS, NC
Tags: hot flashes, menopause, herbal remedies

(NaturalNews) With seven out of every 10 menopausal women experiencing hot flashes and bouts of sweating, this health issue can cause discomfort in social settings, insomnia, and even fatigue. As hormone levels change, women commonly struggle with these undesirable symptoms and many seek treatment with synthetic estrogen. But with increasing evidence showing a link between hormone replacement therapy and increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions, women are now looking to alternative therapies for relief of their symptoms. Meditation, acupuncture, and herbal supplements can help safely reduce menopausal symptoms in women by promoting wellness from the inside out.

Meditation

These days, it seems like everyone is busy, always rushing off with something to do - always looking to the future or past, but never really taking time each day to appreciate life and revel in the moment. Meditation is a great form of stress reduction and has recently been shown to reduce the number and severity of hot flashes. A Swedish study shows that women were able to reduce the number of daily hot flashes from 9.1 to 4.4, just by using breathing techniques and relaxation methods.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another great tool to reduce stress and balance hormones, two major issues commonly associated with menopause. Women given acupuncture had decreased physical and mental symptoms, with the greatest effect in the reduction and severity of hot flashes. They even showed an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in LH (luteinizing hormone), indicating that the acupuncture treatments not only helped women reduce stress but also favorably changed their hormonal environment. Acupuncture is a safe and effective method for balancing hormones, but some may need internal support to further reduce symptoms.

Herbal remedies

Another tool to naturally reduce menopausal symptoms is through the use of herbal supplements. Black cohosh, chaste tree, red clover and St. Johns Wort are effective herbs that help change the internal environment of the body to reduce menopausal symptoms. They are also beneficial for women still having periods but that experience painful cramps, irritability, and other undesirable symptoms.

Black cohosh is an estrogenic herb that helps relieve hot flashes. Chaste tree is a hormone balancer and helps alleviate depression. It is also very effective at regulating a woman's cycle after stopping birth control. Red clover also contains estrogenic compounds and helps to alkalize the body. St. Johns Wort is great for women with anxiety, depression, or other mood-related symptoms associated with menopause. These herbs promote wellness and reduce not only menopausal symptoms, but other hormone-related women's health issues.

Find balance naturally for overall health and wellness

These natural remedies are safe and effective treatments to reduce symptoms associated with menopause. What is even better, meditation and acupuncture are excellent lifestyle techniques that can greatly improve overall health in all individuals. Reducing stress, being present and in the moment, and restoring balance are natural therapies that can improve the quality of life and increase longevity, and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307184640.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121122112835.htm

http://www.holistic-online.com/remedies/hrt/hrt_herbs_summary.htm

About the author:
Katherine Leonard is a Holistic Nutritionist and naturopathic medical student with a passion for supporting people regain their health by reducing exposure to environmental toxins and transitioning to a nourishing and health-promoting lifestyle. Katherine has particular interest in helping women prepare their bodies for pregnancy. She has a master's degree in Holistic Nutrition and is currently enrolled in a 4-year doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University.

Katherine believes that optimal health is achieved through organic whole foods, a toxin-free environment, stress management, and physical activity. Her passion is to design personalized programs to help others live nourishing lifestyles.

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