Women's health · Perimenopause & menopause
Does this sound familiar?
The TCM view
Traditional Chinese Medicine often describes menopausal heat symptoms in terms of Yin deficiency — not enough of the body's cooling, moistening aspect — frequently alongside Liver Qi stagnation. Treatment and food therapy aim to support that pattern.
The medical view
Biomedically, perimenopause involves fluctuating and then declining ovarian hormones, affecting thermoregulation, sleep and mood. Hormone therapy and other medical options are appropriate for many women. Acupuncture can be used alongside those options or by women who prefer or are unable to use them, after discussion with their physician.
Your care at Seven Medicine
How long care usually takes
Many plans begin with weekly visits for six to eight weeks, then taper based on response. Your symptom log guides decisions about frequency.
01
We track hot-flash frequency, sleep and mood so changes are visible over time — not just a vague impression.
02
Sleep often improves everything else. Treatment and lifestyle guidance prioritize it.
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Cooling, nourishing food principles from TCM — plus practical habits around alcohol, caffeine and meal timing that many women find relevant.
04
Whether or not you use hormone therapy, care is coordinated with your physician's plan.
Research
Reviewed October 2026. Research describes groups of people, not guarantees for any individual. Explore the research →
Pragmatic trials have found real-world improvement: in a US trial, hot-flash frequency fell by 36.7% at six months with acupuncture versus no acupuncture, and an Italian trial in women with breast cancer found benefit when added to self-care. However, a Cochrane review found no significant difference between real and sham acupuncture, and acupuncture appeared less effective than hormone therapy.
A Cochrane review found evidence too low-quality to support or refute acupuncture for insomnia. A 2025 Cochrane review in people with cancer found it may help versus no treatment but may make little difference versus sham, and was likely less effective than CBT-I — which remains the recommended first-line treatment.
From Seven Medicine
Patient story · Longer-standing, whole-body concerns
When several longstanding symptoms overlap, care is often more consistent at first, then reduced as things improve.
Individual results vary. These stories describe individual patients and are not typical or guaranteed outcomes.
Patient experiences
Individual experiences vary. Testimonials reflect personal experiences, not typical or guaranteed results.
Meet your practitioner
DAcCHM, M.CM, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Dr. Kristina completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine as valedictorian, summa cum laude, after earning master’s degrees in both acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her clinical training spans hospital and rehabilitation settings in Minnesota and clinical study in Zhengzhou, China.
She explains your care in both TCM and familiar medical terms, so you understand what she’s seeing, why she recommends what she does, and how you’ll know if it’s working.
Dr. Kristina holds a clinical doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist, not a medical physician (MD/DO), and works alongside — not in place of — your medical team.
FAQ
Yes. Acupuncture can be used alongside hormone therapy. Let Dr. Kristina know about all medications and supplements you take.
Some trials suggest acupuncture may reduce hot-flash frequency or bother for some women, while other studies, including sham-controlled trials, show smaller or uncertain differences. See the research summary on this page.
See your physician for any bleeding after menopause (12 months without a period), very heavy bleeding, or symptoms that are severe or new. Acupuncture complements that care.
Still have questions?
or call(507) 258-7771
