Swedish researchers randomised 31 men with hot flushes due to prostate cancer treatment to EA (12 points, with four electro-stimulated) or TA (12 points) weekly for 12 weeks. Hot flushes per 24 hours decreased significantly, from a median of 7.6 at baseline in the EA group to 4.1 after 12 weeks, and from 5.7 in the TA group to 3.4. Distress caused by flushes decreased from 8.2 in the EA group to 3.3, and from 7.6 to 3.4 in the TA group after 12 weeks. The overall ‘hot flush score’ decreased in the two groups by 78% and 73%, respectively, in line with or better than medical regimens for these symptoms. The effect lasted up to nine months after treatment ended.
Two Modes of Acupuncture as a Treatment for Hot Flushes in Men with Prostate Cancer-A Prospective Multicenter Study with Long-Term Follow-Up. Eur Urol. 2008 Feb 14