Filshie, J., Bolton, T., Browne, D., & Ashley, S. (2005). Acupuncture and self-acupuncture for long-term treatment of vasomotor symptoms in cancer patients—Audit and treatment algorithm. Acupuncture in Medicine, 23, 171–180.

Describe the effects of acupuncture and self-accupuncture on hot flash frequency and intensity

The study enrolled 182 females ages 35 to 83 and 12 men ages 49 to 79 years of age.

Researchers performed a retrospective audit of electronic charts.

The primary outcome measurement was hot flash frequency and intensity. Participants used both traditional acupuncture and self-accupuncture.

The average pre-treatment hot flash count was 16 per day. When acupuncture was added, the chart audit showed that 114 (79%) subjects achieved a 50% or greater reduction in hot flashes.

• Data was not collected prospectively; the study relied on data available in the charts.
• Data was missing in 27 charts.
• The study reviewed only 24 weeks of charts.