In this clinical case, I will show how to treat hot flashes and sweating using Master Tung’s acupuncture technique. Although the case involves a male patient, the protocol I present for addressing hot flashes and sweating can also be effectively applied to women experiencing menopause or premenopause.
Patient Profile
Male, age 67
He is seeking support from complementary medicine through acupuncture to strengthen his body and immune system before starting radiation therapy in mid-August.
The patient was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2024 after a long history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). His PSA levels began to rise 12 years ago, for which he received medication to manage the benign prostate enlargement.
A significant spike in PSA levels occurred a year ago, leading to further investigations through biopsy and PCT testing. After a year-long diagnostic process, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 8.
Despite this high score, the cancer is characterized as focal, non-aggressive, and slow-growing, with no signs of metastasis. Currently, the patient is undergoing hormone therapy with Decapeptyl, and the medical team has opted for a non-surgical approach. He is scheduled to begin radiation therapy in a month and a half.
The patient is facing several gastrointestinal health issues, primarily chronic constipation, as he has a bowel movement only once every five days. Despite being aware of the importance of fiber intake and hydration, he continues to struggle with this condition. Recently, he has also noticed an increase in flatulence. To investigate these symptoms, he underwent a colonoscopy two months ago, which showed normal results. Additionally, he had a gastroscopy due to occasional heartburn complaints, which revealed mild gastric erythema and confirmed the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection. He has since started antibiotic treatment to eradicate the H. pylori infection. In addition to these digestive problems, the patient is managing hypertension, which is currently well-controlled with medication.
Treatment Plan
The acupuncture treatment was initially designed to prepare and support the patient during his upcoming radiation therapy. However, by the fourth treatment session, which coincided with the conclusion of his H. pylori antibiotic treatment, a change in focus became necessary. Six weeks after his Decapeptyl injection, the patient began to experience significant hot flashes and sweating, which are known side effects of hormone therapy. These symptoms typically start to diminish six months after the injection. As a result, we shifted our treatment strategy to primarily address these hot flashes while continuing supportive care for radiation preparation.
Treatment
Starting with the fourth session, I implemented an acupuncture protocol that had previously demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating menopausal hot flashes. In this clinical case presentation, I will concentrate on outlining this specific protocol for managing hot flashes induced by hormone therapy, rather than discussing the aspects related to radiation preparation treatment.
The main points used
- 11.24 Fu Ke.
- San Yang (only the medial point).
- Chen Yin, Nei Yin.
- Ht-5 Tong Li.
- 22.08 Wan Shun Yi.
- 33.04 Huo Chuan.
- 66.09 Shui Qu.
- Sp-9 Ying Ling Quan.
- 77.21 Ren Huang.
- 77.19 Di Huang.
- Shui Ming (Liu Shui).
- 77.05-07 San Zhong.
- 88.01-02 Zu San Tong.
Point Selection Strategy
In treating hot flashes, I employ a dual-focused approach. The first component specifically targets the symptoms of hot flashes by addressing the relationship between the Heart and Kidney axes. The second component aims to treat the underlying root condition of the patient, which may involve any of the five Zang organs. To address the Heart-Kidney axis, I have selected the following acupuncture points:

Points located in the kidney area of the leg
- Sp-9 Ying Ling Quan.
- 77.19 Di Huang
- Ming Shui (77.21).

additional points
- 66.09 Shui Qi, which also influences kidney function.
- 33.04 Huo Chuan for heart regulation.
Points to regulate sweating
A specific combination was employed to manage excessive sweating.
- 22.08 Wan Shun Yi, which influences the Kidney function.
- Ht-5 Tong Li, which regulates the Heart.
These points were selected because they work together on the Heart-Kidney axis while addressing sweating symptoms. This combination enhances the connection between these two organs, with 22.08 Wan Shun Yi supporting kidney function and Ht-5 Tong Li regulating the heart.
Additional points
In addition, 11.24 Fu Ke was added to the treatment protocol. Although it has traditionally been recognized for its effects on the female reproductive system, clinical experience has shown that it is also effective for male reproductive health. This underscores its important role in regulating hormonal function and successfully managing hot flashes.
Considering that the patient is male, the treatment protocol was expanded with points aimed explicitly at male reproductive health:
- San Yang (medial point only).
- Chen Yin.
- Nei Yin.
These points are crucial for addressing disorders of the male reproductive system and promoting hormonal balance in men.

Root Treatment
The primary diagnosis was established through palm diagnosis, which indicated a combined pattern of Heart and Spleen issues. Based on this finding, the treatment of 77.05 San Zhong was selected for its dual benefits: it enhances Spleen function while also providing therapeutic effects for prostate enlargement and cancer in general. To address the Heart component of the diagnosis, points 88.01-02 Zu San Tong were initially included as the main treatment points for the Heart. After several treatments and a reassessment that showed the root condition had shifted predominantly to the Spleen, these Heart treatment points were removed from the protocol.
For more information regarding Master Tung’s acupuncture points, download the Master Tung’s acupuncture App.
Auricular acupuncture
I also used Auricular acupuncture on the right ear; points that I used:
- Testosterone.
- Gonadotropin Point.
RESULTS
Treatment for hot flashes began during the fourth acupuncture session when the patient reported experiencing episodes accompanied by sweating. A significant improvement was observed immediately after the first treatment targeting these symptoms. Although the hot flashes did not completely resolve, both their intensity and frequency decreased dramatically.
The treatment for hot flashes continued throughout the radiation therapy period and beyond. A clear correlation was observed between the frequency of treatment and symptom control: as the intervals between treatments increased, the intensity of the hot flashes intensified. In contrast, more frequent treatments reduced both the intensity and frequency of the symptoms.
Six months after the initial Decapeptyl (Triptorelin) injection, there was a significant natural reduction in hot flashes symptoms. At this point, the patient requested that the treatment focus shift towards recovery from the effects of radiation therapy, specifically addressing mild leg swelling and fatigue.
The Gleason score
The Gleason score is a grading system that assesses the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, with scores ranging from 2 to 10. A score of 8, as seen in this patient’s case, indicates high-grade cancer that is more likely to grow and spread than lower-scoring cancers. However, a high score does not automatically mean a poor prognosis. Other factors, such as the cancer being localized (contained within the prostate) and showing slow progression, can be positive indicators. The score is determined by examining the tissue patterns from a prostate biopsy under a microscope.
Decapeptyl (Triptorelin)
Decapeptyl (Triptorelin) is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist used to treat prostate cancer. It functions by:
- Suppressing testosterone production.
- Initially, causing a testosterone surge (“flare effect”) in the first few weeks.
- Subsequently leading to chemical castration, reducing testosterone levels to very low levels.
- Helping to slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer, as prostate cancer cells typically depend on testosterone.
Common side effects include
- Hot flashes.
- Decreased libido.
- Fatigue.
- Mood changes.
- Potential bone density loss with long-term use.
- Risk of cardiovascular complications.