A study appearing in the Journal of Medical Oncology has found that acupuncture treatments are helpful in relieving several side effects associated with breast cancer treatments.

According to WebMD, researchers found that the alternative treatment was as effective as conventional medical techniques in easing hot flashes and improving sex drive, energy levels and clarity of thoughts.

"Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects," said researcher Dr Eleanor Walker.

Researchers studied 50 breast cancer patients for the findings. Half received traditional drug therapy to treat hot flashes and half had acupuncture treatments over the course of 12 weeks.

Both groups experienced a 50 percent decline in hot flashes and symptoms of depression, but the acupuncture treatment appeared to keep them at bay longer, with fewer side effects.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique in which small needles are placed in the skin at specific points in the body to trigger the body’s natural healing response.

It has been effectively used for the treatment of back pain, headache, migraine, and sports injuries. In addition, acupuncture is believed to be helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, abdominal and menstrual cramps, weight control problems, infertility and more.