Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat health problems ranging from back pain and migraines to insomnia and asthma.

Now, research suggests that remedy – which involves applying fine needles to strategic points on the body – could also be effective for helping women overcome the potential side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants to breast cancer patients who are dealing with the effects of reduced estrogen levels that often accompany their treatment, Health Day News reports.

The new study sought to compare the use of acupuncture with antidepressant Effexor over a period of 12 weeks.

Study author Dr Eleanor M. Walker said that her team found that compared to drug therapy “acupuncture was just as effective and had no side effects.”

In fact, many participants receiving the Chinese therapy said they benefited from more energy and a higher sex drive.

Meanwhile, those who took Effexor reported problems that included nausea, dry mouth, sleep problems, headache and constipation.

Walker said the findings demonstrate that there are natural alternatives to drugs available to these patients. Herbal supplements may also be effective.