Avoid oil type massages if suffering from hot flashes. Instead get shiatsu or other body work that is done without heavy oils. Use aromatherapy as spritzers, inhalants and in baths that are not too hot. Do not ingest essential oils or apply then undiluted to the skin. Warmth that is intense and often accompanied by heart palpitations, anxiety, faintness, flushing, headache, night sweats can all be part of the change.
Hot flashes are more likely to occur if the kidneys and liver are deficient.
One reason for hot flashes is a deficiency of yin or fluid in the body. When hot flashes bring on sweating, the lungs are also an organ to pay better attention to. The average hot flash lasts about three minutes, but anything between half a minute and an hour can occur. Ride the wave, get a fan and drink lots of cool beverages. Wear cool clothes and dress in layers so you can dress and undress as you need to.