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Statement from the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) compiled the following list of conditions which may benefit from acupuncture. This list is not based on clinical research but on clinical experience. It is only a partial list, as acupuncturists are trained to treat any condition within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine

While pain relief is one of the most common applications for acupuncture, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner, it has much broader applications. The WHO recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesses including:

  • Upper Respiratory Tract
  • Acute Sinusitis
  • Acute Rhinitis
  • Common Cold and Flu
  • Acute Tonsillitis
  • Respiratory System
  • Acute Bronchitis
  • Bronchial Asthma (most effective in children and uncomplicated conditions)
  • Eye Disorders
  • Acute Conjunctivitis
  • Central Retinitis Myopia (in children)
  • Cataracts (without complications)
  • Mouth Disorders
  • Toothache
  • Post Extraction Pain
  • Gingivitis
  • Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Spasms of esophagus
  • Hiccough
  • Gastroptosis
  • Acute and Chronic Gastritis
  • Gastric Hyperacidity
  • Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
  • Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
  • Acute and Chronic Colitis
  • Acute Bacillary Dysentery
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Paralytic Ileus
  • Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Headache and Migraine
  • Trigeminal Neuralgias
  • Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)
  • Pareses Following a Stroke
  • Peripheral Neuropathies
  • Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)
  • Meniere's Disease
  • Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
  • Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)
  • Intercostal Neuralgia
  • Cervicobrachial Syndrome
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Sciatica
  • Low Back Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Back and Knee Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Sports Injuries and Pains
  • Reproductive and Gynecological Conditions
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
  • Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
  • Spotting and Excessive Bleeding
  • Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual period)
  • Impotence
  • Infertility
  • Incontinence
  • Prostatis
  • Mental Emotional Problems
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

Source: World Health Organization, Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.

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