Acupuncture indication list
In 1979, the WHO (World Health Organisation) compiled a list of conditions for the first time where acupuncture can be used as a treatment method. A revised version followed in 2003. In 2017, two Australian researchers published a comprehensive literature review assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture. For this publication, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, visit the Knowledge Centre and scroll to the bottom of this page.
Below you will find the indications where acupuncture can be applied.
allergies:
including: food, dust mites, pets, pollen
chest:
chest tightness, fullness in the chest, chest pain, palpitations
joints:
stiffness, pain, limited movement, osteoarthritis, rheumatic conditions, joint inflammation, bursitis, muscle or tendon pain, weakness, tremors, cramps, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, sprains, sports injuries, recovery after orthopedic surgeries
gynecology:
menstrual issues, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, breast tenderness and pain, certain fertility issues, leukorrhea, support during IUI/IVF/ICSI procedures
head:
headaches, migraines, local hair loss, facial pain, dizziness (e.g., Ménière's disease), heavy feeling in the head
skin:
sweating problems, itching, dry skin, eczema, acne, cold sores, shingles, psoriasis, boils, ulcers
internal issues:
anemia, feeling cold, circulation problems, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, thyroid disorders, diabetes, overweight
throat, nose, ear:
(chronic) nasal congestion, sinusitis, sinus infections, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, ear pain or infections, tinnitus, certain cases of deafness, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, speech problems, lump in the throat, gum issues, toothache, canker sores, bad breath, bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, increased salivation, cold sores
children's issues:
cough, cold, asthma, bronchitis, throat infections, digestive issues, abdominal pain, bedwetting, sleep problems, teething, eczema, ear pain/infections
limbs:
cold limbs, heavy feeling, edema (swelling)
respiratory system:
(chronic) colds, weak immune system, shortness of breath, asthma, bronchitis, hyperventilation
mental disorders:
sleep disorders, vivid dreams, hyperventilation, restlessness, anxiety, fainting, compulsive crying or laughing, depression, easily startled, forgetfulness, anorexia nervosa, lethargy, lack of energy, overall weakness, burnout, stress
eyes:
inflamed eyes, itchy eyes, watery eyes, dry eyes, burning eyes, blurred or spotty vision, poor eyesight
digestion:
nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, heartburn, belching, stomach pain, gallbladder issues, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, rumbling stomach, abdominal pain, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids
urinary system:
urinary tract infection, incontinence, bladder or kidney stones, impotence, reduced fertility, premature or nocturnal emissions, prostate issues
addictions:
smoking addiction, eating addiction, alcohol addiction, drug addiction
nervous system:
hernia, numbness, nerve inflammation/pain (neuralgia), such as:- intercostal neuralgia (rib pain)- sciatica- neuralgia after shingles- facial pain, trigeminal neuralgiaeffects of whiplash (pain, dizziness, fatigue, loss of concentration), epilepsy, effects of stroke (hemorrhage, infarction)
pregnancy issues:
nausea, acid reflux, breech position, inducing labor, postpartum pain, promoting breastfeeding, mastitis
If your complaint is not on the list of indications, please contact an NVA acupuncturist and explain your complaint. Together, we will discuss the possibilities.
