Acupuncture indication list
In 1979, the WHO (World Health Organisation) compiled a list of conditions for which acupuncture can be used as a treatment for the first time. A revised version followed in 2003. In 2017, two Australian researchers published a large literature study in which they assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture. For this publication, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, see the Knowledge Center and the bottom of this page.
Below you will find the indications for which acupuncture can be used.
allergies:
including: food, house dust mites, pets, pollen
chest:
chest tightness, fullness in the chest, chest pain, palpitations
joints:
stiffness, pain, limited mobility, osteoarthritis, rheumatic conditions, joint inflammation, bursitis, muscle or tendon pain, muscle weakness, tremors, cramps, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, sprains, sports injuries, recovery after orthopedic surgeries
gynecology:
menstrual complaints, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, breast tenderness and pain, certain forms of reduced fertility, 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 complaints:
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 infection, tinnitus, certain cases of deafness, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, speech problems, lump in the throat, gum problems, toothache, canker sores, bad breath, bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, increased salivation, cold sores
children's complaints:
cough, cold, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, gastrointestinal issues, abdominal pain, bedwetting, sleep problems, teething, eczema, ear pain/infection
limbs:
cold limbs, heavy feeling, fluid retention (edema)
respiratory system:
(chronic) colds, poor immunity, 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, general weakness, burnout
eyes:
inflamed eyes, itchy eyes, watery eyes, dry eyes, burning eyes, blurred or spotted vision, poor eyesight
digestive system:
nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, heartburn, belching, stomach pain, gallbladder disorders, 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 (nerve pain between the ribs)- sciatica- neuralgia after shingles- facial pain, trigeminal neuralgiaeffects of whiplash (pain, dizziness, fatigue, loss of concentration), epilepsy, consequences of stroke (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction)
pregnancy-related complaints:
nausea, acid reflux, breech presentation, inducing labor, postpartum pain, stimulating breastfeeding, breast inflammation
If your complaint is not on the indication list, please contact an NVA acupuncturist and explain your complaint. Together, the possibilities will be discussed.
