The list below presents topic references from a historical World Health Organization source (W.H.O. Chronicle 34,249,1980). It is a historical index rather than a current blanket recommendation or evidence of equal benefit for every condition.
| Digestive system– Gastritis – Stomach ulcer – Epigastric pain – Duodenal ulcer – Irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis – Constipation, diarrhoea* – Autonomic digestive disorders |
Cardiovascular system– Essential hypertension – Anginal pain – Autonomic arrhythmias – Peripheral vascular disease |
Respiratory system– Asthma – Bronchial hyperreactivity – Allergic asthmatic bronchitis – Autonomic shortness of breath–cough |
| ENT– Allergic rhinitis – Allergic sinusitis – Meniere’s disease (vertigo) – Dry mouth, dry eyes – Nausea, dizziness, vertigo (of autonomic, vascular or cervical origin) |
Gynaecology– Dysmenorrhoea – Amenorrhoea (hypothalamic)–Menstrual cycle disorders – Micropolycystic ovaries–Postmenopausal syndrome – Dysfunctional uterine bleeding – Pelvic pain – Painless childbirth, infertility |
Dermatology– Acne – Psoriasis – Neurodermatitis – Urticaria – Itching of allergic origin – Eczema |
| Mental disorders– Neuroses, anxiety disorder – Anxiety phobic neurosis – Sleep disorders (insomnia) – Behavioural disorders – Melancholy, depression – Chronic fatigue syndrome – Autonomic disorders – Anxiety, stress, tension. |
Rehabilitation– Sudech syndrome – Overuse syndromes – Entrapment syndromes – Rehabilitation after strokes – Rehabilitation in muscle syndromes. – Degenerative diseases of the spine – Facial nerve paresis – Dysfunctional urinary bladder |
Acute pain (specific syndromes)– Postoperative analgesia – Renal colic – Painless childbirth – Acute musculoskeletal pain – Neuropathic pain – Postherpetic neuralgia – Temporomandibular joint pain |
| Chronic pain– Neck pain – Thoracic pain–back pain – Lower back pain – Lumbar sciatica (acute–chronic) – Myofascial pain – Fibromyalgia syndrome – Monoarthritis or polyarticular syndromes – Extra-articular syndromes (epicondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, periarthritis) – Rheumatoid arthritis – Raynold’s phenomenon – Osteoarthritis |
Headaches – Migraine – Tension headache – (episodic and chronic) – Temporomandibular joint headache – Trigeminal neuralgia – Occipital neuralgia |
Miscellaneous– Appetite suppression/obesity – Dependence treatment for smoking, alcohol – Action on the neuro-endocrine-immune axis – Antiemetic effect |
The medical community worldwide takes acupuncture seriously. The volume of work conducted and presented at conferences, using strict scientific and methodological criteria, grows daily, resulting in more complete statistical documentation of the effectiveness of acupuncture.
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Acupuncture has been established internationally as a complete therapeutic system. It requires assessment of potential risks and is entirely harmless when applied by properly trained doctors who strictly follow the rules for its application. In Greece, the law prohibits the use of acupuncture by non-doctors because it is recognised as a medical procedure.
The Greek State, through decisions of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Social Insurance, “…accepts Acupuncture as a method of treatment which is applied only by doctors…” (Ref. No. Υ7/οικ./4270/25-6-96), and adds that “…Acupuncture must be applied exclusively by doctors who have experience and have been trained in Acupuncture.” (574/Α4/1191/21-2-1980).
Medical acupuncture: indications
This publication presents a historical list. Present-day choices require clinical assessment rather than inclusion of a condition alone.
Continue with Medical Acupuncture Methods, or browse Medical articles and health information for related articles.
Medical acupuncture and evidence
How can an indications list be used for information?
It can serve as a topic index and starting point for questions. It is not a personal treatment plan or confirmation of equal benefit for every condition.
Does recognition of a method establish an indication for every condition?
No. Training, regulation of instruments and evidence of effectiveness are different matters. Each application is considered for its particular purpose, medical history and relevant evidence.