Acupuncture is a system that can influence three areas of healthcare:

• promotion of health and well-being
• prevention of illness
• treatment of various health imbalances

Although acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications in the hands of a well-trained practitioner.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in treating a wide range of medical problems, including:

Digestive: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhea.

Respiratory: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and recurrent upper respiratory infections.

Neurological and muscular: headaches, migraines, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, lower-back pain, sciatica, and osteoarthritis.

Psychological: depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Gynecological: infertility, painful or irregular menstruation, PMS, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Other: smoking or alcohol dependence and weight control.
Acupuncture may also be useful for physical problems related to tension, stress, and emotional conditions.