Everything. Seriously. Or, maybe to be more specific,
I should say it affects everything.
This does not mean that acupuncture is a cure-all
for every affliction known to humankind. Rather, prognosis is determined
case-by-case and assessed individually as a course of treatment
progresses.
But it makes a difference on many levels as this
progression occurs- and while long-standing issues may not be 'disappeared'
as if by magic, you may begin to notice subtle changes while the
louder symptoms are being addressed over time... better sleep, deeper
breathing, quieter mind...
In some cases, acupuncture can quickly and convincingly
knock out acute or chronic painful conditions that other modalities
have failed to effect. In other cases, acupuncture is an effective
adjunctive therapy to western medicine, alleviating uncomfortable
side effects of that treatment. Think chemotherapy or the like. In
still other cases, acupuncture can manage the symptoms of chronic
illness that may not completely abate, but are brought within a more
acceptable level of tolerance.
BUT- to be Official about it:
In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization
recognized the ability of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to treat
nearly four dozen common ailments. The National Institute of Health
(NIH) followed up in 1997.
Treatable Conditions:
NIH, 1997 - "These conditions
include -- but are not limited to -- addiction, stroke rehabilitation,
headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia (general muscle
pain), low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma."
WHO, 1979 - Outside the United
States, the World Health Organization (WHO), the health branch of
the United Nations, lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture
may be used.
The table below lists these conditions according to WHO:
Conditions Appropriate for Acupuncture Therapy |
Digestive
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Hyperacidity
Indigestion |
Emotional
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis |
Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat
Cataracts
Gingivitis
Poor vision
Tinnitis
Toothache |
Gynecological
Infertility
Menopausal symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome |
Miscellaneous
Addiction control
Athletic performance
Blood pressure
Chronic fatigue
Immune system
Stress reduction |
Musculoskeletal
Arthritis
Neck pain
Back pain
Sciatica
Muscle cramping
Muscle pain |
Neurological
Headaches
Migraines
Parkinson's disease
Postoperative pain
Stroke |
Respiratory
Asthma
Bronchitis
Common cold
Sinusitis
Smoking cessation
Tonsillitis |
Source: World Health
Organization, United Nations.
"Viewpoint on Acupuncture." 1979 (revised). |
Or, if you prefer...
Treatment Information by Body Location/Systems:
- Bones, Joints and Muscles
- Arthritis (Bi-Syndromes)
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Brain and Nervous System
- Dizziness and Vertigo
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke (CVA)
- Digestive System
- Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary Issues
- Epigrastric Pain
- Abdominal Pain Treatment
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hypochondriac Pain (Under Rib Cage)
- Gallstones
- Ear, Nose, and Throat
- Common Cold
- Cough
- Sinusitis
- Ear Infections
- Meniere's Disease
- Otitis Media
- Tinnitus
- Endocrine System (Hormones)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Diabetes
- Eyes and Vision
- Eye Disorders
- Glaucoma
- Optic Nerve Atrophy
- Heart and Circulation
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Kidney and Urinary System
- Urinary Disorders (Lin Disease)
- Lungs and Breathing
- Asthma
- Lung and Respiratory Related Disorders
- Mental Health and Behavior (Psychologial Issues)
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Anxiety (PTSD, Panic Attacks)
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Head, Mouth and Teeth
- Bell's Palsy
- Headache
- TMJ
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Women's Health (OB/GYN)
- Gynecological Issues
- Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation)
- Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain/Cramps)
- Irregular Menstruation
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Menopause (Hot Flashes, etc.)
- Leukorrhea
- Uterine Bleeding
- Female Infertility
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum Issues
- Morning Sickness
- Breech Presentation
|
