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:  

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)

• Immune System
• Allergies

• 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