Acupuncture can be beneficial in that:

• Performed correctly, it is safe.
• There are very few side effects.
• It can be effectively combined with other treatments.
• It can control some types of pain.
• It may help patients for whom pain medications are not suitable.

Research carried out in Germany has shown that acupuncture may help relieve tension headaches and migraines.

The NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) note that it has been proven to help in cases of:

• low back pain
• neck pain
• osteoarthritis
• knee pain
• headache and migraine

They list additional disorders that may benefit from acupuncture, but which require further scientific confirmation.

In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed a number of conditions in which they say acupuncture has been proven effective.

These include:

• high and low blood pressure
• chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• some gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
• painful periods
• dysentery
• allergic rhinitis
• facial pain
• morning sickness
• rheumatoid arthritis
• sprains
• tennis elbow
• sciatica
• dental pain
• reducing the risk of stroke
• inducing labor

Other conditions for which the WHO say that acupuncture may help but more evidence is needed include:

• spine pain
• fibromyalgia
• neuralgia
• post-operative convalescence
• substance, tobaccor and alcohol dependence
• stiff neck
• vascular dementia
• whooping cough, or pertussis
• Tourette syndrome

The WHO also suggest that it may help treat a number of infections, including some urinary tract infections and epidemic hemorrhagic fever.

They point out, however, that "only national health authorities can determine the diseases, symptoms, and conditions for which acupuncture treatment can be recommended."

Cancer

• Many who get treatment for cancer get acupuncture in addition to standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Acupuncture can help people who have nausea and vomiting during treatment. (www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/acupuncture-pain-killer#2)

The Takeaway

If you are having difficulty managing pain or other health issues with conventional methods, acupuncture may be worth a try. Just be sure to check with your doctor first to discuss whether it's appropriate for you.