With these considerations in mind, I would like to introduce you to some of the uses of acupuncture which have been proven under various trials in the research setting, both outcome-based and blinded trials, and follow this with empirically-based evidence gathered over thousands of years in clinical settings.

Before we jump in, let’s take a look at just how popular traditional medicine has become. Although these figures are not specific to acupuncture, acupuncture is a major component of traditional medicine.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “In the past decade there has been renewed attention and interest in the use of traditional medicine globally. In China, traditional medicine accounts for around 40% of all health care delivered. In Chile, 71% of the population, and in Colombia 40% of the population, have used such medicine. In India, 65% of the population in rural areas uses traditional medicine to help meet their primary health care needs. In developed countries, traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines are becoming more popular. For example, the percentage of the population that has used such medicines at least once is 48% in Australia, 31% in Belgium, 70% in Canada, 49% in France and 42% in the United States of America.”

It is worth pointing out that these figures are increasing exponentially.

In the late 1970s, the WHO listed approximately forty medical conditions it considered treatable with acupuncture and oriental medicine. These include neuromusculoskeletal problems, emotional and psychological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs, respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal problems.

One area not mentioned is gynecology. Premenstrual syndrome, menopausal problems, fibrocystic breast problems, uterine fibroids and a host of other gynecological and obstetrical problems are routinely managed with oriental medicine. Research and empirical evidence strongly supports the use of acupuncture and oriental medicine in the area of gynecology.

In 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the NIH Consensus Statement on acupuncture. The full paper can be found on the NIH web site. It’s not the most fascinating reading, but it is generally informative.

Some areas which the NIH feels can be treated beneficially from acupuncture include post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, post-operative dental pain, addictions, stroke rehabilitation, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofacial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma. The NIH also notes that “further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture intervention will be useful.”

Let’s wrap this up with a list of commonly seen and effectively treated or managed conditions seen in the clinic almost daily. Keep in mind that in China where acupuncture and oriental medicine are an intimate part of the health care system, the complexity and variety of medical problems seen and treated is generally greater than in our country.

The most commonly seen problems fall into the musculoskeletal category, including sports injuries, cervical strain (whiplash), back pain, tendonitis, arthritis, sciatica, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and many more. Acupuncture is highly effective in the treatment of these problems. In my opinion, unless surgery is indicated, acupuncture is the most effective treatment for musculoskeletal problems. Even in the event where surgery is indicated, acupuncture can be very helpful. In some cases, acupuncture may be preferred over surgery and be more effective. This is true in many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

As previously mentioned, women’s health issues are frequently helped with acupuncture. (This is especially the case for me, though my practice emphasizes musculoskeletal and women’s health problems.) Commonly seen problems include PMS, menopause, breast pain, fibroids, polycystic ovaries, menstrual cramps (more effective for cramping not associated with endometriosis, but useful nevertheless), irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, amenorrhea (not menstruating) and others.

Other areas for which acupuncture/oriental medicine may be useful include: hypertension, poor circulation, constipation, diarrhea, bronchitis, weakened immune system, middle ear infections, fatigue, neuropathic pain such as trigeminal neuralgia, stopping smoking and other addictions, inflammatory conditions, depression, anxiety, indigestion, IBS, TMJ, hemorrhoids and stress reduction.

Another area I feel acupuncture and oriental medicine can be of significant benefit is in the field of oncology. Supportive treatment while a person under goes chemotherapy, radiation, etc., can greatly assist the recovery process; reduce nausea from chemotherapy, support immune system function and increase energy and a feeling of well being.

While this is by no means a complete list, it does represent the most commonly treated health problems. I should point out that this discussion has addressed the treatment of disease, but the prevention of disease is also in the realm of acupuncture and oriental medicine.

Of course, just because a medical problem may be treated with acupuncture does not guarantee successful treatment. There are many variables which affect the success of treatment. These include the expertise of the doctor treating the problem, the specifics of the situation (for example, the successful treatment of fatigue will depend on the underlying cause of the fatigue), the general health of the patient, etc.