The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health recognize that acupuncture can be a helpful part of a treatment plan for many illnesses. Here is a list of a few of the syndromes that acupuncture has been successful at treating:
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addiction (such as alcoholism)
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asthma
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bronchitis
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carpal tunnel syndrome
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constipation and diarrhea
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fibromyalgia
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migraines and chronic headaches
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irregular menstrual cycles
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polycystic ovarian syndrome
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low back pain, menopausal symptoms
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menstrual cramps
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arthritis
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sinusitis
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irritable bowel syndrome
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stroke rehabilitation
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tendonitis
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tennis elbow
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urinary problems such as incontinence
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture also lists a wide range of conditions for which acupuncture is appropriate. In addition to those listed above, they recommend acupuncture for:
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sports injuries like sprains and strains
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whiplash
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neck pain
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sciatica
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nerve pain due to compression
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pain resulting from spinal cord injuries
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allergies
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tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
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high blood pressure
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GERD
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ulcers
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chronic and recurrent bladder and kidney infections
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premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
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infertility
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endometriosis
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memory problems
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insomnia
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Symptoms of MS
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depression and anxiety
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Acupuncture is particularly effective for pain relief and for post surgery and chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting.