Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.
The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is suitable for treating the following:
1. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders: Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, ear-needle sites, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness.
2. Respiratory Disorders: Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
4. Eye Disorders: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina, nearsightedness (in children), and uncomplicated cataracts.
5. Nervous System and Muscular Disorders
Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many other problems, such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and most gynecological complaints.