Acupuncture Indication List | WHO Conditions | Zelhem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has compiled, based on clinical research, a list of complaints and conditions that may respond positively to acupuncture. This list covers more than 100 conditions across virtually all organ systems.
Acupuncture works both curatively (aimed at recovery) and preventively (to prevent complaints). At Praktijk ter Horst in Zelhem and Zutphen, we have been treating people with a wide range of complaints for more than 24 years — from neck pain and stress to menopausal complaints and skin problems.
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine (0.2–0.3 mm) and virtually painless
What does the WHO indication list mean for you?
The WHO list is based on clinical scientific research worldwide. The fact that a condition is on the list means that positive treatment results have been demonstrated. Acupuncture works complementarily alongside regular care — it does not replace your GP or specialist, but can support recovery and reduce complaints.
Is your condition not listed? This list is not exhaustive. Feel free to contact us — we are happy to discuss whether acupuncture may be beneficial for your situation.
- neck complaints
- shoulder complaints (frozen shoulder, tendinitis)
- knee complaints (arthrosis, meniscus)
- tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- fibromyalgia (muscle rheumatism)
- neck and back complaints
- tennis elbow, mouse arm, RSI
- pain complaints
- rheumatic conditions
- arthrosis
- stiffness and restricted movement
- sprains
- joint inflammations
- bursitis
- muscle and tendon pain
- loss of strength
- tremors and cramps
- (sports) injuries
- recovery after orthopaedic surgery
- headache
- migraine
- dizziness (for example: Ménière's disease)
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- facial pain
- localised hair loss
- heaviness in the head
- stress
- burn-out
- anxiety and anxiety disorders
- depression and low mood
- sleep disorders
- fatigue
- excessive dreaming
- hyperventilation
- restlessness
- fainting
- epilepsy
- compulsive crying/laughing
- being easily startled
- forgetfulness
- anorexia nervosa
- listlessness
- lack of energy
- general weakness
- nervous exhaustion
- allergies and hypersensitivity
- hay fever
- sinusitis (sinus infection)
- asthma
- breathing difficulties
- bronchitis
- chronic cold
- weak immune system
- shortness of breath
- hyperventilation
- allergy to food, house dust mites, pets
- eczema and constitutional eczema
- acne
- skin problems (general)
- perspiration problems
- itching
- dry skin
- cold sores
- shingles
- psoriasis
- boils
- ulcers
- menstrual complaints
- premenstrual complaints (PMS)
- menopausal complaints
- infertility
- IVF and ICSI support
- endometriosis and pelvic complaints
- PCOS and hormonal balance
- tense and painful breasts
- vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
- reflux and heartburn
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- stomach complaints
- intestinal complaints
- nausea
- poor appetite
- vomiting
- acid reflux
- belching/burping
- stomach ache
- gallbladder complaints
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- abdominal cramps
- intestinal rumbling
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- haemorrhoids
- anaemia
- feeling cold
- circulatory problems
- high blood pressure
- low blood pressure
- thyroid conditions
- diabetes
- overweight
- tightness in the chest
- feeling of fullness in the chest
- chest pain
- palpitations
- angina pectoris
- swollen/painful flanks
- allergic rhinitis
- hay fever
- (chronic) nasal congestion
- frontal and paranasal sinus infection
- cold
- cough
- hoarseness
- sore throat
- speech problems
- lump in the throat
- gum problems
- toothache
- mouth ulcers (aphthae)
- bad breath
- bitter taste in the mouth
- dry mouth
- excessive saliva production
- fever blisters
- ear pain/inflammation
- tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears)
- certain cases of deafness
More information: acupuncture for children
- cough
- cold
- asthma
- bronchitis
- throat infection
- intestinal complaints
- abdominal pain
- bedwetting
- sleep problems
- teething
- eczema
- ear pain/inflammation
- cold limbs
- feeling of heaviness
- fluid retention (oedema)
- inflamed eyes
- itchy eyes
- watery eyes
- dry eyes
- burning eyes
- blurred vision / seeing spots
- poor eyesight
- bladder complaints
- urinary tract infection
- incontinence
- bladder or kidney stones
- impotence
- reduced fertility
- premature or nocturnal ejaculation
- prostate complaints
- smoking addiction
- food addiction
- alcohol addiction
- drug addiction
- hernia
- numbness
- nerve inflammation/pain (neuralgia)
- intercostal neuralgia (nerve pain between the ribs)
- sciatica, ischialgia
- post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles)
- facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia
- after-effects of whiplash (pain, dizziness, fatigue, loss of concentration)
- epilepsy
- after-effects of CVA (cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction)
More information: acupuncture during pregnancy
- nausea
- acid reflux
- breech presentation
- inducing labour
- pain after delivery
- stimulating breastfeeding
- mastitis (breast infection)
Frequently asked questions about the indication list
Do you recognise your condition?
Schedule a free introductory consultation of 15–20 minutes and discover what acupuncture can do for you. No waiting list — partially covered by health insurance.
Free introductory consultation Contact us