The WHO Recognises Acupuncture – Here's What for
Acupuncture is often thought of as a complementary therapy—but did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised acupuncture for a wide range of conditions based on clinical evidence?
In a landmark review, the WHO listed nearly 100 diseases, symptoms, or health concerns for which acupuncture has shown therapeutic benefit, including dozens where it has been proven effective through controlled trials.
Here’s a breakdown of how acupuncture is recognised globally, according to the WHO:
Conditions Where Acupuncture Has Been Proven Effective Through Controlled Trials
Allergic Rhinitis (including hay fever)
Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
Depression (including post-stroke and depressive neurosis)
Headaches & Migraines
Low Back Pain & Sciatica
Knee Pain & Tennis Elbow
Neck Pain & Shoulder Pain
Postoperative Pain & Renal Colic
Primary Dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain)
Stroke Recovery
Facial Pain (including TMJ disorders)
Nausea and Vomiting (including morning sickness)
Induction of Labour & Malposition of Fetus
Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
Essential Hypertension and Hypotension
Biliary Colic, Acute Bacillary Dysentery, Epigastralgia
Dental Pain & Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Sprains
Conditions Where Acupuncture Shows Benefit, but More Research Is Needed
Acne Vulgaris
Bell’s Palsy
Bronchial Asthma
Cancer Pain
Insomnia
Fibromyalgia
Female & Male Infertility
Labour Pain & Lactation Support
Obesity
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Meniere’s Disease
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Chronic Prostatitis
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Addiction Support (including alcohol, opium, and tobacco)
Sore Throat & Chronic Tonsillitis
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Neurodermatitis & Skin Conditions
Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Osteoarthritis
Schizophrenia & Tourette Syndrome
Raynaud’s Syndrome & Primary Sialism
Conditions with Emerging Evidence – When Other Treatments Fail
For some more complex or rare conditions, the WHO acknowledges acupuncture has shown promise in individual controlled trials, particularly where conventional therapies are limited:
Chloasma (skin pigmentation)
Colour Blindness
Central Serous Choroidopathy
Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease
Small Airway Obstruction
Neuropathic Bladder from Spinal Injury
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Hypophrenia (developmental disorders)
Deafness
What This Means for You
Whether you're managing chronic pain, allergies, reproductive health, or stress-related concerns, acupuncture may be able to help you.
The growing global recognition, including endorsement from the World Health Organisation, highlights just how valuable acupuncture can be—not just as an alternative therapy, but as a natural treatment option.
Interested in exploring how acupuncture can help you?
Reach out to me to find out how this holistic approach can be tailored to your individual needs.