Gloria Provitola M.S. L.Ac. L.M.T.
Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM)
Licensed Massage Therapist
Conditions Appropriate for Treatment by Acupuncture
(Based upon clinical experience and in some cases upon clinical trials.  
See sources below for further information.)
What kinds of conditions can acupuncture treat?
Gastrointestinal

  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperacidity
  • Indigestion
  • Spasms of esophagus
  • Hiccough
  • Gastroptosis
  • Acute and Chronic
    Gastritis
  • Gastric Hyperacidity
  • Chronic Duodenal Ulcer
    (pain relief)
  • Acute and Chronic Colitis
  • Paralytic Ileus
 Emotional

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • Neurosis
 Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat

  • Gingivitis
  • Poor vision
  • Tinnitis
 Reproductive &
Gynecological
Conditions

  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Dysmenorrhea (menstrual
    cramps)
  • Spotting and Excessive
    Bleeding
  • Amenorrhea (Loss of
    Menstrual Period)
  • Infertility
  • Incontinence
Miscellaneous

  • Addiction control
  • Athletic performance
  • Blood pressure regulation
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Immune system
    tonification
  • Stress reduction
 Musculoskeletal

  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Muscle cramping
  • Muscle pain/weakness
  • Neck pain
  • Sciatica
  • Cervicobrachial
    Syndrome
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Back and Knee Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Sports Injuries and Pains
 Neurological

  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Neurogenic bladder
    dysfunction
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Postoperative pain
  • Stroke
  • Facial Palsy (early stage, i.
    e., within 3-6 months)
  • Pareses Following a
    Stroke
  • Peripheral Neuropathies
  • Intercostal Neuralgia
 Respiratory

  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Common cold
  • Sinusitis
  • Smoking cessation
  • Tonsilitis
Sources:
1. NIH, Acupuncture, Nov. 3-5, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5
2. World Health Organization. Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.
3. World Health Organization. Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trial. Geneva,
Switzerland: World Health Organization, 2002.
Is there a Western scientific explanation of how acupuncture works?
FAQ:  Acupuncture
The insertion of ultrafine acupuncture needles stimulates the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release
biochemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemicals either change the experience of pain or release other
biochemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's
natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. 2 There are three main mechanisms:

  • Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic
    conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic
    signals to be relayed at it greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing
    biochemicals such as endorphins and of immune system cells to specific sites that are injured or vulnerable to disease.3,4

  • Activation of opioid systems: research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system
    during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.5

  • Changes in brain chemistry sensation, and Involuntary body functions: studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain
    chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in a good way. Acupuncture also has been
    documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as
    immune reactions and processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature are regulated. 1,6, 7

See:
(NCCAM Information and Resources Package,
National Institute of Health
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Source:  1. NIH, Acupuncture, Nov. 3-5, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5
References:

1.  Beinfield, H. and Korngold, E.L. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 1991.

2.   Dale, R.A. "Demythologizing Acupuncture Part 1. The Scientific Mechanisms and the Clinical Uses." Alternative & Complementary Therapies Journal. April 1997.
1(2)-.125-31.

3   Takeshige, C. "Mechanism of Acupuncture Analgesia Based on Animal Experiments." Scientific Bases of Acupuncture. Berlin, Germany: Springere-Verlag, 1989.

4.  J.S. "Acupuncture Activates Endogenous Systems of Analgesia." National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture, Program &
Abstracts (Bethesda, MD. November 3-5, 1997). Sponsors: Office of Alternative Medicine and Office of Medical Applications of Research. Bethesda, MD: National
Institutes of Health, 1997.

5.  Wu, B., Zhou, R.X., and ZI M.S. "Effect of Acupuncture on Interleukin-2 Level and NK Cell Immunoactivity of Peripheral Blood of Malignant Tumor Patients." Chung
Kyo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chich. 1994.14(9):537-9.

6  Wit, B. "Effect Of Acupuncture on the Regulation of Cell-Mediated Immunity in Patients with Malignant Tumors." Chen Tzu Yen Chiu. 1995, 20(3):67-71.

7..  National Instituties of Health Consensus Panel. Acupuncture National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Statement November 3-5, 1997). Sponsors:
Office of Alternative Medicine --ind Office of Medical Application., of Research Bethesda, MD: N ational Institutes of, Health, 1997.
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