In general, the following principle applies for acupuncture: «What is disturbed can be healed, but not what is destroyed».

In 2003, the WHO (World Health Organisation) has published a list of indications for acupuncture:

Respiratory disorders

• Asthma bronchiale
• Chronic inflammation of the sinuses and bronchia
• Allergic rhinitis
• Susceptibility to infection
• Common colds
• Influenzal infection

Gynaecology

• Menopausal discomfort
• Disturbance of the menstrual cycle
• Birth preparation
• Infertility

Headache

• Migrane
• Neuralgia
• Tension headache

Abdominal diseases

• Chronic diarrhoea and constipation
• Colitis ulcerosa
• Liver and gallbladder diseases
• Stomach pain and inflammation
• Morbus Crohn
• Diminished appetite

 Orthopaedic conditions

• Arthrosis
• Acute and chronic back pain
• Joint pain
• Tennis elbow
• Rheumatic ailment

Psycho-vegetative disorders

• State of exhaustion
• Sleep disorder
• State of excitement
• Nicotine addiction
• Overweight

Urological diseases

• Urinary tract infection
• Enuresis

Dermatosis

• Akne vulgaris
• Herpes zoster
• Neurodermitis
• Psoriasis

Sensory organ diseases

• Ear noise and inflammation
• Eye irritation
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Impaired vision