BMAS (hyperlink) states that given the scientific understanding of Western Medical Acupuncture, it may be effective in some of the following circumstances:
• Pain relief for a wide range of painful conditions. It is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, for example – back, shoulder, neck and leg pain
• It has been used successfully to treat headaches, migraines, trapped nerves, chronic muscle strains, sports injuries and various kinds of arthritic and rheumatic pain
• Functional bowel or bladder problems such as IBS or even mild forms of incontinence
• Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, eg period pains and hot flushes
• Allergies such as hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis, and some types of allergic rashes such as urticaria and prickly heat.
• Some other skin problems such as rashes and ulcers, itching, and some forms of dermatitis
• Sinus problems and chronic catarrh
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Help with stopping smoking.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does give a rough idea of the wide range of conditions that respond to acupuncture treatment.