While treatment with acupuncture needles is the most commonly used technique, there are other forms of treatment that may be used: moxibustion (a form of heat therapy where acupuncture points are warmed), cupping, electronic stimulation, and tui na (Chinese massage therapy). Dietary modifications, herbal prescriptions and therapeutic exercises may also be recommended.

A committee of the United Nations World Health Organization has published a list of diseases that lend themselves to acupuncture treatment these include:

Eye Disorders

Acute conjunctivitis

Central retinitis

Myopia (in children)

Cataract (without complication)

Mouth & Throat Disorders

Toothache (pain following extraction)

Gingivitis

Acute and chronic pharyngitis

Respiratory Disorders

Acute sinusitis

Acute rhinitis

Common cold

Acute tonsillitis

Acute bronchitis

Bronchial asthma

Gastrointestinal disorders

Hiccups

Acute and chronic gastritis

Gastric hyperacidity

Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)

Acute and chronic colitis

Constipation and diarrhea

Neurological and Musculo-Skeletal Disorders

Headache and migraine

Trigeminal neuralgia

Facial palsy (early stage, within 6 months)

Pareses following a stroke

Peripheral neuropathies

Meunieres disease

Nocturnal enuresis

Intercostal neuralgia

Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow

Sciatica

Low back pain

Osteoarthritis