Acupuncture can be particularly useful in treating back and neck pain, muscle and joint problems such as osteoarthritis, and headaches. Treatment can alleviate pain and also reduce muscle spasms such as Bell’s Palsy, and inflammation giving increased mobility. A number of controlled studies of acupuncture for muscle, joint, and spinal pain have provided moderate evidence to show it has good results in combination with standard therapy treatment such as physiotherapy. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on best practice also recommends that GPs use acupuncture as a first-line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain.

It has also become very effective in the treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome where it’s believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurotransmitters. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress.