Yes, acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1] [2] [3]. The WHO has acknowledged acupuncture as a valid treatment modality and has published documents and reports supporting its use for various conditions [1] [2] [3] [4].

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The WHO's recognition of acupuncture dates back to a symposium held in Beijing, China, in June 1979, where physicians identified 43 conditions that might benefit from the therapy [2]. This initial list included a range of upper respiratory, respiratory, eye, oral, digestive, nerve, muscle, and bone diseases [2]. Over time, the WHO continued to review and analyze clinical trials related to acupuncture [2]. In 2002, the WHO published another list of 28 conditions for which acupuncture was found to be effective, including various types of pain (musculoskeletal, headache, post-operative), rheumatism, colic, primary dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal issues, allergic rhinitis, circulatory system conditions, depression, and pregnancy-related issues like nausea and fetal repositioning [2]. By 2003, the WHO had identified 28 conditions for which acupuncture was an effective treatment and another 69 for which it showed therapeutic benefit, bringing the total to nearly 100 conditions recognized as benefiting from acupuncture to varying degrees [4].

The WHO has also developed benchmarks for the practice of acupuncture to provide guidance for its administration, minimum infrastructure requirements, and key elements for safe practice [1]. These benchmarks serve as a reference for policymakers, health workers, education providers, and the public [1].

Beyond the WHO's recognition, acupuncture has gained significant popularity worldwide, particularly in Western countries [3]. In the United States, over 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually [3]. Its rise in popularity is partly due to its effectiveness, especially for pain relief, and the increasing scientific evidence supporting its efficacy [3]. The "Non-discrimination in Health Care" language of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the US has further contributed to its acceptance by prohibiting discrimination against providers who deliver services within their state-defined scope of practice, thus ensuring that health plans cannot solely restrict acupuncture services to medical doctors [3]. Some states, like California, now consider complementary and alternative medical interventions, including acupuncture, as "essential health benefits" [3].

Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves placing thin needles into specific points on the body's meridians to balance the flow of vital energy, or qi [5]. While its exact mechanisms are still being studied within the framework of Western medicine, it is believed to stimulate the central nervous system, releasing chemicals that promote the body's natural healing abilities and overall well-being [5]. Modern advancements have led to the integration of Western medical knowledge with traditional acupuncture, resulting in techniques like scalp acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and laser acupuncture [3]. Research, including studies using functional MRI, continues to explore how acupuncture impacts neural structures and deactivates pain-processing areas in the brain [3].

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