What are the benefits of contemporary medical acupuncture for patients?

Acupuncture can be effective as a solitary treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapeutic interventions. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of:

Sports related injuries and other movement disorders;
Musculoskeletal pain problems: neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, joint pain;
Chronic pain: headaches, sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuritis and facial pain;
Digestive disorders: irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhoea and gastritis;
Menstrual and reproductive problems: dysmenorrhea, perimenopausal symptoms and infertility;
Urinary tract disorders: prostatitis and bladder dysfunction;
Respiratory problems: sinusitis, asthma, sore throat and recurrent respiratory tract infections;
Stress related problems: addictions and post-traumatic stress disorder.