A person should seek acupuncture when he/she wishes to embrace a more holistic approach to health management.  One of the reasons I was so drawn to acupuncture and chinese medicine is that the practice allows the patient to participate in the healing process.  One example of that would be my acupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.  With a few sessions (4 - 12) of acupuncture and light exercises to do when the patient is on his/her own, the patient may enjoy a 100% recovery.