Acupuncture and Oriental medicine has been used as healing art for over 2,500 years. The general theory is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow called Qi (pronounced chee) throughout the body which are related to the organs and tendino-muscular system. When the energy flow is disrupted due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, or other conditions, pain or illness result. Acupuncture focuses on correcting  these imbalances of energy flow by inserting ultra-thin needles under the skin to stimulate specific points in the body. Stimulation unblocks the channels and encourages an even flow of Qi, restoring the body's balance and relieving pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is one of the newest primary health care professions in the United States. The benefits of acupuncture have become widely recognized and integrated with mainstream health care. Acupuncture's complex system of diagnostic methods take into consideration the person as a whole, not just isolated symptoms. Acupuncture practice is based upon discerning the body's "pattern of disharmony" and treating accordingly. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine treats and strengthens the physical condition, normalizes physiological functions, and controls pain. The aim is not just to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but rather to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life. Since the  1970s when Acupuncture and Oriental medicine first became available in the United States, over 15 million Americans have tried it. Almost everyone knows someone who has had positive results. The risk is low and potential benefits are high. Knowing what to expect from acupuncture treatments can make a difference in the experience. The purpose of this brochure is to provide information to help consumers approach acupuncture treatment from an informed perspective.

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In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a panel of 12 distinguished physicians and scientists to review the history, licensing, practice and current status of clinical research on the effectiveness of acupuncture. The result was the first formal endorsement of acupuncture by the NIH, stating "There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional  medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value." The panel urged health professionals to consider acupuncture, particularly integrating its use with conventional medicine after a thorough medical workup. The panel determined that evidence for relief of post-operative pain and nausea associated with pregnancy or chemotherapy is clear-cut. Other conditions, including stroke, headache and  chronic low back pain, were listed as benefiting from acupuncture. The panel also noted that acupuncture appears to be effective in relieving common disorders such as menstrual cramps, muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, addiction, and asthma. They also recognized that acupuncture treatment can result in a reduction in the amount of pain medication or anesthesia that might otherwise be required.

The State of California has led the nation in the field of acupuncture, becoming the first to license qualified practitioners as primary health care professionals in 1978. To qualify for licensure in California, a student must attend a California Board-approved school to receive theoretical and practical training, and then graduate with a Master's level degree. Upon graduation, qualifying candidates must pass a comprehensive state licensing exam. A current valid license issued by the Board must be posted in a conspicuous location in their office.

Herbal Therapy In the course of your treatment, you may be prescribed herbal supplements. Chinese herbs consist of a variety of naturally found products that promote health. The herbs may be dispensed in pills, capsules, tinctures, or in raw form, which requires boiling as a tea. Most herb formulas consist of four to eight herbs and treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process. In California licensed acupuncturists are the only licensed health care professionals who are required to be trained and tested for competency in the prescription of herbal medicine. California-approved acupuncture schools offer a minimum of 300 classroom hours of instruction in traditional Oriental herbology, in addition to clinical training. In recent years,  herbs have become very popular. They are available in health food stores, supermarkets, and on the Internet. While herbs are promoted as safe, gentle,  inexpensive, "natural" alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, many health care professionals have concerns about safety, effectiveness, and potential misuse of herbal products, especially when selfprescribed. There are also questions of purity, strength, and standardization of herbs, and considerations of side effects when taken in combination with other drugs. Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced safely and effectively for centuries and has the greatest potential for beneficial results when prescribed by a trained professional who recognizes the benefits and risks. Be sure to inform your acupuncturist if you notice any side effects from the herbs or any other treatment.

Patients of acupuncture range from infants to senior citizens. They may be seeking an alternative to western medicine or it may be their last hope for relief, having exhausted all western methods for treating a chronic condition. Acupuncture offers a low risk form of treatment with few side effects, and is usually worth a try.

More and more insurance companies are including acupuncture treatment in their policies. Ask your insurer about coverage or reimbursement. Some plans that don't normally cover acupuncture will pay for treatments if a physician recommends them. Acupuncture is covered under California State MediCal and Workers Compensation.

The responsibilities of the California Acupuncture Board are to license and regulate the profession in accordance with the Acupuncture Licensure Act, which identifies acupuncture as a Primary Health Care profession. The Board is an autonomous body under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The primary responsibility of the Acupuncture Board is to protect consumers from incompetent, unprofessional, and fraudulent practitioners. The Board establishes standards for the approval of schools, tutorial programs and continuing education; oversees the administration of the licensing examination; issues new and renewal licenses; and handles enforcement issues when complaints are received. The Board strives to promote safe practice through the improvement of educational training standards. For complete information on the responsibilities of the Acupuncture Board, please see our Web site: http://www.acupuncture.ca.gov

A complaint should be filed by anyone who believes that a licensed acupuncturist has engaged in illegal or unethical activities that are related to their professional responsibilities. Anyone may file a complaint, and the Board will review each complaint received. The most effective complaints are those that contain firsthand, verifiable information. While anonymous complaints will be reviewed, they may be impossible to pursue unless they contain documented evidence of the allegations made. All complaints MUST be in writing or on a consumer complaint form, with specific information needed to initiate a review such as the names, addresses and phone numbers of both the complainant and the licensee. Please explain, in your own words, the nature and facts concerning your complaint. Include as much information as possible, including any documentary evidence available.

Complaints should be sent to:

You can get a complaint form by writing to the Acupuncture Board or by calling 916/263-2680, or the Department of Consumer Affairs hotline at 800/952-5210

Acupuncture works with the body, harmonizing and balancing energy. It improves circulation, releases endorphins to control pain, and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.