Do the Needles Hurts?

Preface
Background
Treatment Concerns
What and how acupuncture can help?
About practitioners

 

Preface

Acupuncture becomes a global phenomenal in the recent years, which also takes over the Arab world by storm, Dubai in particular. People see it on the TV, read about it in the newspapers and magazines, or search for information from the internet; it even becomes a popular subject over a dinner table. However, it seems nobody really can tell much about it, beside "O', I know acupuncture is a needle therapy used for pain relief." or "Some friends have tried acupuncture for stop smoking." What else does acupuncture do beside relieve pain and stop smoking? A blank of silence is the usual picture!

For Years, I have always encountered with one amazing scenario: whenever I am been introduced as acupuncturist in the social gathering, the first, almost predictable, question always is: "Does the needles hurt?" My answer is always No, but a new question is there waiting for me: "Why the needles are not hurt?" The curiosity of people for some simple facts of acupuncture is the initiative of this booklet.

Beside the topic of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, many residents of Dubai concern the impact of their health and wellbeing by living in such a hectic life here as expats. Such as:
" What the extreme hot weather can do on us, in a Chinese medicine perspective?
" How can I maintain my wellbeing with a lifestyle of "work hard and play hard"?
" What are methods to restore my energy balance in such an active and fast environment?
As a resident acupuncturist in Dubai from the last nine years, I have developed a genuine understanding to answer these questions. These answers would not only beneficial for the residents of Dubai, but the expat communities in the UAE and rest of the Arabian Gulf countries as well.

Using plain English and the localized knowledge, I try to provide an authentic explanation of acupuncture and Chinese medicine through this booklet. A Q&A format makes it easy yet informative reading about this Chinese healing art.

Enjoy reading,

Chen Qiang
Yours in Acupuncture

 

Background

Q: What is acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is an art and science of healing that was developed in China over the past 3500 years. It is based on the use of needles inserted into the body as a means of unblocking or harmonizing the flow of chi, or energy, in the body, which forms the basis for both good health and ill health.

Q: What is "chi", and how does acupuncture actually affect it?

A: "Chi" is energy in our body, or life force, and there are different kinds of chi in the body. The idea is that the needles are put in specific points to affect the energy flow of different systems in the body. Chinese doctors look at the body a little bit differently than Western doctors. Where a Western doctor may look at the physiology of the organs, the Chinese look at the different organs in terms of their group of functions. For example, the kidney's energy is not only a function for urinary, but also involved with the sexual function, hearing function, hair growth, strength of teeth and bone's density, etc.

The inserted acupuncture needles give the body signals to help organs do their jobs better and harmonize the energy flow to bring a person back to balance. For example, let's take a look at one of the noticeable characters of acupuncture is the diphase equilibrium. There is one acupuncture point, called Tian'shu, located at the side of the belly button. Using this point for a patient suffers constipation, it promotes the sluggish intestine energy flow, and constipation relieved. Meanwhile using the same point for a patient suffers diarrhea, it calms the excessive intestine energy flow, and diarrhea resolved.

Q: Does everybody have chi, and how is chi perceived?
A: Everybody has chi, sometimes we can feel it, but none of us can actually see it. Up to date, the modern science unable to understand Chi as a magnetic field or electricity, or any form of existing element known to us. Date back a hundred year ago we couldn't image we could fly on the air because the science was not developed to the level able to understand aerodynamics. Now, traveling by air becomes a common part of our life, thanks to the development of science and the understanding of aerodynamics. Similarly, it might take some time for the science to reach the level able to understand Chi. It might not happening in my life time, but I am waiting in patient.
Despite the unknown nature of Chi, Chinese medicine doctors have got experience through generations in how to feel the Chi in the different channels in the body. But it is not a simple task to understand the Chi. A common Chinese medicine proverb says: "to study it in years, to master it in a life time."

Q: How does an acupuncturist know where the energy imbalances are?
A: There is several diagnosis techniques used in detecting the body energy balance. The common ones are looking at the tongue, palpating the pulse at wrists and tapping acupuncture points. According to the Chinese medicine, observation of the energy flow, much complex like a metropolitan transporting system, can be done through "traffic monitor centers" in the body (e.g. tongue, pulse and acupuncture points).

A common scenario is an experienced Chinese doctor or acupuncturist may point out many illness a patient suffers without been told by patient, within minutes of Chinese diagnosis procedure.

Q: Why use Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine?
A: This is a complicated question. To make it easy to understand, I would like to recall a common situation: Many people visit my clinic because they are not feeling well, however they have seen conventional doctors, in which all their medical tests are normal. They feeling tired, not sleeping well, low concentration and motivation, high irritation and so on. In such a condition, the modern medicine can do very litter help because virtually they do not understand why people is not feeling well, yet all medical tests are normal. On the contrary, Chinese medicine fully understands it through thousand years of observing how the imbalance of energy flow could cause these symptoms. Along with thousand years of experience, acupuncture and Chinese medicine have developed sufficient methods to help the body to restore the energy balance. Once the imbalance of energy flow is corrected, the person, both the body and mind, regains its health and wellness. Parallel to the improvement of the overall constitution of this person, the chance of this person getting ill is fewer.
In short, doctors of Chinese medicine recognize health problems at the level of energy imbalance and correct it before it deepens into any chemical and physiological problems. Chinese Medicine has much to offer those who wish to raise the quality of health and vitality.
Q: What are the limits of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?
A: Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are powerful healing tools, but they should neither cure nor the solution to every health care problem. Both Western and Chinese Medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses, which are why in modern China, the two systems are used together. When appropriately combined, a patient is well served.
Generally speaking, acute, life threatening conditions are best handled by Western medical doctors. Routine health problems and chronic conditions, for which drug therapy and surgery have not been effective, often benefit from Acupuncture / Chinese Medicine.

Q: Are there side effects?
A: When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture and Chinese medicine is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects. Quite often, a sense of relaxation and well-being occurs during and after acupuncture treatments. While undergoing therapy for one ailment, other problems may resolve concurrently. This is a common side benefit that again demonstrates the value of balancing the quality and quantity of "vital energy" within the entire person.

 

 

Treatment Concerns

Q: Do the needles hurt?
A: This is the commonest questions ever been asked for acupuncture. Many have phobias of needle, because the horror memories of been a child having painful injections.
My answer is, No, or rarely, a pain for acupuncture needle. Many who have tried acupuncture would agree with me, but nobody seems able to explain why acupuncture needle is NOT hurting?
One simple physical character, the tip of needle, explains it all. Comparing with the normal injection needle would make it easier to understand. The normal injection needle is a hollow shaft with a sharp edge on the tip. It CUTS the skin and soft tissues and makes greater chance of pain and bleeding. The acupuncture needle is a hair-thin solid shaft with a pin point on its tip. It PUSHES THROUGH the skin and soft tissues, which virtually into an "empty" space. In addition, acupuncturists receive the training of putting needles through the skin as quick as possible. It virtually finished within a fraction of second. That is why acupuncture hardly causes any pain or bleeding.

Q: Could you describe a first-time visit to the acupuncturist?
A: A first visit, just in general for my style, might take an quarter of hour. I'd have the patient fill out a questionnaire which includes a whole list of symptoms and their life style, which will help me gain a picture of what's going on with the whole person, not just that one symptom that they're coming to me for. After I review the paperwork, I'll ask them a series of questions. Oftentimes the questions will not necessarily relate to their complaints they've come to me with.
Once I finish the evaluation, I will palpate their pulse; look at their tongue, which gives me the insight of where the energy imbalances are. I also palpate a series of acupuncture points on the arms to see if there are tender spots, which indicate the level of imbalance. By then, I will get a general picture of where and how severe is the imbalance.
At this point, I will inform them if I can help or NOT. If I can not help, I usually suggest other options for them, like refer to a specialist or other therapists. If I can help, then, I explain the findings to them and show them some signs of the imbalance for their reference. Also, I do discus with them what to expect of the treatment, like which conditions should be improved, how many sessions might needed.
Then, I have them lie down on the table in a relaxed position and begin with the needles. After putting the needles in the sites, and I let the patient stays there for 20 or 25 minutes. During that time, I may leave the room, or I may stay in the room and explaining more subjects them need to know, and maybe put on some nice Chinese music and dim the lights. I also use certain relaxation techniques with young child or patients who are really, really nervous.
Q: What determines which points you choose?

A: General speaking, the understanding of a patient's imbalance determines the chosen of acupuncture points. Different acupuncture points could be used by different acupuncturist for a similar condition; however, equally good result could be achieved. This puzzled situation might only be expressed by one idiom: "all roads lead to Rome". Even though, there are many "roads" could lead patients to the treatment success, the more experience the practitioner has, the more short cut will be.
Q: Is there any standardized acupuncture treatment?
A: As I stated in the first answer, "acupuncture is an art and science". The protocol of the acupuncture therapy is one, but the application of this protocol is enormous. There is no such thing as a "correct" acupuncture treatment, because each patient should receive the appropriate treatment for their specific body on that specific day.

Q: Are the needles sterilized?
A: Yes. Literally all acupuncture clinics in Dubai use pre-sterilized, single use, disposable needles. In my clinic, all needles are used once and disposed professional by a medical waste company.

Q: Is there anything on the needles?
A: No. The needles used in acupuncture are sterile surgical stainless steel. Their action is of stimulating the body's own natural healing process, not introducing other substances.

Q: How deep do the needles go?
A: It depends on the area of the body. They can go anywhere from 0.1 cm to two or three inches. For example, you would go deeper into the buttocks than into the chest region.
It also related the style of the acupuncturist. Someone might go shallow in the depth, while other prefers goes deeper. Never the less, the depth of the needle does not matter regarding to its safety and painless sensation.

Q: How long do the needles stay in?
A: Generally, in my clinic, the needles stay in about 20 to 25 minutes. However, because the different approaches have evolved, you may find differences between practitioners ranging from very brief insertion times to treatments lasting over an hour.

Q: How many needles do you use to correct a problem?
A: Again, it depends on the style of each acupuncturist; you might see some practitioner use only one to three needles while some might use more than ten needles. In my style, I usually use 15 to 20 needles.

Q: What sensations will I feel?
A: Generally two sensations occur during a treatment. During the initial insertion of the needle most people feel little or no sensation. If they feel something it is usually a quick minor pinch-like feeling. The second sensation after the needle is in is usually a feeling of tingling, numbness, heaviness, ache or warmth. This sensation call "De Chi" in Chinese, means the energy has arrived. Sometimes there are sensations felt in other parts of the body when the needles are in place.

Q: Do people notice results right away, or is it something that builds over a period of time?
A: Response times vary among people and with different techniques. A common misconception about acupuncture is that is cures magically. Those with acute problems, who will get a lot of benefit after the first session, but people with chronic conditions usually expect to see a substantial relief at six or ten sessions.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. But most often people need more than one treatment. A series of six to ten treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
As a rule of thumb, if you have had ten sessions and fail to see any improvement, you should consider seeking other therapies or discussing with your acupuncturist for re-evaluate your treatment plan.

Q: What is the sequence of a typical treatment plan?
A: For an acute pain condition, acupuncture usually takes place at daily basis until the pain subsides down. For chronic conditions, every other day session is the most common practice. For working with fertility or menstrual disorders, the sessions are taken place according to the time of ovulation and menstruation.

Q: Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
A: Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.
" Take time to think over your conditions, and listing down all the discomfort, even too little to consider, like noticing a bad breath lately,
" Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
" Do not brush your tongue and avoid heavy make-up.
" Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hunger, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.

Q: What can I expect after treatment?
A: After you have had acupuncture, you are likely to experience some different sensations in your body due to a shifting of energy balances promoting the healing process. Common symptoms, depending on the condition being treated, could include, heightened sense of alertness, altered emotional state, relaxation, sleepiness, hunger, loss of appetite and a general sense of well being. In some instances, you may experience a temporary increase in symptoms after your treatment, which should ease within a 24 hour period.
It is also important to note that in order to maximize the benefits of acupuncture, even after you have left the practice, it is best to avoid the following: alcohol, caffeine, raw foods, heavy and fatty meals, sour or spicy meals and cigarettes for 24- 48 hours after treatment.

There are some more questions regarding to person's specific situation. For example,
" Should I continue to see my medical doctor?
" Should I continue taking my present medication?
" What should I eat?
" Is there anything I can do for myself at home?
" What signs of success should I look for first and after how long?
You should discuss all of your questions in person with your practitioner.

 

What & how acupuncture can help me?

Q: For what conditions has acupuncture treatment been found helpful?
A: During the years working as an acupuncture doctor in a general hospital in China, I have been witness that acupuncture worked with almost every common illness and disease.
In the west, using acupuncture was limited to only pain relief and stop smoking. Since 1997, The National Institutes of Health of US stated that acupuncture was effective in "post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma for which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program."
Meanwhile, The World Heath Organization (WHO) has an even more extensive list of over 100 indications for acupuncture, from ear, nose and throat disorders to gynecological conditions, from treating sports injuries to assisting in withdrawal from addictions. The detailed list can be downloaded from WHO official website: www.who.org.
Q: Can acupuncture help me to loss weight? How does it work?
A: Yes, lots people with overweight issue were benefited from acupuncture. It has been proven that acupuncture is effective in reducing appetite and promoting better metabolism. If people suffer with over eating or can not loss weight by even through toughest exercise plan and starving, it is the time to try acupuncture. But, acupuncture is not work along for a dramatic cure for weight loss, a proper diet plan and moderated exercise are usually involved.

Q: Stop smoking by acupuncture? How does it work?
A: Stop smoking could be one of the most popular treatments known to the public in the West. However, it is a very "young" application for acupuncture. In 1970s, a neurologist cum acupuncturist who based on Hong Kong reported high success rate on stop smoking by using a newly discovered acupuncture point. Since then, acupuncture opens a new chapter in all kind addictions.

Acupuncture to stop smoking works in two ways; it reduces the craving of the nicotine and speeds up the body detoxification process. People often experience a change on their perception with cigarettes. They also notice the less craving in physical and mental needs.

However, smoking is not only a chemical addiction, by also involved with emotional dependence and habitual pattern. To address the later two issues, my second booklet "the Natural Way to Stop Smoking", will have detailed steps to guild you towards the ultimate success.

Q: How does acupuncture work with chronic pain?
A: Acupuncture is most famous for the chronic pain relief. The modern science has found a physiological evidence to prove its effectiveness; that acupuncture stimulation increases the endorphins', a body nature painkiller, secretion in the brain. It seems a perfect answer to who suffer chronic pain and wish to wrap the pain by adopting acupuncture instead over-the-counter painkillers.

But, in Chinese medicine, it has a different approach to understand pain. "Where is a pain, there is a blockage", in Chinese medicinal proverb. This blockage, caused either by physical or mental injuries, of energy flow or blood circulation results pain. When we see the overflow of water out of basin in the bathroom, we know that there must be a blockage in the drainage. We could use a plumber to lease the blockage in order to prevent the water overflow again or use a mop to just wipe out the water. The same scenario happened in pain relief. An acupuncturist sees a pain in the body; he/she knows body has a blockage in certain areas. Acupuncture act as the plumber to relieve the energy blockage which is the cause of pain. The over-the counter painkillers, however, act as the mop to stop the pain symptoms but not address in any preventative means.

Therefore, in acupuncture for chronic pain, people usually not only experience the on-site pain relief, but also a reduced intensity and frequency of the future pain attack. Migraine and premenstrual syndrome are two of the most common conditions been benefit from this aspect.

Q: What acupuncture can do to relief my stress?
A: With too many deadlines to meet, too many parties to go, too many new things happening around, people are too busy to stay in balance. The job frustration, the immense information to facing, the endless high life expectation, addition to the insecurity as an expatriate at the back of mind, named just a few of the source of the stress. Tired, low motivation, poor sleep quality and easier to be irritated seems is an ordinary state of be a "modern man/woman". Furthermore, constant headache or "catching flu", high acidity on the stomach, insomnia is often happening when stress is persistent.

In Chinese medicine, the body has a container in which all the negative emotions and stresses are been throw in this "trash bin". Depend on the "size" of this container, someone could fill it up with a week, while someone might need five years to reach its maximum capacity. By then, any litter stress or negative emotion will spill over the whole container; like a bad driver on the road results a spoiled inner peace (e.g. anger, frustration, irritation) for rest of the day.

Acupuncture acts like the pin pricked many holes on this stress container to relieve the mounted stress out. Within such releasing stage, acupuncture not only calms the negative emotions, but also recharges body's energy to raise the quality of health and vitality. Once the stress container is "empty" and the energy is recharged, people can go back to a normal life and busy to fill up the container again.

To maintain a stress free status, one need "recycle" the stress container regularly. I recommended a sequence of once in four weeks for the acupuncture "Tune up". To avoid rapid filled up the stress container, people could positively involved themselves with many options. Develop a hobby, spend some time for oneself or read some self-help books will help enlarge the capacity of the container. Have a good chat with wife/husband/partner, arrange a short break away from work, book a massage session, etc. will help empty the stuff from the container.

Q: What acupuncture does in fertility treatment?
A: It seems that fertility is always a black and white matter; either you ARE pregnant, or NOT. But in acupuncture, it is not that straight forward; it becomes a video game setting. You have to catch as many bonuses as you can along your way towards an ultimate winning; the more bonuses you have, the grander winner you are become. A regular functioned uterus and ovaries is the essential weapon. A good quality sleep pattern, balanced emotions, good eating habit, reasonable exercise, named just a few of the bonus. Fatigues, stressful life style, difficult to relax oneself, dominated negative emotions are few common obstacles. A good acupuncturist is able to enhance people's chance in obtaining their maximum physical, mental, spiritual bonus.

Researchers from New York's Weill Cornell Medical Center reviewed existing studies and found that acupuncture helps...
1. Reduce stress hormones that interfere with ovulation
2. Normalize hormones that regulate ovulation so an egg is released
3. Increase bloodflow to the uterus, improving the chances of a fertilized egg implanting
4. Improve ovulation cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which makes getting pregnant difficult
5. Improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)

If you want to avoid taking fertility drugs, have PCOS, are not eligible for IVF, or want to improve the success rate of IVF, consider acupuncture.

Q: What acupuncture can help a woman during menopause ( Hot Flashes, emotion swing)?
A: Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have a great deal to offer to women going through the menopause. They treat the whole person and affect mind, body and emotions, and this is very helpful with the hormonal effects of menopause which also affect every aspect of the person. Another feature of the menopause is that it affects each individual woman differently. In Chinese medicine we focus on treating the individual not the condition, so acupuncture and Chinese herbs are good at addressing each woman's own needs. Symptoms such as hot flushes, tiredness, and mood changes like depression or irritability respond especially well to acupuncture. In some cases, if the woman has become run down before the menopause began, the hot flushes may be particularly severe. It is then helpful to combine Chinese herbs with the acupuncture to nourish the underlying deficiencies. Chinese herbs can be very helpful also for symptoms of dryness, such as vaginal dryness. There are also Chinese herbs which traditionally strengthen bone and these are probably going to prove to be very helpful in the treatment of osteoporosis, though more research is needed to confirm this.

Q: What is the impact that Dubai's weather has on our body, and what acupuncture can do for us?
A: It seems the Heat and Humidity in the scorching summer is the major cause of complaints for our body, but in fact the Cold and Dryness are more dangerous to our body in Dubai.
Chinese medicine considers the human body is more than a single entity, but is one with nature; changes in the environment can change bodily rhythms as well. For example, in the winter people usually have a tighten skin to protect from cold; in the summer, the pores on the skin are loose for easier sweating. In Dubai, however, our body is confused because we are encounter with two extreme of temperature constantly. Whoever understands Dubai will agree with me that shopping malls, cinemas, health clubs or even doctor's offices are always too COLD in the summer. The full blow of the air conditioning brings us to the worse scenario: the moment you walked into a building from outside, the body's pore, which opened up for sweating, were attacked by a strong cold straight into the body. When external cold harms the body, acute illness may develop, along with chills, fever and body aches. When the external cold moves inward and becomes an interior disharmony it is associated with a chronic condition that produces a pale face, lethargy, a craving for heat and sleeping for longer than usual periods of time.
For most of office workers, the time they stayed outdoor is very limited. The constant air conditioning at home, office, shopping malls without been moisturized regularly triggers another aspect of the weather issue: the excessive Dryness of the air. When the external Dryness invades the body, it may create respiratory problems such as asthmatic breathing and a dry cough, acute pain and fever.
Of course, the Heat and Dampness are the common causes affect our body if we are stay outdoor for prolonged time. The pain cause by heat and dampness is heavy and expansive. Dampness blocks the flow of life energy and causes a stuffy chest and abdomen. When external Dampness invades, it enters the body and causes stiff joints and heavy limbs. When Dampness invades deeper, upset stomach, nausea, a lack of appetite, bloated abdomen and diarrhea are the common symptoms.
There is one more aspect can not be escaped from our investigation: our sleep environment. Most sleep scientists believe that a slightly cool room contributes to good sleep. In Chinese medicine, during sleep defense energy in our body turns to its minimum. If the AC blows direct towards the body while sleep or we are not protect us properly (e.g. well covered, full length pajama), our body is vulnerable to cold attack.

The best solution of above issues is to be sensible and always bear a preventative mind. For example, always keep an extra cloth in the car to be ready for a surprising cold environment, or keep some moisturizer indoor. I can not emphasis enough the importance of prevention.

However, when the damage has occurred and body is in discomfort, acupuncture and some herbal treatment often is effective remedy.

 

About Practitioners

Q: Which kind training an acupuncturist has had?

A: There are two types of training to become an acupuncturist.

The first type is, I call it, "traditional acupuncture training", that students join a full time degree course of acupuncture at university level. In general, the study lasts four to five years, and students are awarded with a Bachelor degree or "Master of Acupuncture". The common subjects are paralleled with the modern medicine science while focused on the theoretic and practical training of acupuncture.

The second type is "medical acupuncture training". With the increasing popularity of alternative medicine in the West, more medical doctor, chiropractor or osteopath are interested to integrate acupuncture into their practice. Many colleges and medical schools offer courses of acupuncture to medical professionals. The course could be weekend courses or part-time training depends on the regulation of each country.

Many colleges offer acupuncture courses, both traditional and medical, in the West are affiliated with the universities of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) in China. Students were offered the opportunity to finish their internship of acupuncture at TCM teaching hospitals in China, where much broader spectrum of conditions are treated by acupuncture.

Q: How to choose the "right" acupuncturist?

A: Again, acupuncture is not about how to put the needles into the places, but an art of healing. In order to optimize the healing effects, it is very important that between patient and practitioner builds a harmonized teamwork. Good communication skills, personalized attention and supportive relationship is essential for a health practitioner to help patient. If you are not comfortable with the treatment or confused with procedure or instruction means that is not the right acupuncturist for you. It is advisable to discuss all your questions and concerns with your acupuncturist till both of you fully understand each other and feeling right.

It is worth to notice that do not use your previous acupuncture experience upon any treatment with a new practitioner. Due to years of professional experience and personal understanding of acupuncture, each acupuncturist develops a unique approach of their acupuncture techniques. For example, my style is different than rest of my 51 classmates at the TCM college, because my years of practicing acupuncture aboard and encountered many different influences globally.

Q: Are there authorities regulate acupuncture practice within UAE?

A: Yes. In Dubai, the Department of Health and Medical Service (DOHMS), is the licensing body for the acupuncture and TCM practice within Dubai. Meanwhile the TCAM (Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine) Office at the Ministry of Health is the authority regulates and maintenance the standards of Alternative Medicine in the entire UAE. You can visit them for more information at: www.dohmc.gov.ae, or www.moh.gov.ae

Q: How does one go about finding a good acupuncturist?

A: If you're in a big city, you can call one of the acupuncture training schools. If you are in Dubai or other smaller community, a lot of it has to do with reputation, so you should ask around. Your doctor might be able to recommend somebody; your friends might have been to someone; reputation is a very important part of finding somebody good. Once you find somebody who is recommended, you look at their credentials, you see that they've trained in one of the accredited schools and that they've passed the national board exam, and then you know you're probably in good hands.