Any decision you make about your health care is important--including deciding whether to use acupuncture. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed this fact sheet to provide you with information on acupuncture. It includes frequently asked questions, issues to consider, and a list of sources for further information. Terms that are underlined are defined at the end of this fact sheet.

• Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world.
  
• It is important to inform all of your health care providers about any treatment that you are using or considering, including acupuncture. Ask about the treatment procedures that will be used and their likelihood of success for your condition or disease.
  
• Be an informed consumer and find out what scientific studies have been done on the effectiveness of acupuncture for your health condition.
  
• If you decide to use acupuncture, choose the practitioner with care. Also check with your insurer to see if the services will be covered.