Hey guys, Sheana here. So, needles aren't my favorite thing, but this is a tool acupuncturists use everyday. So, what's the point, let's find out. 

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 This might look like a routine check-up, but Maricel Miller [assumed spelling] is not your typical doctor. Can you just tell me a little bit more about acupuncture? 

 Acupuncture is all about balance. We have Yin and Yang, just positive and negative in our body and we try to balance that. 

 Acupuncturists use needles, herbs and other forms of oriental medicine to treat illnesses. 

 This is called soshing chong [phonetics]. This is to calm the mind. By sticking needles in strategic points we can balance certain areas that trigger certain problems. 

 The most common acupuncture treatment is needling. 

 And our needles are very, very small. You can fit four to five of these inside the needle of the hypodermic needle. 

 Is there one already in my head? 

 Yes. That's the happy point. 

 Okay. 

 We do that for people that have stress. 

 Now, it's relaxation time. How long will I sit here like this? 

 Well, what we learned in China was it takes 28 minutes for the channels to open. 

 For patients who don't like needles, acupressure is another option. 

 The base of the earlobe is another one for anxiety. You can use fingernail and just push it. 

 Okay. 

 Okay? So, let's do this. 

 Or in my case, maybe I just need some healing herbs. 

 And this one you can take two tablets three times a day. This is for stress. 

 Besides treatment, acupuncturists also provide healthy lifestyle tips including proper diet and exercise. How many hours do you put in a week working? 

 Too many. 

 Like Dr. Miller, most acupuncturists are self employed and put in between 40 and 60 hours a week. What kind of training do you need for this field? 

 Acupuncture physician is a master's degree program. 

 Once you graduate from one of nearly 40 accredited acupuncture schools in the U.S. you must pass a national board exam to become certified. So, what's the payoff? 

 Seeing people get better when other parts or types of medicine can't help them. 

 An acupuncture salary could be rewarding too. Earnings span between $40,000 a year and six figures and oriental medicine is gaining popularity. 

 I would say within ten years acupuncture will be mainstream medicine. So, now is time to get in. 

 What type of person would make a good acupuncturist? 

 Well, a person that's inquisitive. Inquisitive to the point where western medicine doesn't answer the questions. A person that is dedicated to helping other people. 

 Needless to say, you also can't be afraid of needles. So, should we let the people that are aspiring acupuncturists know that they will be needling themselves. 

 Oh yes. Well, most our schools taught us that way. I'm sure most schools do. 

 If you are wary of needles, imagined stones and bamboo or fish bones poking your body, those were acupuncturists first needling tools. It's definitely time to take easy about. To be honest I didn't really feel a thing, but if you are sharp and you are looking for an alternative way to help people, consider the holistic healing power of acupuncture. I'm Sheana, see you next time.