Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine used to treat a variety of complaints. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and come in a variety of lengths. They frequently are painless, or inflict a mild prick, but can cause some pain and stimulation depending on the type of treatment. Acupuncture follows clean needle discipline in which new sterile needles are always used, and disposed of similarly to syringes, after removed. Acupuncturists complete at a minimum a Masters degree from a licensed Acupuncture school which must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Many Acupuncturists are additionally board certified nationally by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) which requires the passing of multiple rigorous examinations.