ZHANGMEN FOR WINDOWS SOFTWARE REVIEW:
Many acupuncturists in Europe know the earlier versions of the acupuncture software package
Zhangmen or are already working with it. New is the US release of Zhangmen for Windows
(works both with all 32 and 64 bits Windows versions). The possibilities of the software have been
greatly extended compared to earlier versions.
Zhangmen is the international software package that has been developed for the acupuncturist
who wants quick access to all kinds of acupuncture information. We've reviewed the software
for you.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM ZHANGMEN:
Zhangmen supports your diagnostic and therapeutic abilities by giving you quick access to a
lot of acupuncture data. It's possible to search for pointlocations (graphical and anatomical),
indications, patterns, symptoms etc.etc. The look and feel of the program is like most
windows programs, so you'll be able to quickly understand the software.
INDICATIONS AND LOCATIONS:
This seems to be the most used function of
the software (together with the pattern
function). Zhangmen's database is very
extensive and detailed. All classical points
but also all new points can be found. When
you click for a location a drawing is
shown in which a detailed view of the point
is projected. We've seen the
version in which the locations are also
shown projected on muscles and bones.
PATTERNS:
All patterns can be found in the database.
You can also look for channel pathology and
extraordinary channels. Causes, symptoms,
accompanying pulse- and tongue patterns, therapy and points to be used are available with
every pattern. Remarkable is the great quantity of graphics used in the software which makes
it beautiful to work with.
It's also possible to search for Chinese names (Pin Yin). These are also shown when you
search for specific points. It would have been nice however when the Chinese characters were
also shown. (editors note: this is done in the last version!)
EAR / AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE:
Zhangmen has a a great database on earacupuncture. Location of earpoints as well as
indications/symptoms can be found. The points are shown graphically and can be printed so
you can also give prints to your patients. New are the Dr. Nogier auricular charts. These where
missing in earlier versions and complete the auricular part of the software.
MISCELLANEOUS:
The software contains a lot of other important information on acupuncture:
The software also incorporates a small patients administration package. You'll be able to enter
points used, patient interviews (anamnesis) and other administrative details. This is not the
best part of the software which is obviously merely ment for acupuncturist information then
for extensive administrative purposes.
It's also possible to add your own information with the additional Zhangmen Data-Module which however must be purchased seperately.
CONCLUSION:
Zhangmen is a very user-friendly piece of software. Installation is very simple and the
interface is smart and easy to use. The helpfunction is quite extensive. Even on slower
machines the software works properly and rapid (the supplier F-ACT Software even claims it
works on older XP machines and it does....slowly). It helps you to quickly acces a lot of
information on acupuncture. The administrative part could be improved but works efficiently
when you have a small practice.
The price of US$ 169 is real low for software of this kind.
F-ACT Software has a WebSite where you can find more information and even download a free demoversion of Zhangmen the URL is: http://www.factsoft.nl/zhangmen
The software can be obtained from:
F-ACT Software
Marsmanlaan 20
9721 XV Groningen the Netherlands
Phone: *31-50-3128718
Fax *31-50-5266740
E-Mail:
PS: Zhangmen is the Chinese name for Liver 13. It means 'Systems door'.