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 English version release of Zhangmen for Windows. 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 (Pinyin). 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 great database on ear acupuncture. 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 patient administration package. You'll be able to enter points used, patient interviews (anamnesis) and other administrative details (..).
It's also possible to add your own information with the additional Zhangmen Data-Module which however must be purchased separately.

CONCLUSION:
Zhangmen is a very user-friendly piece of software. Installation is very simple and the interface is smart and easy to use. The help function is quite extensive. Even on slower machines the software works properly and rapidly (the supplier F-ACT IT even claims it works on older 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 is real low for software of this kind.

F-ACT IT has its website where you can find more information and even download a free demoversion of Zhangmen the URL is: https://www.factsoft.nl/zhangmen

The software can be obtained from:
F-ACT IT
Marsmanlaan 20
9721 XV Groningen the Netherlands
Phone: *31-50-3128718 E-Mail:

PS: Zhangmen is the Chinese name for Liver 13. It means 'Systems door'.