Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text

Description

Compiled by the faculty of one of China's leading schools of traditional medicine, Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text is among the most authoritative textbooks and reference sources in its field. Since its translation into English in 1981, it has become a standard text used throughout the world. Included are descriptions of more than a thousand acupuncture points, hundreds of prescriptions (both ancient and modern) for the treatment of numerous diseases, and detailed discussion of a variety of acupuncture techniques and modalities ranging from ear, head, hand and foot acupuncture to moxibustion, cupping and surgical techniques. There are chapters devoted to modern research concerning acupuncture phenomena, and others which critically analyze ancient theory and methodology. The editors have also provided a lengthy introduction to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, a select bibliography of current research published in English, and extensive indices. Review: This book is valuable - I am glad that I bought this book. I'm a student in a TCM master's program and an intern in the student clinic at my school. For clinic, I have used this book FAR more than any other (including the ubiquitous ADRs). It has myriad extra acupoints, most of which I had never even heard of, as well as all of the usual points with their locations/actions/indications (both modern and classic). There are pull-out charts, detailed technique descriptions, and an awesome auricular chart. It has a treatment guide arranged by condition. So, say you have a patient- main complaint: stiff neck. It gives the TCM etiologies/pathologies, principle and supplementary points with needling techniques and other main treatment methods, then it lists other techniques such as moxa/cupping/cutaneous needling/injection therapy (not legal where I live but still good to know)/different micro-systems techniques/common point prescriptions based on specifics of the symptomatology/etc. At the end of each condition, there's a "remarks" with valuable info on treatment. This text even discusses "barefoot doctor" acupoints, theory, and modern research. It is complete with illustrations and medical specialty sections (pediatrics, dermatology, gynecology, etc.). It's hard to believe that they fit so much into a textbook that can be held with one hand! In short, I am loving this book! Review: Packed full of information about acupuncture and related therapies - My goodness, this is quite the involved book on acupuncture and related therapies. This is NOT the book if you are a beginner in the subject, this is a scholarly tome. I wanted more in-depth knowledge of this Chinese Medicine modality and this book sure has enough for the better part of a lifetime. I had no idea about so much of this and I am not a newbie at studying acupuncture and moxibustion. This would be a great, complete reference book for a physician or student of TCM.