Fundamentals Of Acupuncture

This accessible textbook clearly explains the basic foundations and principles of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. With over 70 illustrations, it covers the theories of yin and yang, the five phases, the physiology of the body, the internal organs, the channel system, acupuncture point categories, the point functions and indications, needling techniques and aetiological factors. Authoritative, yet readable, this is a vital addition to the shelves of all students of Chinese medicine.

In 1987, our first book Acupuncture: Textbook and Atlas received rave reviews (e.g., in New England Journal of Medicine). This prompted us to write this smaller, affordable version in order to reach a wider audience. The smaller format has been so successful that we are now into our fourth revised edition. This has given us the opportunity to update and improve the book. For example, nu merous new references to scientific advances have been added. Also the section on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was ad ded because it gives a more complete picture of the current prac tice of acupuncture. Acupuncture has come a long way since our first book in 1987. There has been a surge of interest in treating drug addictions by ear acupuncture in 450 centers world wide. The treatment of nau sea and vomiting has been so well tested (scientifically) that the FDA (USA) is considering making this the major indication for acupuncture in America. Research into its efficacy for neurologi cal and pulmonary diseases is also gaining credibility. No longer is chronic pain the only scientifically acceptable use for acupuncture (based on the endorphin mechanism).

The Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine is an international collaboration of Chinese medicine experts from both China and the west, and co-written by an experienced practitioner who has been teaching the subject in western schools. This book covers the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and discusses the topic in greater depth than any English language textbook available today. An abundance of classical references are also included here. The material in this text comprises course material for a professional course of training in TCM, which is also the basic material for studying and comprehension of other more advanced courses in TCM. The main contents include the physiological basis of essence-qi, yin-yang and the five phases, followed by the theories of essence, qi and blood, fluids, and spirit. Organ manifestation, channel and collateral theory, constitutional theory, etiology and patho-mechanism, and also principles of prevention and treatment are expounded upon. The knowledge in this textbook is approximately equal to that for students of TCM colleges in China, and coincides with the requirements in the Examination Syllabus for TCM Professional Practitioners Worldwide.

Introduces the principles and techniques of the ancient Chinese healing art of acupuncture.

This revised edition includes a glossary of terms and a materia medica and formulary sufficient to practice the treatments described in the text. As such it is not only a unique, absoloutely-defined and referenced text, but also a self-contained and inexpensive course of study. As a basic text produced to a multi-author, multi-publisher voluntary standard, this revised edition is a unique key for scholars and clinicians alike.

The authors, who are among Japan's foremost teachers and clinicians, have compiled a work that provides a broad, accurate, and detailed foundation for students learning acupuncture or for clinicians who wish to improve their clinical results. This is an important and pivotal contribution to the acculturation of classical acupuncture in the West.