Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text [Hardcover]

Chen Chiu Hseuh (Author), John O'Connor (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1981

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.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

About the Author

John O'Connor studied Chinese language and history at the University of Oregon (B.A., 1971), University of Illinois (M.A., 1977), Taiwan Normal University, and the University of Hong Kong. His collaboration with Dan Bensky on the translation and publication of Chinese medical books began during the course of their studies in Macau between 1973-75.

Dan Bensky is a graduate of the Macau Institute of Chinese Medicine (Oriental Medicine Diploma, 1975), University of Michigan (B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature, 1978), Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Doctor of Osteopathy, 1982), and the University of Washington (M.A. in Classical Chinese, 1996). He is co-author of the companion volumes Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica and Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies. Dr. Bensky is in private medical practice in Seattle, and is a director of the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine

Product Details

• Hardcover: 741 pages
• Publisher: Eastland Press; 1 edition (October 15, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939616009
• ISBN-13: 978-0939616008
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.9 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great "all around" Book...., December 26, 2007

By 

Carlos Chapa "Doc" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text (Hardcover)

This book is great for a "overall review".

Do not use this book alone however, I would use it WITH the required books from school.

Like most books, 70-80% of the book is the same/similar to the others, however that 20%+ can make a difference and sometimes even help you "click" and understand a concept or lesson.

Good luck!

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Voluminous (only slightly flawed) Mainstay, January 24, 2003

By 

Brian B. Carter (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text (Hardcover)

This book got short shrift in our education even though we bought in in the first year or two.

It is essential for its coverage of auricular and scalp acupuncture (not to mention other imaging styles such as "nose acupuncture"). It also has a slightly different view of channel pathology symptoms from "Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion" (CAM) or "Foundations of Chinese Medicine."

The way they organize the body points (by regions of the body and commonality of usage), however, is too counter-intuitive to be useful in practice.

In fact, I think that Deadman's Manual of Acupuncture would make a much better body point reference than Shanghai, CAM, or Foundations... Deadman's book is entirely based on the classics and cites its sources.

They really should put out a new edition of Shanghai with better body point organization.

But, for the student and practitioner, this is a gem.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stood the test of time!, August 19, 2009

By 

Richard M. Caiander "Richard Caiander" (Shelburne Falls, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text (Hardcover)

What does the 1981 copyright have to do with anything? The book has stood the test of time. I've had my copy since 1984 and still refer to it regularly. Some don't like the book because it covers the acupoints by anatomical region. Point descriptions include traditional location descriptions, precise anatomical locations, traditional functions, indications, illustrative combinations, classical combinations, needling method plus additional remarks.

There are separate sections on ear acupuncture, surgical techniques, needling methods in the Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), a concise theory and diagnosis section. Of note, the index has the main pages for each acupoint in bold to set them apart from other references, a perhaps small but important indication of the thought that went into the layout of the book. If I had to have only one book on acupuncture, this would be it. Fact is, with all of its 741 pages, this book is the bible, at least in English!