Customer Reviews

The Art of Acupuncture Techniques

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is compelling. Halfway through the first chapter, I started taking notes and underlining it. There is a lot of useful, ready-to-use information in this book, and it is true that a good portion of it is not found elsewhere.

This book addresses an issue that, at some point or another, pops up in the mind of all modern western students of acupuncture: what was left out during the standardization of TCM in China? Robert Johns, a practitioner who undertook a long apprenticeship with an older TCM doctor from China, highlights the importance of the subtler aspects of acupuncture practice for treatment success, and points the way for practitioners and students who want to experiment on their own with these aspects.

"Acupuncture.... is a nonlinear process influenced by all mutually existing factors", says Johns in his Preface. "Seeing Chinese Medicine in this way, as a medical art, helps the reader gain a sense of its multidimensionality.... A practitioner... has a number of choices...[to] meet the patient's specific therapeutic needs." This book brings such aspects as obtaining qi and needle manipulation to the fore, giving clear explanations of their meaning and importance. The book also explains succinctly the uses and applications of different methods of point selection and classical needling techinques, including such obscure methods as Flame Needle and Through and through puncturing. The only thing that's missing is Ziwuliuzhu and Lingguibafa, but even these are mentioned and briefly explained.

Two other things make this book special. The first one is an in-depth analysis of a single acupuncture point: Pericardium 6 Neiguan. This section describes many uses for this point, an analysis of the theoretical basis for its widespread application, and a large sampling of prescriptions which include this point. The second one is the introduction of an ancient needle manipulation techinque, Dao Qi. This was the first thing from this book I experimented with, and the results are amazing.

The whole book is clear, informative, and very insightful. It provides an integrative, wholistic approach to acupuncture for practitioners, and its writing style is so good, there is something here for everyone (students and laypersons). It is a book to be lived with, rather than just read. For people with a background in acupuncture, it requires an open mind and a desire to learn (then again, acupuncture in general requires this). In all, a great book that can really be used both as an introduction to this subject for prospective students and laypersons and a reference for practitioners looking to broaden the scope of their practice. It recalls a more "Chinese" way of thinking and approaching acupuncture, one which recognizes that chinese medicine is as much an art as a science. Highly Recommended!!!

I first read this book the summer before I started acupuncture school. I found it to be both well written and comprehensive. After my first year of learning Basic Theory and Point Location, I read the book a second time and found that it really complemented my textbooks and taught me the finer points (no pun intended) of needling technique.

It describes, in great detail, the classical needling techniques, various ways of inserting and withdrawing needles, and ways to develop treatment prescriptions. It does it in a way that is not cookbook in style but strongly based on ancient theory.

This book would be a good introduction for the patient who desires to know, in more detail, what to expect when receiving treatment. It is invaluable to the student of acupuncture with the knowledge it imparts on classical needling techniques. Finally, it would be an enlightening read for the more seasoned practitioner because of the applied Chinese theory which has been presented in such a pleasing format.

This is the clearest text I have found on Chinese Medicine. So many of the large volume texts require an experienced eye to sift through and discern what is clinically useful and what is merely interesting information of no clinical use. In Art of Acupuncture Techniques everything appears to be useful. Although the book is not large in size, it is large in the author's knowledge of medicine, reflected in its comprehensible use of language and succinct presentation, containing more clinically applicable concepts than many other books.

After reading the comment from Robert Chu's student (see other reviews), I decided to reread the chapter on Neiguan, "the wild card". It seems that this was an off the cuff remark, clearly made by someone who heard the title, but had not read the chapter, and consequently the comment was not explored with an open mind by the student. The chapter begins by explaining how and why and the circumstances in which Neiguan may be referred to as a wild card. Then clearly explains the dynamic this point plays in acupuncture prescriptions. Clear-cut physiological links are mapped out, showing how and why adding this point can affect countless conditions. Also, the numerous relationships Neiguan has with other organs, meridians, and systems are included. Having a chapter dedicated to this point demonstrates its importance. The chapter ends with 58 prescriptions that include Neiguan. Intelligibly demonstrating a deep understanding of Neiguan's Physiologic Dynamic. I have tried many of these and have been amazed by my patients' feedback. The results continue to be remarkable.

I recommend this book to anyone studying and/or practicing acupuncture. As for me, I keep coming back to it, discovering new ideas and deepening those I have already explored. Additionally, the writing style seems to induce a certain way of thinking that expands my understanding in all areas of Chinese medicine, but most importantly in the clinic when I'm standing over a patient about to insert a needle (when it really matters). Thank-You for this outstanding text!

Robert Johns has a knack for being able to boil complex concepts down into simple, understandable language without missing any pertitent information. This text is easy to follow and contains important information. All the information in this book comes from his own clinical practice, so it's only here because the perscriptions actually work for him today, not becasue he read it in some ancient text.
Robert Johns's deep understanding of chinese medicine comes through as you read the pages of his book.
And, if you're a student of acupuncture and will be taking the state board exam in california, note that this book is on the recommmended reading list.

I took johns' acupuncture techniques class in SF last year. Among all the teachers and doctors I have known, johns has the deepest knowledge of acupuncture, and more importantly, the greatest amount of skill hands down. Watching his technique makes you understand how little knowledge and skill has been passed on in the post-communist "traditional" chinese medicine era. Although its difficult to learn the correct technique through a book alone, the basic principles and guidelines are clearly depicted.

Also, in regards to the robert chu comment about Neiguan being a wildcard - if you read the chapter, it is clear that johns has a thorough understanding of what the point can do. he only calls it a wildcard to stress its importance.

This is one of the best written books on acupuncture I have come across to date...highly recommended!!!!

I loved this book, since it really teaches the techniquesl, which I have not read about in any other book, in this field.
It is one of my favorites.

I am enjoying this book, but it could use a bit more "how to" and illustrations.

I bought this book, read it the first time, and realized that there were just points I could not grasp (I was a very new TCM student at the time). Then after a year or so of TCM school, I re-read this book and realized what an amazing treasure it is. This is not for the beginner. This is not to say that beginners cannot read this, but they simply won't get as much out of it as people who have at least some experience in/knowledge of TCM. You don't need me to tell you how amazing this book is if you have already read it as a seasoned TCM student/practitioner... Highly recommended for those who are serious about studying TCM. And re-read it!

This is a great book, but contains lots of point functions and empirical indications found nowhere else. You could get stumped if you don't know them. Lots of needle technique... I'm glad this one is on the list, because it means eventually we may be able to get rid of "Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion"!

I have to throw in a comment from one of my teachers... Robert Johns calls P6 (Neiguan) the 'wildcard' and says that it can be added to any treatment for increased effectiveness. My teacher, Robert Chu, laughed at that and said, "Wildcard... that means you don't really understand what it does!"