Chasing the Dragon's Tail: The Theory and Practice of Acupuncture in the Work of Yoshio Manaka (Paradigm title) [Paperback]

Yoshio Manaka (Author)

Book Description

Series: Paradigm title | Publication Date: July 1995

At the culmination of their professional careers, great Oriental physicians often write books setting forth the mature versions of their clinical vision, their creations and accomplishments. Chasing the Dragon's Tail is a book in this tradition, but one that also charts a course for future explorations. Thus, while it details Dr. Manaka's clinical system in its fullest and most effective form, it is also an invitation to further investigation by one of the most inventive Oriental practitioners of the preceding generation.

The text introduces Dr. Manaka's major clinical and theoretical accomplishments by describing how the "X-signal system'' is the foundation of human topology, function, and response. In essence, the X-signal system defines qi, yin-yang, and the five phases as clinical events, just as traditional Oriental thinkers recognized these ideas through right-brain pattern recognition. While Dr. Manaka references some of the most advanced scientific thinking of our era-information theory, holographic models and new paradigms-his explanations are full of practical tests which readers can use to confirm his ideas for themselves. The core of the text is a complete description of Dr. Manaka's treatment system. This is of great importance, not only because Dr. Manaka was recognized in both Japan and China as one of the foremost practitioners of his generation, but also because the system has already proven itself adaptable to many others. It is thus a clinical manual of unique value because it describes Dr. Manaka's most important techniques: ion pumping and other root treatments, as well as his distinctive use of fire needles, channel stimulation techniques, sotai, moxibustion, and other modern Chinese and Japanese clinical developments. Beginning with a step-by-step template for formulating and confirming a diagnosis, Dr. Manaka provides the instructions necessary to apply these techniques quickly and with confidence. The text concludes with case histories and appendices that provide supporting technical details.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...never before has this reviewer found, in one text, so much information that can be incorporated in both a TCM and a Meridian Therapy framework. All through the book we are encouraged to test and confirm everything that is presented, which is altogether refreshing approach. We are inspired not just to 'Chase the Dragon's Tail,' but to ride the Dragon home." -- Pacific Journal of Oriental Medicine

"Once in a while a book comes along that attempts to transcend the known boundaries of knowledge and forge a new paradigm. Chasing the Dragon's Tail is indeed one of these books. Manaka was a forward-thinking and innovative acupuncture practitioner who attempted to integrate traditional Chinese energy concepts with the new sciences. [This is accomplished] in a language that is applicable not only to acupuncturists, but to the clinicians of the future." -- Christopher Zaslawaski, Meeting Point

From the Author

This is the definitive text by Manaka about his treatment approach, his research in and understanding of acupuncture. Manaka was probably one of the most famous acupuncturists of this century. His name will likely appear as an important historical figure in future times. Typical of the Japanese tradition of clinical investigation of historical ideas, the first half of this densely packed book describes a variety of methods that Manaka used to investigate basic theories of acupuncture: channel pathways, directions of flow and yin-yang subsets, basic yin-yang theory and five phase theory, properties of special points such as the five phase points, meeting points, etc. In this book, the findings of the clinical investigations provide the basis of the rich and diverse clinical practice Manaka described, and the basic theory he used to guide both diagnosis and treatment. Key among the theories is his use of the octahedral model to understand the extraordinary vessels, channels and yin yang theory. His general model of the x-signal system provides a very useful bridge to a modern understanding of traditional ideas and methods. His overview of the theoretical basis of acupuncture is very rich and insightful.

The clinical diagnosis features palpation, especially of the abdominal region. The treatment methods are described in a systematic four step approach with typical, alternate and a variety of back up treatment methods and strategies for each step. Uses of the ion pumping cords are described in great detail, as are a variety of other methods, such as open points, needling, moxa, intradermal needles, light, sound etc. The methods covered in this book describe an extremely flexible and adaptable treatment approach that extends treatment to a wider variety of patients than are usually helped by standard acupuncture approaches. Manaka had a considerable clinical experience accumulated over 45 years of practice. His methods and cases provide a rare insight into how a senior clinician handles such a busy practice. The detail he provides is rarely matched in other books on acupuncture.

In addition there are a number of fascinating appendices exploring a wide range of research topics and other ideas. This book is a must for anyone wishing to open their perspectives as they attempt to deepen their understanding of acupuncture. It is also packed with very useful clinical and technical details.

Product Details

• Paperback: 453 pages
• Publisher: Paradigm Publishers (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0912111321
• ISBN-13: 978-0912111322
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indepth look into the Art of Advanced Japanese Acupunctur, April 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Chasing the Dragon's Tail: The Theory and Practice of Acupuncture in the Work of Yoshio Manaka (Hardcover)

Covers the entire spectrum of Acupuncture with emphasis on the latest discoveries in Advanced Japanese Acupuncture. Excellent introduction on a vast number of treatment modalities. Teaches a workable method of Abdominal Palpitation for Channel Disturbance. Gives wonderful new scientific research on the possible workings of Acupuncture. Provides the non-needle practitioner with a workable and very powerful system which includes the use of Open Points. Dr. C Ledwell OM

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars East meets West on common ground, June 18, 2001

By 

Thomas Dehli (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chasing the Dragon's Tail: The Theory and Practice of Acupuncture in the Work of Yoshio Manaka (Paradigm title) (Paperback)

Using ideas from chaos, quantum, systems, and information theory (and many more), this book is a truly fresh and much needed perspective on TCM. The X Signal System abandons the causal theory of western biological sciences to answer the questions of TCM and effective treatment, and draws explanations and theories of energy, information exchange, and life from modern physics.

I am a student of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and am young in the arts, but it is clear that the foundation laid in this book will be used as a framework for western science to gain a new appreciation for Acupuncture.

We have learned much since the Huang Di and his ministers, and now with the help of Manaka, we can focus on effective treatment in modern times, as well as the classics.

- Thomas

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Approach to Japanese Acupuncture:, August 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Chasing the Dragon's Tail: The Theory and Practice of Acupuncture in the Work of Yoshio Manaka (Paradigm title) (Paperback)

As an entry into the possibilities of acupuncture, within and beyond "TCM", this is a great book.

As an entry to understanding a methodical practice of Japanese acupuncture, - a must have.

As a reference for an experienced acupunctutist who is interested in further studies on treatment options, again a must have.

Simply (and not so simply) Brilliant and Exciting!