Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies (2nd Ed.) [Hardcover]

Volker Scheid (Author), Dan Bensky (Author), Andrew Ellis (Author), Randall Barolet (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 093961667X | ISBN-13: 978-0939616671 | Publication Date: March 2, 2009 | Edition: 2

The new 2nd edition of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, the companion volume to Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, is designed to serve as both a textbook for students and an authoritative reference for practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Included in the new edition are over 800 medicinal formulas drawn from both classical and modern sources, which provide more than twice the information in the earlier edition. For each of the 340-plus principal formulas there is a discussion of its therapeutic actions and indications, analysis of the functions and interactions of the ingredients, method of preparation, and a list of modifications to customize the formula in the clinic. Over 460 variations and associated formulas offer additional options for the practitioner. The commentary to each formula has been considerably expanded. This section deepens the readers understanding of a formulas genealogy, presents an overview of controversies regarding composition, usage, and other issues, describes the extension of a formulas application to a wider range of disorders, and provides key clinical pointers to facilitate use of the formula in the modern clinic. A new section on comparisons has been added to this edition. This is intended to help students and practitioners focus on the distinguishing characteristics of each formula by contrasting it with other formulas that are similar in terms of composition or indication. Tables at the end of each chapter reinforce these distinctions by comparing and contrasting formulas across a wider range. The introduction to the book traces the historical evolution of the formulas, and provides practical pointers for their preparation and use. Detailed timelines depict the key events, authors, and texts in the 2,000-year history of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, placing the contents of this book in historical context. Among the appendices are a pinyin-to-English cross reference to the formulas, a basic summary formulary correlated to symptoms and disorders, a full listing of all books cited in the text, and a bibliography of all modern sources used in the preparation of the book. A comprehensive index to the formulas, and a general index, round out the contents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The new edition of Formulas & Strategies is that unique book that works well as a clinical manual, as well as a scholarly work. The explanations and commentaries are thought-provoking and engaging. Use it to choose a formula for a patient this week, or read it to deepen your understanding of a huge assortment of classical and modern formulas--it excels in both arenas. --Charles Winslow Chace, author, A Qin Bowei Anthology

About the Author

Volker Scheid is a scholar physician who engages with East Asian medicine as a clinician, researcher, and teacher. He is a principal research fellow at the University of Westminster, London (UK), where he directs EASTmedicine (East Asian Sciences & Traditions in Medicine), an innovative trans-disciplinary research center dedicated to the integration of East Asian medicines into contemporary health care. He has published widely in academic and professional journals, including two previous books: Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis and Currents of Tradition in Chinese Medicine, 1626-2006. He maintains a private medical practice in London and lectures internationally.

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), University of Washington (M.A. in Classical Chinese, 1996), and Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences (Ph.D. in Discussion of Cold Damage, 2006). He contributed to the translation and editing of Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, and to the compilation and translation of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica and Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies. Dr. Bensky is a founder of the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine. In 2008, he was awarded a Wang Dingyi Cup International Prize for contributions to Chinese medicine.

Andrew Ellis first studied Chinese medicine with Dr. James Tin Yau So at the New England School of Acupuncture. He left New England in 1983 to study Chinese language in Taiwan and apprenticed with Chinese herbalist Xu Fu-Su there for several years. Later he studied internal medicine and gynecology at the Xiamen Hospital of Chinese medicine. While there, he also specialized in the study of acupuncture with Dr. Shi Neng-Yun and dermatology with Dr. Zhang Guang-Cai. Andy is the founding owner of Spring Wind Herbs in Berkeley, California and has authored, translated, or co-translated several books on Chinese medicine including Grasping the Wind, The Clinical Experience of Dr. Shi Neng-Yun, Notes from South Mountain, and Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine.

Randall Barolet is a graduate of Cornell University (B.S. in Environmental Engineering, 1972), New England School of Acupuncture (Diploma, 1978), Nanjing College of TCM Advanced International Acupuncture Course (Certificate, 1983), California Acupuncture College (Doctor of Oriental Medicine, 1986), and the Professional Course of the National Center for Homeopathy (1989). He apprenticed as a homeopath and dowser (1986-90), studied and worked as a writer at the School of Energy Mastery (1993-94), and professionally trained in vedic astrology with Hart de Fouw (1999-2001). He is currently co-editor of B-Alive International Magazine for the B-Society.org in Copenhagen, and practices and teaches integrative healing arts in the United States and Scandinavia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1019 pages
• Publisher: Eastland Press; 2 edition (March 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093961667X
• ISBN-13: 978-0939616671
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,732 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good resource with a poor index, June 26, 2010

By 

A Friend (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies (2nd Ed.) (Hardcover)

This edition is a great improvement over the last. My main complaint is the terse index which limits its clinical usefulness. It is a good reference for learning or examining the formulas themselves, but less good as an efficient reference tool in the clinic. The formula descriptions refer to symptoms common to diagnoses for which formulas are used, but the index doesn't reference those symptoms. Even responsible practitioners of Chinese herbalism who prescribe according to diagnosis and not primarily to symptoms can find it useful to have an index in a book like this that contains symptomatic and western diagnostic references...after all, the information is in the book, why not be able to find where it is? The Materia Medica by the same publisher does a much better job of indexing this material.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cheaper at the school bookstore, January 27, 2010

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JayCee (CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies (2nd Ed.) (Hardcover)

Most of the time Amazon prices are competitive, but for this book the school bookstore was $30 cheaper. Check elsewhere first before buying. The book itself is fine. It is a course textbook and on the CA state acupuncture board list of required books for the licensing exam. This formulas book is authoritative, well-written and among the best of its kind.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gold Standard, February 6, 2010

By 

Warren Sheir "Author of Ancient Wisdom, Moder... (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies (2nd Ed.) (Hardcover)

This text--actually more of a reference work--is the gold standard for Chinese herbal formula study. It has historical commentary and in depth discussions on patho-mechanisms that set it apart from other books. A must-have for any student of traditional Chinese medicine.