The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. Second Edition [Hardcover]

Giovanni Maciocia CAc(Nanjing) (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 27, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0443074895 | ISBN-13: 978-0443074899 | Edition: 2

This successful Chinese medicine textbook covers the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and discusses in detail the use of acupuncture points and the principles of treatment. The material is based on rigorous reference to ancient and modern Chinese texts, and explains the application of theory in a Western practice context. The new edition features new and updated material, including discussion of 50 additional acupuncture points and more patterns. A redesigned layout complements the accessible writing style and makes the material even easier to follow. Plus, an accompanying CD-ROM contains over 750 self-testing questions in a variety of formats.

• The actions and functions of acupuncture points are thoroughly discussed, both from the classics and from the author's own experience.
• English style and terminology makes material easy to follow.
• Comprehensive text contains everything students need for a complete introduction to the theory of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
• Theory is combined with an in-depth acupuncture section.
• Concepts are clearly explained, including those that are complex and obscure material.
• Logical, sequential organization builds from basic theoretical concepts, through functions of individual organs, to disease categories, and the appropriate use of points.
• Authored by Giovanni Maciocia, one of the Western world's leading authorities on Chinese medicine.

• New larger, two-color format and reader-friendly design emphasize essential facts and make it easier to navigate the text.
• More photos added to a color-plate section provide valuable supplemental information for diagnosis.
• Enlarged illustrations in the acupuncture sections clearly show point numbers and names.
• Additional illustrations, tables and diagrams make the information easier for students to learn and memorize.
• The size of Chinese characters has been increased so they are legible and easier to interpret.
• Chapter opening summaries and summaries of key points at the end of each chapter point out must-know information.
• Icons to make it easier to locate desired sections of information.
• 50 more acupuncture points are covered in this edition, reflecting the broad scope of current practice.
• More patterns are included, and combined patterns have been added to the individual pattern chapters.
• More information is provided on pathological processes, relative weighting of symptoms, and identification of patterns.
• More cases studies and case histories apply theory to diagnosis and treatment, bringing theory to life in a realistic context.
• Pinyin equivalents are included in the main text to make it immediately evident which original term is being translated.
• An accompanying CD-ROM provides self-testing questions and answers to help students check their understanding of material.
• The glossary has been expanded to include more terms and their origins from translation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This version remedies some of the shortcomings of the first edition and is now as near a complete exposition of Chinese medicine theory as could be presented in a single text. It is unlikely to be supplanted for years to come, if ever, and with Giovanni's similarly seminal textbooks on clinical practice, diagnostics, gynaecology and obstetrics and tongue diagnosis, forms the bedrock for all practitioners of Chinese medicine in the West.'

Peter Deadman

"The text is beautifully presented in two colours. A large number of clear illustrations and text boxes highlight the important points and aid readability. Learning outcomes are summarised at the end of each chapter. This is a well designed and easy to read textbook, which sources mainly from the classic Chinese medicine texts, including both ancient literature and modern books. It benefits from the author's rich experience in clinical practice in the West and his training in China. An in-depth understanding of the principles and theories of TCM enables the author to explain this complicated ancient healing system in a way that is understandable to Western students.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in studying TCM systematically, particulary those intending to develop a career in acupuncture." R Guo, Exeter, UK

About the Author

Giovanni Maciocia est un des praticiens et professeurs les plus respectés dans le domaine de la médecine chinoise. Il a pratiqué l¿acupuncture pendant plus de trente ans en Angleterre et a effectué plusieurs séjours d¿étude en Chine, notamment à l¿université de Nanjing dont il est devenu Professeur Honoraire. Ses ouvrages, de renommée internationale, sont traduits dans plusieurs langues. Il travaille actuellement aux États-Unis et anime de nombreux séminaires dans le monde entier.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1236 pages
• Publisher: Churchill Livingstone; 2 edition (July 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0443074895
• ISBN-13: 978-0443074899
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 2.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Chinese Medicine

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The secret to using the Index July 17, 2008

By Joshua A. Tenpenny

Format:Hardcover

The index of this book is inaccurate, starting at page 417 or some point in that previous section. From page 417 to the end of the book the actual page numbers are four less than the ones listed in the index. For example, if you look at the index listing "Transporting (Shu) Points 787-802", the section on Shu points is actually 783-798. Before page 417, the page numbers are accurate.

So if you look something up in the index and it doesn't seem to be on the indicated page, don't despair. Flip two pages back and you'll probably find it.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Everything but the index January 30, 2007

By David H. Laverdure

Format:Hardcover

As a matter of presentation, description, and explanation, this book is near unmatched. When the revision of this edition comes out, if you have any desire to explore and develop your understanding of TCM, you will have to get it. But wait until they repair the index. It is the lousiest, most absurd index I've ever seen. I work as a Teacher's Assistant for an Asian Bodywork Therapy class, so I get a lot of questions from students, and this text has everything you would ever want to look up, if only you happen to be so lucky that the index and the actual material you're looking for match up. So, like I said, everything about this book but the index is fantastic. The index is so bad, though, the book deserves a recall. Wait until that happens, or pour through the pages with unmatched patience, and make your own index.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity and insight that is all too rare in an unusual and challenging topic. October 24, 2005

By David A. Burnet

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The sheer depth and breadth of the clarity and insight about Traditional Chinese Medicine that comes through this book with such ease for a reader is a wonder. Strong praise, yes; but all too often these subjects are obscure...and even good books usually only *start* to give people new to the subject insight as well as good, foundational knowledge.

Don't be put off by the size of the book or it's price - in this case, it's well worth it.

This book makes it easy to understand paradigms that are new and unusual to most westerners, with greater depth than is usually found -- in addition to providing LOTS of foundation and background knowledge.

I highly recommend this book.