Simple Chinese Medicine: A Beginner's Guide to Natural Healing & Well-Being [Paperback]

Aihan Kuhn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2009

This book gives you tools that you can use today to improve your quality of life and begin the healing journey. Readers are provided simple-to-do exercises for stress relief, health maintenance, and cancer prevention. Additional sections include guidance on using food for healing and for weight control. Attention is given to explaining the differences between Eastern healing methods and Western treatment methods, and a discussion of TCM's concept of 'prevention' for health maintenance.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Aihan Kuhn, C.M.D. DIPL. OBT a graduate of Hunan Medical University (Chang Sha, China). Trained in both Western and Eastern healing methods, Dr. Kuhn treats patients at her Holliston, Massachusetts clinic, offers group classes and seminars, and lectures extensively to the nursing community. She is the author of books and videos on Chinese health exercises. Dr. Aihan Kuhn resides in Milford, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Ymaa Publication Center; 1 edition (June 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594391246
• ISBN-13: 978-1594391248
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Resource for Beginners, July 4, 2009

By 

Demitri Pevzner (depends on time of year) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simple Chinese Medicine: A Beginner's Guide to Natural Healing & Well-Being (Paperback)

For anyone interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can't go wrong with Dr. Aihan's book. Every essential concept and theory is covered in great detail, and examples are provided to illustrate the points. If you are new to the concept of Chinese medicine, this book will explain everything in a precise, detailed manner.

The first section covers the differences between Western and Eastern medicines. While my general impression of the book is positive, this particular section was a bit of a stretch. Along the first few pages, there is a statement that TCM is based on "several millennia of practical experience," while later in the book it states that TCM has been practiced for roughly 5000 years (the latter statement being more realistic.) Secondly, some sections of the book reference medical cases and studies for claims like Qi Gong = longevity, without referencing specific research. While I do not doubt this statement, IMO vague references to research are a red flag for any book trying to give a thorough overview of any art or science. Citing specific research enables a reader to cross reference material for accuracy, and generally provides the written material with more credibility.

The book provides comparisons and contrast between Western and Eastern medicine, using diagrams to illustrate the core differences between the two disciplines. The author seems to have a realistic outlook of both, and points out the pros and cons of each. However, her overall conclusion varies by circumstance, where TCM is more geared towards certain chronic ailments, while Western medicine is better geared towards others.
The 5 element theory of TCM is explained clearly, the qi meridians and acupuncture points are discussed, and several pressure point treatments are provided as an example. Various means of diagnosis (pulse, tongue, odor) and treatment are discussed, and various treatments are described. There is a brief section dedicated to Tui Na (massage,) and several exercises for the relief of neck pain, stress, headaches, and indigestion.
One of my favorite sections is dedicated to disease prevention, focusing on the benefits and detriments of various foods. This section focuses on finding a happy medium, eating right, balancing nutrition, and eating specific foods to treat various ailments. Weight reduction and supplements are also discussed in relation to TCM, and a food control program and eating log are provided.

The Qi Gong section of the book discusses general Qi Gong practice, and Taiji Quan. It starts by trying to define Taoism, which amounts to 4 pages of vagueness, and advice to read the Tao Te Ching and record your thoughts. In my opinion, this is one section of the book that could have been left out. There is also an excellent cancer prevention section which gives practical advice and provides a daily routine of light exercise. One section features Qi Gong for preventing breast cancer, which I found to be very interesting. Oddly enough, it does not provide any directions for breathing or mental focus, which are generally important in Qi Gong practice.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a section dedicated to the Ba Dua Jin (8 Brocade Qi Gong.) If you are interested in health, this set has a proven track record of keeping the practitioner in good shape, and is one of the better known Qi Gong sets around the world. I did, however, have a knee-jerk reaction when Taiji Quan was mentioned as an "energy system" that is to be practiced in a non-competitive manner. However, this being a TCM book which focuses on Taiji as a healing exercise more so than a martial art, the context is more than understandable.

The final section deals with general health tips, covering various trends found in people who live to be well within their 90s and 100s. Various herbal tonics are listed for various ailments. One of my favorite sections features a set of healthy recepies which alone would have made this book worth the cost. You get directions for dishes like vegetarian sushi wrap, various soups, stir fried vegetables, spicy rice, miso soup, salads and curry dishes.

Overall, this book tries to present a lot of information within a limited space, and as a result, some topics feel condensed (or rather, like the Taoism section, cannot be defined in the brief space provided.) However, the material presented is solid, the author is a doctor who has been practicing medicine for many years, and the content is well organized. While I would have preferred clear references to medical studies, the book presents its information in a credible manner, and follows through on its intent to present TCM in simplified terms which would be accessible to the average reader.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Title Says It All!, July 3, 2009

By 

NorthStar (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simple Chinese Medicine: A Beginner's Guide to Natural Healing & Well-Being (Paperback)

This book is exactly what it's title suggests - a simple but thorough and comprehensive beginner's guide to (traditional) Chinese medicine (TCM), natural healing and well-being.

If you are an advanced student of TCM or a TCM practitioner, you will not need this book as you already are familiar with it's contents. If you are new to TCM however, or, like me, have some experience and knowledge but would like a comprehensive introduction and guide to TCM and natural healing at your fingertips, this book is an excellent choice.

Dr. Aihan Kuhn studied both conventional western and traditional Chinese medicine in China. Throughout the book Dr. Kuhn clearly describes the differences (and similarities) between Eastern and Western healing and treatment and what to consider when choosing and seeking the right medical treatment (western vs. eastern or both).

Dr. Kuhn introduces and clearly and simply explains many TCM topics such as diagnostic methods,TCM treatments, the use of herbs for healing and health, moxibustion, acupuncture, the meridian system and chi, cupping, medical massage, five elements theory and much more.

Dr. Kuhn clearly stresses the importance of proper diet and proper exercise for healing and health maintenance - as whole sections of the book are devoted to these topics. As Dr. Kuhn is also a practitioner and teacher of Taiji and Qigong, she includes illustrated examples of Chinese self massage, warming up exercises and Qigong routines for health and healing. Although I usually find it difficult to learn Chinese exercise (Qigong, Taiji, etc.) from photos, their inclusion here makes for a very well rounded work. The book concludes with three appendixes: "Commonly Used Patent herbs and Herbal tonics", "Recipes for Healthy Eating, Asian Style, and "Students and Patients Speak".

Dr. Kuhn has put together a very informative and useful introductory guide to TCM and better health and longevity which is easy to understand and - for me at least - a joy to read. Dr. Kuhn's positive and caring personality seems to come to life in every section of the book - which is reinforced throughout by small boxed anecdotes of her experiences taken from her life and career - and an appendix of her students and patients personal experiences with Dr. Kuhn, included at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning and understanding the fundamentals of TCM, as a general TCM reference, and as a guide to living a healthy and natural life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding of Chinese healing, June 20, 2009

By 

L. Einbinder "dutchman59" (east coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simple Chinese Medicine: A Beginner's Guide to Natural Healing & Well-Being (Paperback)

Simple Chinese Medicine is exactly the book I needed to help me understand and to learn about the art of Chinese/Asian healing arts. Dr. Aihan Kahn is able to give the reader the basics and beyond of different methods and approaches to natural healing. I have been fortunate in the past to have been treated and helped by Chinese healing practitioners and have not yet been disappointed. However, I did not have an understanding of how these treatments helped me. This book goes into interesting and informative discussions about these different methods of letting the body heal itself by use of natural healing.

Dr. Kahn has separated the book into seven chapters which can each stand by themselves. Naturally, the book starts with the history of Chinese healing and then goes into specifics which I value very highly. The chapter regarding weight loss and one of Chinese exercises give simple guidelines which the average person can practice. The other chapters are more illness specific and impart a lot of important information.

Dr. Kahn writes in plain language without going far afield so the average reader can obtain a very good understanding of the Chinese healing philosophy. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in living a healthy lifestyle and obtaining natural healing for many ailments.