Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture (Paradigm title) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Nigel Wiseman (Author), Ken Boss (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A treasury of practical value, to dip into and consult rather than languish on a shelf gathering dust. -- Traditional Acupuncture Journal

Product Description

This text presents a thorough view of classical acupuncture alongside the modern approach. It has several unique features that have contributed to its popularity. First, the authors have applied a precise method of translation that allows the clinical experience of both modern and classical Chinese authors to be transmitted directly. Second, the text provides the most consistent information at the lowest cost. Third, it provides a more systematic arrangement of study material.

The authors have selected the best discussions available and arranged the text in four systematic sections:
Materials and Methods, Channel, Pathways, Channels and Points, and Approaches to Point Selection. The materials selections have been adapted to Western practice. However, the techniques presented are those used by Chinese clinicians and include some not usually taught to Western beginners.

The methods of needle manipulation and stimulus management are explained in clear, step-by-step procedures. The information in the channels section describes all the channels, including the extraordinary channels, the main, internal, branch, divergent, connecting, sinew, and alternate pathways as they are currently understood in China. The pathway-by-pathway descriptions are supported by sketches that follow the Chinese sources.

Main pathologic signs, therapeutic capacities, symptoms, and TCM pattern relationships are detailed. Information provided for each point includes Chinese, Pinyin transliteration, English translation, Western alphanumeric designation,anatomical location guide, and classical location. A full set of point functions used in TCM to link diagnosis and treatment are detailed. Each function organizes the symptoms presented using TCM concepts. The classical signs and symptoms from which the modern indications and functions were derived, and primary and secondary indications and supplementary functions are also presented.

The technical information for each point includes needle stimulus, contraindications, needling depth and recommended technique, extent and duration of moxibustion. Special point groupings, such as the shu or mu points, are also included. The last section provides a systematic presentation of indications for a point. Reference tables summarize current Chinese clinical experience, emphasizing principal points and their relation to TCM treatment principles. However, the descriptions of classical methods of point selection render a dimension of information that is otherwise unavailable.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Paradigm Publications (MA); Revised edition (February 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091211133X
• ISBN-13: 978-0912111339
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #559,420 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL!, October 26, 2003

By	Vanessa "musicaleyes9" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This book is gold.
The beginning pages of the book state the essential in-depth theory of Acupuncture and Moxabustion. It talks about the needles, the acupuncture techniques, etc. -- all incredibly valuable & important information.
Each section begins with a picture of the full meridian and then proceeds to discuss EACH AND EVERY POINT on that meridian. For EACH point, this is what you get:
- location of the point (using modern anatomical terminology)
- classical location (using the cun measurements and/or descriprion on how to locate the point)
- Function of the point
- indications (what this point can be used for)
- Supplementary indications (even more indications on how this point can be used to relieve conditions and disorders)
- Illustrative point combinations and applications
- Stimulation (how this point is best stimulated, the depth of insertion of the needle, and any applicable moxabustion, such as number of cones and the length of time moxabustion can be applied)

As everything is easy to locate and use, this book makes for an excellent reference on ALL the acupuncture points in a very well-organized manner.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I found this book very useful for my studies., April 7, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Florida) - See all my reviews

As a student of Acupuncture, I am always searching for books to condense and explain . I found the outline of this book very helpful in placing information about the entire meridian including collalerals all together. I also am finding it very helpful to have TCM as well as Western Science indications for the point. I look forward to using this book for years to come.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for acupuncture practioners, May 9, 1998

By A Customer

A good book bringing lots of pictures and a detailed explanation about each acupuncture point , with its name, indications and techinics. It's a pitty that does not bring some basic concepts about chinese medicine and philosophy, which are useful for begginers. Worth price value.