The Art of Acupuncture Techniques (Paperback)

by Robert Johns (Author) "There are different facets to acupuncture therapy, acupuncture techniques one among them..." (more)
Key Phrases: xie technique, mild moxibustion, needling hand, Urinary Bladder, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Acupuncture patients who want the nitty-gritty of such needling techniques as depth, placement, and needle type should read The Art of Acupuncture Techniques. It's unique historical perspective preserves theoretical concepts that haven't been taught in China since the Cultural Revolution. The book could stand a glossary, as the Chinese terms for ailments can be a bit confusing, but if you really want to know what's going on during treatment, whether you're seeking relief from a skin condition, angina, or infertility, it's right on target.

Review
"In this overview of acupuncture techniques, Dr. Johns shows the application of Chinese medical theory to some of his own difficult cases, providing fascinating reading. This is a major contribution to the literature of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine."
-Lixin Huang

"Not since Ted Kaptchuk's magnificent The Web That Has No Weaver have we had as readable and clear a book about acupuncture. This is a growing, evolving Oriental medicine that is both infinitely simple and complex."
-David Molony

"Dr. John's apprenticeship with a master practitioner shines through in his reverence for the artistry of diagnosis and treatment. A welcome reference text for all acupuncturists."
-Nigel Dawes

"Robert Johns draws from the knowledge of master acupunctuirst Dr. Andrew Tseng, the classics of Chinese medical literature, and his own empirical knowledge to show how theory combines with medical practice."
-Patricia Kennan

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Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books; 2 edition (December 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556432305
• ISBN-13: 978-1556432309
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #224,460 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Into the heart of classical acupuncture practice, July 31, 2001

By	Mauricio C. Quintana "cintain" (Mexico City, DF Mexico) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is compelling. Halfway through the first chapter, I started taking notes and underlining it. There is a lot of useful, ready-to-use information in this book, and it is true that a good portion of it is not found elsewhere.

This book addresses an issue that, at some point or another, pops up in the mind of all modern western students of acupuncture: what was left out during the standardization of TCM in China? Robert Johns, a practitioner who undertook a long apprenticeship with an older TCM doctor from China, highlights the importance of the subtler aspects of acupuncture practice for treatment success, and points the way for practitioners and students who want to experiment on their own with these aspects.

"Acupuncture.... is a nonlinear process influenced by all mutually existing factors", says Johns in his Preface. "Seeing Chinese Medicine in this way, as a medical art, helps the reader gain a sense of its multidimensionality.... A practitioner... has a number of choices...[to] meet the patient's specific therapeutic needs." This book brings such aspects as obtaining qi and needle manipulation to the fore, giving clear explanations of their meaning and importance. The book also explains succinctly the uses and applications of different methods of point selection and classical needling techinques, including such obscure methods as Flame Needle and Through and through puncturing. The only thing that's missing is Ziwuliuzhu and Lingguibafa, but even these are mentioned and briefly explained.

Two other things make this book special. The first one is an in-depth analysis of a single acupuncture point: Pericardium 6 Neiguan. This section describes many uses for this point, an analysis of the theoretical basis for its widespread application, and a large sampling of prescriptions which include this point. The second one is the introduction of an ancient needle manipulation techinque, Dao Qi. This was the first thing from this book I experimented with, and the results are amazing.

The whole book is clear, informative, and very insightful. It provides an integrative, wholistic approach to acupuncture for practitioners, and its writing style is so good, there is something here for everyone (students and laypersons). It is a book to be lived with, rather than just read. For people with a background in acupuncture, it requires an open mind and a desire to learn (then again, acupuncture in general requires this). In all, a great book that can really be used both as an introduction to this subject for prospective students and laypersons and a reference for practitioners looking to broaden the scope of their practice. It recalls a more "Chinese" way of thinking and approaching acupuncture, one which recognizes that chinese medicine is as much an art as a science. Highly Recommended!!!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Student's Perspective: The Art of Acupuncture Techniques, November 24, 2000

By	Helen M. Aylward (Alexandria, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

I first read this book the summer before I started acupuncture school. I found it to be both well written and comprehensive. After my first year of learning Basic Theory and Point Location, I read the book a second time and found that it really complemented my textbooks and taught me the finer points (no pun intended) of needling technique.

It describes, in great detail, the classical needling techniques, various ways of inserting and withdrawing needles, and ways to develop treatment prescriptions. It does it in a way that is not cookbook in style but strongly based on ancient theory.

This book would be a good introduction for the patient who desires to know, in more detail, what to expect when receiving treatment. It is invaluable to the student of acupuncture with the knowledge it imparts on classical needling techniques. Finally, it would be an enlightening read for the more seasoned practitioner because of the applied Chinese theory which has been presented in such a pleasing format.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please Re-Read Pericardium-6, "The Wild Card", May 27, 2005

By	Mofar (California) - See all my reviews

This is the clearest text I have found on Chinese Medicine. So many of the large volume texts require an experienced eye to sift through and discern what is clinically useful and what is merely interesting information of no clinical use. In Art of Acupuncture Techniques everything appears to be useful. Although the book is not large in size, it is large in the author's knowledge of medicine, reflected in its comprehensible use of language and succinct presentation, containing more clinically applicable concepts than many other books.

After reading the comment from Robert Chu's student (see other reviews), I decided to reread the chapter on Neiguan, "the wild card". It seems that this was an off the cuff remark, clearly made by someone who heard the title, but had not read the chapter, and consequently the comment was not explored with an open mind by the student. The chapter begins by explaining how and why and the circumstances in which Neiguan may be referred to as a wild card. Then clearly explains the dynamic this point plays in acupuncture prescriptions. Clear-cut physiological links are mapped out, showing how and why adding this point can affect countless conditions. Also, the numerous relationships Neiguan has with other organs, meridians, and systems are included. Having a chapter dedicated to this point demonstrates its importance. The chapter ends with 58 prescriptions that include Neiguan. Intelligibly demonstrating a deep understanding of Neiguan's Physiologic Dynamic. I have tried many of these and have been amazed by my patients' feedback. The results continue to be remarkable.

I recommend this book to anyone studying and/or practicing acupuncture. As for me, I keep coming back to it, discovering new ideas and deepening those I have already explored. Additionally, the writing style seems to induce a certain way of thinking that expands my understanding in all areas of Chinese medicine, but most importantly in the clinic when I'm standing over a patient about to insert a needle (when it really matters). Thank-You for this outstanding text!