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Ted J. Kaptchuk
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The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine Paperback – March 1, 1983

by Ted J. Kaptchuk (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 83 ratings
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Chinese Medicine : The Web That Has No Weaver
Chinese Medicine : The Web That Has No Weaver
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"Demystifies Oriental medicine in a remarkably rational analysis of both its strengths and weaknesses". -- Science Digest
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  1. Print length
    432 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Congdon & Weed
  4. Publication date
    March 1, 1983
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0809229331
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0809229338
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

While Western doctors look for disease mechanisms which are the same from person to person, Chinese doctors look for overall patterns of disharmony which are unique to each individual. Ted Kaptchuk, who studied medicine in China, originally intended to translate Chinese medical texts into English, but quickly realized that it would take more than simple translation to convey the meaning of a diagnosis like "damp heat affecting the spleen." Instead, in The Web That Has No Weaver, he explains the theory and philosophy of Chinese medicine, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment in terms that can be understood by a Western reader. For anyone interested in studying this ancient system of medicine, this book should be at the top of your list. -- From The WomanSource Catalog & Review: Tools for Connecting the Community for Women; review by FGP

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The Chinese emphasis on interconnectedness and change takes on a very specific character in the context of medicine. When the Chinese physician examines a patient, he or she plans to look at many signs and symptoms and to make of them a diagnosis, to see in them a pattern. Each sign means nothing by itself and acquires meaning only in its relationship to the patient's other signs. What it means in one context is not necessarily what it means in another context.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Congdon & Weed; First Edition (March 1, 1983)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0809229331
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0809229338
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 83 ratings

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Ted J. Kaptchuk

Ted J. Kaptchuk

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4.6 out of 5 stars
83 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Chuck-D
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for medical students, for anyone seeking health.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Well I'm not quite finished, but close. This book is highly unlikely to fall from my rating upon completion. The author is very thorough in describing the limits of the American language system to find suitable translations from Chinese to English as he tries to give exceptional depth and breadth to the vast differences between TCM-Traidtional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. (Don't skip reading the endnotes at the close of each Chapter: Wow! Really deep research!)

    I am blessed to be taking several, various TCM treatments from a Chinese-Educated doctor who also teaches Acupuncture in the Houston area. One of his students who recently graduated and successfully passed his "Boards" recommended this book to me. It has been a challenging book to read. (I am well educated in Western Philosophies including Aristotelian, & Objectivist principles so the influence of these prior philosophical trainings put biases and undue influences upon the reading experience.) TCM is not simply miles apart from Western medicine, it's continents apart - no pun intended.

    This book has explained...no, it has almost codified for my understanding why after 2.5+ years of failed western-styled medical treatments (drugs, test, and stronger drugs and more tests, etc.) which not only were failing to address the actual problems, but why those 'western' treatments had also damaged my kidneys and liver. This book addresses also 'why' TCM is doing what real medicine (as a practice) is supposed to do - why I'm getting real healing, and real results.

    The Asian medical systems care about the patient, in total, and not as some disorganized group of distinct problems [to be doped up, or shot up], and that every patient is truly different requiring specific attention beyond some numbered medical file. When my doctor says something to me in [TCM] terms he is accustomed to, I now understand and can communicate better back to him, facilitating his efforts and my accelerated healing. (People with chronic pain, and even what we westerners think of as normal ailments ailments need to revisit our/their decisions (& biases) against TCM, read this book and explore the possibility that TCM which dates back over 3,000 years just might be on to something!) This book will answer hundreds and hundreds of questions.
    29 people found this helpful
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  • Juan Herrera Salazar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Review from Nicaragua. Clínica de Asma y Alergia. Tel.22781169, 84316459 .
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Surely this its a major advance, its a real good tentative toward a synthesis of Western and Eastern medical theories.

    Since the book was written in 1983 , a lot of analitic work has been done in the West , the neurophysiological pathways for understanding pain and its therapy has been discovered, the horizon seems closer , for fundamental and clinical research .

    In recent years , we seen, auriculo acupunture integrated into the armamentarium of french, chinese , german and italian schools,
    the description of the meridians on the ear, for many of us, was a surprise .
    With all this in mind I will kindly ask the author, to take into account these developments , and writte a second edition
    / The Web Has No Weaver Part II/
    that will give the curious reader an updated version , a new synthesis, that Dr. Kapchukt,with his own encyclopedic lyric , shall help us understand the Traditional Chinese Medecine, we urge him, that before the end of this decade, surrender to this request, hoping that other readers joint the humble please.
    With kind regard I remain truly.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • elaine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Basically what was expected
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    It was on time and in decent condition. What more could you ask for? Maybe snacks. Yes, it should have come with snacks. ;)
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  • Erica Ms Schachner
    5.0 out of 5 stars love this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book because it is a requirement of a course in acupuncture in which I am enrolled. The author's explanation of how to consider the body from a traditional Chinese perspective is excellent. He puts Western medicine in its proper context and does exceptional honor to Chinese medicine. I'd recommend this book to anyone who seeks to learn more about Chinese medicine and acupuncture. It is very well-written, scholarly and applicable.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Lorielle Mahone
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful gift
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I gifted this book to a friend and they absolutely loved it. Interesting from start to finish according to my friend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • itinerantwoo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This is the most comprehensive book I've ever seen! They tackle each element of Chinese medicine in-depth, including diagrams and full descriptions of the meridians individually! I haven't been able to find that anywhere else. Very impressive; I would recommend this to anybody who wants to know anything about the topic.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Tracy Dear
    5.0 out of 5 stars west vs east theory
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Best descriptions of yin and yang. Lots of good theory but includes specifics for someone wanting more than general theory. Full of case studies. Great comparisons between western and eastern medical philosophy throughout. Very good tool to understand better.
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  • DELady
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful in unravelling mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book was recommended by my acupuncturist; it helps the reader to unravel some of the mystery behind Chinese medicine and acupuncture. I haven't finished it completely but it's a great book to pick up, read and then digest.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Vee Paradis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank u
    Reviewed in Canada on April 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Great
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  • Fiona Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting progression book following reading 'The spark in the Machine'.
    A different way of understanding
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  • William Fenton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great book
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  • C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Acupuncture explanations
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Good book to understand in laymen's terms about acupuncture. Recommended by the acupuncturist I have just been too have treatment with
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  • Stiller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best books on TCM.
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