Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Books

It is the best book on nutrition ever! Yes it is heavily biased towards TCM, but it is perfectly fine with me. I thoroughly enjoy reading this book. It has good information, research and insights.

This book was recommended to me and has come in handy for reference. It's really like a bible for people who are open to eastern and western medicine but prefer to use food rather than pills to help the body do its thing well.

....A wise and valuable book for anyone who is serious about examining their eating habits. A great guide for those who want to improve their life and health conditions and embrace the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang.This book also includes flavorful and delicious recipe's, to get you started on your journey.

I purchased Healing With Whole Foods about two years ago because my friend who is an acupuncturist suggested it. The book describes how to health practitioner Paul Pitchford diagnoses and treats diseases in his patients. The book is definately a definitive at home alternative health encyclopedia.

For example, the book has a section which explains how to do a liver and gall bladder cleanse.

The book also explains Chinese medicine in great detail. It explains how the author has cured diseases and helped patients, for example it has a detailed section on Cancer. And this is what is important, this book explains how to heal certain diseases, not just treat the symptoms of disease. That being said, it probably will be difficult to actually cure your illness just from reading the book. It has sort of a reference nature to it, it has helpful information, but the application can be more difficult.

The author also is an open minded vegetarian. His dietary guidelines include soaking whole grains and legumes for enhanced digestion, which is important. He believes that it is okay to eat meat and seafood for special circumstances, but in general does not support it. If your looking to understand eastern medicine in a thorough yet comprehensible way, this book is for you. If your looking for an open minded perspective about health and disease, this book is for you. If you are looking for some help about alternative recommendations for treating illnesses, again this book is for you.

The drawback for me is that as much as I wanted to read the book, I just couldn't get into it. It has all the markings of a great book, but may not be right for everyone.
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Just as the majority of others,I give this book 5 stars. I have been using it almost daily for several years. True,I am a holistic practitioner,but I use it personally with and for my family. My husband actually got the book as his course text for a nutrition course in his Acupuncture graduate program. I have used it far more than he.
With beginners,or say,someone new to all of the 'type diagnosing',I usually recommend they look through the back glossary of foods,categorized by types such as legumes,veggies,fruits,etc. Pitchford breaks down the 'energies' of the foods so well,and gives a brief overview of how they are helpful,along with some basic recipes.
He also has sections on oils,sweeteners,greens/chlorophyll,etc.
I just don't see how anyone would be confused or find it contradictory,if you take it a little at a time,and don't attempt to 'diagnose yourself western style'. [this is the trick-it's not a how-to manual;it's a resource guide!]
You can learn the basics of what is important and why,which types of sweeteners to replace with what,etc.
What I love about this book,too,is his focus on assisting those who are transitioning from a more standard western diet. ie,he will discuss meat,fish and their healing properties,when they may be needed,when to avoid,how to transition from,etc.
This is not an 'all or none' preachy type of book.
Pitchford is sincere and obviously knowledgeable/experienced.
For all around great,useful books on health and nutrition,I really cannot think of any other that I'd recommend so highly. Accessible to beginners,but will still challenge/provide info for more experienced folks/practitioners.

This is a good book for general and basic information about TCM. It lacks details about treatments and diseases, though.

I've had the fortune to study under Master Holland. I'd simply like to assure everyone out there that this is a man who knows what he's talking about! Insightful, well-spoken, and brilliant, you'll definitely want to pick up all of his books! Pick up this little wonder if you're someone worried about your first acupuncture experience, or are a practicioner wanting to offer a bit reassurance to your clients. Worth the buy!!
Check out his school at [...]

This book pulled me in the moment I opened it. It is incredibly easy to read and is a very good introductory guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine. I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about TCM but does not want to read large books on the topic. This book is written without lots jargon or unnecessary details. It is easy to follow and understand.
Read it, you won't regret it, especially if you are a beginner such as myself.

Voices of Qi is a pleasant way to obtain a great deal of TCM information in a short amount of time. Mr. Holland has the skills and talent to present some very new ways of thinking in some very familiar ways of thought. The book bridges the Eastern concepts with the Western mindset and does so with ease. With the rise in public and private interest of acupuncture this book should be read by all. It is one of those books that makes one say, "I wish I could write like that". Also, the book has very beautiful illustrations and design from cover to cover. I highly recommend and suggest this book for everyone, from M.D.s to massage students.

This book is a little gem. It sets out the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the theoretical framework and types of treatment (acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicine and Qi gong) in an amazingly easy to understand way. It also includes additional information on the history of TCM, accreditation in the US, and safety aspects. If you want to get to grips with what TCM is all about, but don't want to be bogged down with a tome, this is the book for you.

Master Chia and his wife have a collection of books based on Chinese healing, specifically dealing with massage, Chi energy or both. This book is an easy-to-use guide even for someone without any background knowledge on the subject and provides a good introduction that is brief and easy enough to understand so the healing can start nearly immediately.

Broken into chapters according to anatomy, there are simple drawings showing location and technique accompanied by step-by-step instructions that guide your hands and explanations that detail the benefit. Be aware these are not necessarily 'cures' or immediate fix-its for everything that ails you, but rather a way of healing and prevention to promote overall health. By massaging the body's organs, which work flawlessly for decades without much attention (and we often take for granted), we can expel toxins, help them work more efficiently and bolster our immune system without drugs, side effects or expensive doctor visits.

Also, by empowering ourselves, we take more control of our health and our lives.

I have been looking for the information found in this book for a while. I learned these techniques from a teacher but always wanted something written to refer back to or to share with others. The information and pictures are invaluable and the results are incredible.

This is definitely one of his easiest books to use, since it is mostly just simple directions of where to rub for what purpose, and what to visualize as you do it. One night I'd eaten a 2-day old bean soup and was up for hours with nightmarish gas. Finally I remembered I had this book and sat up, rubbing my eyelids and ears and large intestine just the way he recommended. The gas went away and I was totally rejuvenated. Since then I never question anything he suggests! Also, these massages really help me deal with the effects of air travel.

If you are interested in your own health, this is a great book. It is an easy to understand book om Taoist Chi Self-massage to keep the energy in the internal organs cirkulating. The beginner can use it right away, and there is still some avanced things for the avanced student.

Pierre Maegaard Knudsen
(Massage Therapist)

The Western concept of massage concerns itself with muscle manipulation, but Chi Self-Massage focuses on both internal and sense organs and employs Taoist techniques which until recently have been closely guarded secrets. Master Mantak Chia pieces this system into a logical routine any can duplicate, using methods used by these masters to explore the theory and purposes behind Chi Self-Massage. Spirituality blends with practical application in an easily-followed guide.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Dampness and phlegm are among the most vexing elements in treating patients with Chinese Medicine. This book is the best I have seen in discussing the physiological function of jin and ye fluids, pathogenic damp and phlegm and the organ systems that deal with them.

This is simply the best book in the English language on Chinese herbal medicine. The depth of information goes far beyond anything else available and it is all backed up by the experience of one of the West's premiere practitioners

This book gives you a lot idea of understanding in oriental medicine. It bring to you real taste of classics especially huang di nei jing and nan jing.The majority books of oriental medicine in English don't give us real picture of oriental medicine, but the book does!! One thing I want to wish is when they using pin yin, should be accompained chinese character. Great book!!!!

This book is excellent. For the advanced student or practitioner, this book enlightens the reader on all aspects of Fluid, Jin-ye, Phlegm, Dampness, and their origins. It also discusses herbs in a very interesting and useful way, comparing and contrasting phlegm and damp herbs and their specifics. This is my favorite theory book on my shelf.

This book is excellent. For the advanced student or practitioner, this book enlightens the reader on all aspects of Fluid, Jin-ye, Phlegm, Dampness, and their origins. It also discusses herbs in a very interesting and useful way, comparing and contrasting phlegm and damp herbs and their specifics. This is my favorite theory book on my shelf.

First of all, the missing star is because I havn't finished reading it yet and wish to be honest aas to my knowledge of the book. I started a pulse diagnosis course the same week I recieved the book. This gave me a huge and helpful leap into it. Hammer, as he does is his wonderful book "Dragon rises red bird flies", has captured a view of chinese medicine not found in other sources. He lies somewhere in the vast plain between the Maccoicia TCM taught in most schools today and the very spiritual and sometimes non-clinical thinking of Larre and De la Valle. This book is a happy middle. Very clinical and hands on yet so different from and far more complex and colorful than the usual training of pulse diagnosis taught in the schools. Highly recommended for the more in-depth curious and dedicated practitioner (whom I hope I am...).

This is another outstanding book by Dr. Leon Hammer. This book continues with many of the psycho-medical and five element themes Hammer used in his first book Dragon Rises - Red Bird Flies. This text is easy to read. The concepts are easy to follow. The writing is comprehensive and fairly ties many schools of thought and other predominant TCM texts together. This book is good for practitioners of all skill levels and schools of thought. This is a must read for any serious TCM practitioner!

I was looking for a book that can teach me the secrets of pulse diagnosis but the problem was the terminology. I went to seek help from aryvedic practioners but could not comprehend. "Chinese Pulse Diagnosis" is a readable and highly informative approach on the subject. Pulse diagnosis is a difficult art to master and more difficult is its teaching. Leon I. Hammer has used the latest method of teaching for this ancient art which I hope will give a new life to art. I understood many things of the art for the first time though I read them in many other books before.

Having taken the basic level of instruction in this type of pulse diagnosis, I have to say that even with support, the very comprehensive nature of this massive tome is challenging. On the other hand, what Dr. Hammer is intending to do is to clarify and perhaps enlarge a particular method of pulse diagnosis. It is a refreshing change from what to my thinking is an endless rehash of quotes from Classic volumes translated from Chinese, or rewrites of same. Li Shi Zhen's work notwithstanding, we need more people to bring this type of material forward if pulse diagnosis is to be promoted fully here in the west. Dr. Hammer has tried mightily to be specific and describe both the pulse qualities and their implications from both his and his teacher Dr. Shen's point of view. Anyone wishing to see a more complete (if frighteningly detailed) discussion of pulse diagnosis should at the very least read and give some serious thought to what's presented by Dr. Hammer here, even if they are skeptical about the approach. This book should taken seriously by all English speaking Chinese medicine practitioners, whether they ultimately agree with it or not. It has that much to say. I myself am still trying to get a handle on the initial material. The book has few competitors in english in terms of detail and possible clinical benefits for the reader. What I have already got from it has changed my practice.

The clinical handbook of internal medicine is a truly useful clinical reference. It contains a wealth of information and clinical tips relevant to the practice of Chinese medicine in the western world. The authors have considered differences in diet and other lifestyle factors between Western and Chinese patients in their analysis of disease presentations and their solutions. The herbal section is comprehensive and has insights into commonly seen clinical variations not considered in other works (to my knowledge). Its compact size makes it easy to carry around and its clear layout makes finding the relevant information easy. Some more information on acupuncture points and protocols would improve it, however, the authors comment that internal medicine is the province of herbal medicine is fair. I can't wait for the second volume (when is it due?).

This is a wonderful guide for students of Chinese Medicine who may need another perspective while learning this art! Very useful, eagerly awaiting the second volume to come.

The information in this book has improved my understanding of the problems patients present with and what I can do about them. It's easy to access and matches what I see in clinic. A great addition to my clinic library and thoroughly recommended.

The clinical handbook of internal medicine is a truly useful clinical reference. It contains a wealth of information and clinical tips relevant to the practice of Chinese medicine in the western world. The authors have considered differences in diet and other lifestyle factors between Western and Chinese patients in their analysis of disease presentations and their solutions. The herbal section is comprehensive and has insights into commonly seen clinical variations not considered in other works (to my knowledge). Its compact size makes it easy to carry around and its clear layout makes finding the relevant information easy. Some more information on acupuncture points and protocols would improve it, however, the authors comment that internal medicine is the province of herbal medicine is fair. I can't wait for the second volume (when is it due?).

The list price for this book is only $75. People have a lot of nerve selling their used copies for $125. You can order this directly from Lonny Jarrett's website for $90.

This book is genuinely eye-opening. It is an advanced text focusing on five-phase acupuncture models. It discusses various phase types, and also utilizes case studies to clarify his perspective. It is highly psycho-emotionally oriented, and therefore useful to add to the more standard library of acupuncturists. Along with Jeremy Ross' book, I use this book most frequently.

There are other books out there, but few that have an easy to read format for both students and patients. This is a must read for anyone who desires to learn and understand Five Element Chinese Acupuncture. Lonny is great to hear in lecture but much better in his writing style.

Lonny Jarrett is one of the few authors who provides a complete analysis of the five elements that can be applied to everyday practice. I found as I read his book, which I did several times, various patients came to mind (others were not so clear...). Patients also related to the descriptions of the five elements as it affected their lives. The approach provided me with the extra information I needed to better treat an energy imbalance, rather than symptoms alone. The way Lonny combines the things we learn, the way we interpret the world, and the make up we bring to it, was practical and applicable. He seems to be more from the Worsley school with its emphasis on the psychological rather than the cosmological school. If more books like Lonny's come to print, I believe Western Chinese Medicine will really have come of age.

For anyone looking to treat infertility disorders, I would highly recommend this book. The quality and sheer volume of information presented is quite impressive, and the same goes for her seminars. I would not suggest this book for anyone other than a TCM practitioner, as it is a professional text. The content is both highly specialized and should not be used by those without extensive training; besides, there are plenty of other introductory books that will give patients a more comprehensive view of TCM theory in an easily digestible format.

That said, this book is one of my favorites in the subject, and fully worth several times the purchase price!

A valuable,modern and important resource for any practitioner wishing to work in or specialize in the field of infertility. Her analytical and poetic mind combined with the potency of Chinese medicine make this inspirational reading. Its a must have I cannot recommend highly enough.

This book is the A++++ must have for treating fertility disorders with chinese medicine. Jane Lyttleton does an EXCELLENT job of combining western knowledge and treatments with traditional chinese medicine. She is extremely thorough and detailed in all pathologies and treatments. AMAZING!

I was referred to this book by a fellow friend who like me, is trying to conceive a baby over 40. This book talks with detail about how chinese medicine works and in particularly to help "strengthen" our reproduction systems. The information is very clear and detailed and can help anyone starting to explore the benefits of TCM. It enlightens the reader because it never dismisses the Western medical community, but talks about how the Eastern methods of TCM can enhance our already traditionally accepted practice of conventional medicine. It also talks about how TCM works well alone. However, it takes diligence and specialized practitioners to fully incorporate all of this info to practice. Finding a excellent Acupuncturist or Chinese doctor seems integral and the information is amass. I felt I learned quite a bit about Chinese medicine in just one night of reading,and I was already educated in many areas.

I bought this book as a reference work,at the beginning,but after going through it,I realized that it deserved being read more in detail. I could find a few pages on usually neglected issues, such as the historical meanings of some acupuncture points. I am carrying out a research study on the definitions of the acupuncture points in Ling Shu and Su Wen (in Chinese) and I hardly had ever found anything on this topic in a non-Chinese language book. Only one regret: no full analytical index,alas!

This is the definitive book on the subject of acupuncture and will also be of use for those who practice acupressure and pressure points in martial arts. The book is invalueable- it provides the means of finding points in a simple and understandable way without alot of professional jargon. Another suggested book for martial artists would be The Layman's Guide to Acupuncture by Yoshio Manaka, MD and Ian A. Urquhart, PhD by Weatherhill publishers, NY

One of the best books I've ever read about acupuncture. Li Ding is a real Master.

Absolutely fabulous! The best glossy photos of diagnostic tongues I've seen! Excellent case studies, too. Bravo! This book will be a treasure in my professional library.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Chinese tongue diagnosis. The book is divided into sections according to pattern (Kidney disharmonies, Stomach and Spleen disharmonies, etc). Each section contains approximately 30 full-color, well-photographed tongues representing the pattern. This makes it easy to see the range of tongue signs for each pattern. Also, the description of the tongue, the patient's symptoms, Western diagnosis and Chinese diagnosis are printed next to the photo of the tongue for easy reference. (You don't have to flip back and forth between the text pages and the color plates, as in Maciocia's Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine.) This book isn't cheap, but the quality of the photographs and the clear description of the tongues makes it a very worthwile investment.

As a medical professional, I have an interest in what works to bring health to the system. At times, alternative medicines when appropriately applied, in the hands of the right people, ones trained in health care and disease, can offer stimulating results. But the question of how to obtain reliable material to diagnose and treat a disease remains a current issue. This book helps bridge the gap between Chinese diagnostics and the Western approach to disease. Atlas of Chinese Tongue Diagnosis provides visual illustrations of various ailments, mapped outwardly on the tongue, and includes written descriptions and symptoms. When applicable, it correlates the topography of the tongue to Western disease. However, the book is not all inclusive. It lacks treatment. I would suggest a companion, Radiant Health by Ron Teeguarden. Teeguarden's work covers portions of the ancient Chinese art of health and offers a treatment program designed to correct deficencies and disturbances in Qi. The two together provide a reliable source for a medical professional to understand and apply the basics in Chinese medicine. I highly rate this book when accompanied with Teeguarden's.