The Art of Acupuncture Techniques

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 232 pages
• Published by: North Atlantic Books
• Edition: 2nd Edition December 17, 1996
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1556432305
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1556432309
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 12.5 ounces

Product 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.

Product 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 awesome 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

Reader Reviews
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!!!