Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture (Paradigm Title)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 544 pages
• Published by: Paradigm Publications MA
• Edition: Revised Edition February 1991
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 091211133X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0912111339
• Book Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.6 inches
• Weighs: 2.3 pounds

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

Book 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.

Reader Reviews
Since the contents of the book are thoroughly described by the staff at Amazon, I won't delve into them. I agree that F.C.A. is better organized than most textbooks. Each section on the meridians contains diagrams illustrating the main pathway, important points along the meridian such as luo points, divergent pathways, the corresponding channel sinews, and more. After several pages of diagrams, the authors describe that meridian's points. The information includes the point's name (alphanumeric code, simplified chinese characters, pinyin, and english); its location from scientific and traditional perspectives; its functions; disorders that can be treated with that point; the methodology of treatment; cautions and prohibitions if they exist; and combinations with other points for treating a particular illness. The section ends with a chart for selecting those points that will most effectively treat particular disorders. Additionally, there is enough space on each page for lecture notes. Overall, I am very impressed with F.C.A. It is excellent and best of all, cheaper than other books of this calibre. Comment | | (Report this)