It will be an eye opener for the public to see that acupuncture is widely practiced and that research in this area is going on . . . all over the world . . . It has been proven many times . . . that acupuncture can work in many cases where conventional medicine has failed. Nelly Tsiving, licensed acupuncturist Throughout history, acupuncture has provided painless, low-cost, non-invasive relief for conditions ranging from back pain and headaches to cancer and AIDS. As Americans seek viable, cost-effective health care alternatives, the benefits of acupuncture are gaining new respect in the West. In this guide, Marie Cargill, a licensed acupuncturist, de-mystifies acupuncture, explaining: * how and why acupuncture works * how acupuncture is effective in most major medical specializations * what you can expect from a visit to the acupuncturist Detailed, direct, and easy-to-follow, Acupuncture will persuade skeptics of the potential for this effective approach to healing.

In 1987, our first book Acupuncture: Textbook and Atlas received rave reviews (e.g., in New England Journal of Medicine). This prompted us to write this smaller, affordable version in order to reach a wider audience. The smaller format has been so successful that we are now into our fourth revised edition. This has given us the opportunity to update and improve the book. For example, nu merous new references to scientific advances have been added. Also the section on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was ad ded because it gives a more complete picture of the current prac tice of acupuncture. Acupuncture has come a long way since our first book in 1987. There has been a surge of interest in treating drug addictions by ear acupuncture in 450 centers world wide. The treatment of nau sea and vomiting has been so well tested (scientifically) that the FDA (USA) is considering making this the major indication for acupuncture in America. Research into its efficacy for neurologi cal and pulmonary diseases is also gaining credibility. No longer is chronic pain the only scientifically acceptable use for acupuncture (based on the endorphin mechanism).

This is the first book to set out a full range of research strategies for evaluating the clinical practice of acupuncture. Leading acupuncturists and researchers with international reputations share their expertise. They illustrate their descriptions with practical examples of what has worked and what has not. It outlines many of the key challenges in the field. These challenges relate to the nature of acupuncture and the gap between current research evidence and the actual experiences of acupuncturists in the field. By focusing the chapters on key research questions, rather than methods, the book has a user-friendly feel. Each chapter is easily accessible with brief explanations of research designs as well as vignettes of relevant past research. The book is based on a deep understanding of acupuncture, with its inherent complexity in practice, whether based on traditional principles or more modern concepts. By incorporating a more sophisticated understanding of the field, this book details a range of strategies aiming to develop the evidence base with the utmost rigour. It is the first book on acupuncture research to take this unique view, integrating the very best of evidence-based medicine with a genuine sensitivity to the discipline of acupuncture, from its traditional and holistic roots to its more modern interpretations.

Acupuncture for Pain Management is intended as the premier resource for learning the fundamentals of the art of medical acupuncture. Edited by top pain medicine specialists at Harvard and UCLA, and based on their popular annual workshop at the American Society for Anesthesiologists, the book is the perfect synthesis of Western and Chinese medicine. Anesthesiologists, pain medicine specialists, primary care physicians, osteopaths, neurologists, psychiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and other health professionals looking to add acupuncture to their repertoire will benefit from the concise and practical approach of the book. Features: Each individual meridian discussed in detail Acupuncture for 25 clinical conditions, including headache, menstrual pain, low back pain, insomnia, and more Aimed at acupuncturists as well as practitioners who want to add acupuncture to their clinical armamentarium