Although in the United States the scientific value of acupuncture is only now being clinically evaluated for the first time, needling is only one of a number of therapeutic disciplines which have proved effective in China for over two thousand years and which today provide common remedies for more than one quarter of the world's population. Why, asks Dr. Porkert, shouldn't medical men everywhere have access to the premises and results of this medical knowledge?In this book he presents a coherent and systematic account of Chinese theories--the system of correspondence that underlies all of Chinese medicine--using a new and precise Latin terminology (with English equivalents provided for most terms) that he devised over the past decade. The book is based directly and exclusively on Chinese sources, including recent Chinese secondary literature.Chapter 1 introduces the concepts that are the foundation of the system of correspondences--the polar combination yin-yang, which provides a basis for the analysis of all phenomena into complementary groups, and "wu-hsing, " which Dr. Porkert calls the "Five Evolutive Phases," and which are used to resolve cyclic processes into five temporally and qualitatively distinct parts. In Chapter 2 he takes up concepts which relate the body to the cosmos under the title "Phase Energetics" "(yun-ch'i);" these define meteorological, climatic, and immunological factors in health and disease. Chapters 3 and 4 focus on systems of concepts concerned with the body itself. The author has named these systems orbisiconography, sinarteriology, and foraminology. Orbisiconography "(tsang-hsiang), " the "imagery of functional orbs," describes the relationships of the functional systems within the body. It is not, as Dr. Porkert points out, analogous to but the opposite of Western comparative anatomy. Sinarteriology, the study of energetic conduits "(ching-luo), " and foraminology, the study of sensitive points "(shu-hsueh), " indicate the functional relationships manifested at the body's surface as well as within it. The book's systematic description of these disciplines involved in acupuncture is a powerful antidote to basic misconceptions prevalent in earlier Western writing on the subject.This is Volume III in the MIT East Asian Science series, edited by Nathan Sivin.

Wisdom from the East ...for Living in the West Discover the foundation behind this fascinating system of holistic health based on several thousand years of real clinical experience. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique, comprehensive, and scientific system, maintaining that the root of a disease must be found, and that a patient must be treated according to their whole being as well as their surrounding natural conditions. Viewing the human as a single, integrated entity that relates with nature, TCM maintains that the human body is affected by any changes that occur in nature, and must be treated as such. Since its beginnings, not only has TCM been well preserved and documented but it has also been continuously developing and growing. Having remarkable curative abilities and few side effects, it is an effective means to prevent and treat diseases and to keep yourself strong and healthy. Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine is systematic, concise, practical and easy to read. Originally published in China, this re-edited edition (the 3rd book in our Practical TCM series) will provide you with the principles of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Discover the principles of treatment and prevention of diseases. Learn essential primary theories, such as Yin and Yang and the Five Elements Theory, as well as their use in clinical applications. Discover the foundations for diagnostic methods. Essential for today's alternative health library.

Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine demonstrates how a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between organ and channel theory can lead to more precise diagnoses and better clinical results. This book is a collaboration between Wang Ju-Yi, one of modern China's most respected scholars, teachers, and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, and his American apprentice and practitioner, Jason Robertson. While most textbooks focus either on the functions of the organs in basic physiology or on the uses of the channels in treatment, this book shows the essential relationships between the two. Theory and practice are connected through a detailed discussion of a channel palpation methodology developed by Dr. Wang, which leads to more precise and effective point selection, location, and technique. Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine was developed during Mr. Robertson's apprenticeship with Dr. Wang in Beijing, and is presented in a unique and highly readable format that preserves the intimacy of dialogue between apprentice and teacher, with questions and answers, narratives, and case studies.

This highly successful textbook covers the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and discusses in detail the use of acupuncture points and the principles of treatment. The material is based on rigorous reference to ancient and modern Chinese texts, and explains the application of theory in the context of Western clinical practice. The new edition features new and updated material plus an accompanying website containing over 650 self-testing questions in a variety of formats. 25th Anniversary edition of the Western world’s best-selling book on Chinese medicine! Logical, sequential organization builds from basic theoretical concepts, through functions of individual organs, diagnosis, pathology, pattern recognition & disease categories, and the appropriate use of acupuncture points Clearly explains the theory and practice of Chinese Medicine to Western medical audiences Based on a unique and invaluable combination of extensive clinical experience in the West, current Chinese Medicine textbooks and ancient sources, in particular, the ‘Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ (Nei Jing) and the ‘Classic of Difficulties’ (Nan Jing) Includes Pinyin equivalents to make it immediately evident which original term is being translated Abundantly illustrated with over 750 line drawings and more than 1000 tables & boxes designed to emphasize the key facts End of chapter Learning Outcomes point out ‘must-know’ information A helpful colour-plate section provides valuable information for diagnosis Cases Studies and Case Histories apply theory to diagnosis and treatment, bringing the subject to life in a realistic context An extensive Glossary explains new terms and their origins from translation Additional Appendices list Prescriptions, Bibliography and Chinese Chronology Authored by Giovanni Maciocia, one of the Western world's leading subject matter experts An accompanying EVOLVE website provides over 650 self-testing questions and answers to help readers check their understanding of frequently complex information New Case Histories help ‘bring the subject to life’ Expanded subject area coverage including new clinical guidelines and additional acupuncture point combinations Contains further analysis of acupuncture point actions Innovative guidelines aid students learning Chinese Medicine patterns