Product Description
The first overview of the tradition, including the origins and modern practice. A broad-brush history from the 3rd millennium BC to the present day, including contemporary practice of this fascinating art.The culmination of 8 years of field study and academic research on traditional Thai Medicine, this book traces a rich cultural heritage from its origins in Buddhism, animism and Ayurveda to the formation of a unique syncretic healing tradition which continues to be practiced today in both rural and urban Thailand.Thai medicine has been influenced by Vedic India, Khmer mysticism, Chinese medical theory and the indigenous beliefs in spirits and ghosts, a fascinating time capsule of practices and beliefs from many historical eras. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a keeper
I refer to this book often, as I have a great interest in the subject of Traditional Thai Medicine. It is well written and ultimately gives the reader a sense of the true depth of history behind the medicine that preceded Western culture in Thailand. The tradition that shaped medicine in Thailand exists today and this book opens the reader's eyes to its history, culture, and spirituality. That is what makes Thailand and its traditional medicine so unique.

excellent
I have a bookshelf full of esoteric books on Thai healing, culture and spirituality.Most of them are written in the language of academia to such an extent as to render fascinating subject matter into brain numbing boredom.Pierce Salguero successfully manges to be an adademic without losing his passion for his subject, and without forgetting that someone might actually want to enjoy reading about it. ... Read more

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This is the first book to survey the various approaches to health care as defined by the major Eastern and Western philosophies. Contains comments on the effect Eastern thought has had on Western medicine and psychology. ... Read more

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Four Pillars and Oriental Medicine reveals for the first time the closely guarded secret of the connection between one’s birthday and health. The Four Pillars or birth chart, which consists of the energetic influences of the Hour, Day, Month and Year of birth, contains an ancient esoteric code that provides the foundation for determining the constitutional health condition and how that condition is influenced throughout a lifetime. This book contains theories and techniques about one of the most closely guarded healing branches of Oriental Medicine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Four Pillars and Oriental Medicine
Very good, the techniques in this book is usefull and complement the Four Pillars analysis.

Useful for practitioners and astrologers alike
I have found this book very informative and from an angle
with Chinese Astrology that I have not seen in many translated
texts to English.
It does lack some clarity of explanation on a few points,
for example how the author derives the percentages of weaknesses
of the organ network, though with a little ingenuity and imagination
it is easy to compare this numerical figuring system to that of
traditional modern diagnosis as well as other aspects of
Chnese astrology to see if the figures are correct or not.
I think this is a valuable book and well worth a read and
for use as a reference guide in any TCM clinic.

a necessity
Everyone should have their charts done (and make sure you know the "real" time you were born, which is based on the longitude.Ex., 10:00 A.M. eastern standard time is about 9:40 A.M. at 80 degrees longitude).It is too important to not do it.David's palmistry book is good to pick up, and face reading books are a must.The four pillars is the absolute must, though.Buy a copy of the I Ching, and get your chart done, in that order, to start.Life begins with the study of the I Ching and your chart.

This is a decent book on the subject, and one's study of Chinese medicine and related stuff will deepen your ability to use what it teaches. ... Read more

Product Description
Introduces kung-fu, karate, judo, tai chi, Oriental healing, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and ch°i which comprise an entire system of knowledge characterized by meditation, study, healing, and self-defense. ... Read more

Product Description
The traditional medical systems of Asia evolved over centuries of empirical observation and diagnosis and treatment of disease. Based on a corpus of written material, they are found embedded with the symbols, concepts of the body and world views characterising the historical differences between civilisations. This is the first book to present to both general and specialist readership an illustrated guide to the main codified medical traditions of Asia from the perspective of Western scholars as well as that of physicians actually working today within each system.

An introduction by Fernand Meyer outlines how traditional medical systems reflect complex social and cultural realities which help us to understand how different societies, including our own, interpret and relate to matters of health and disease.

The main streams of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese medicine are the subject of fifteen contributions, providing a brief history of each system and a clear exposition of theory and the principle methods of diagnosis and treatment. How these ancient systems have adapted and are actually integrated today with Western biomedicine in India, Tibet, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, is the subject of individual chapters.

The principal themes and subjects of traditional Asian medical systems are copiously illustrated with field photographs taken by Mark De Fraeye over a number of years, and which are balanced with the traditions' fascinating body charts, herbals, aides memoire, as well as intruments, amulets and other medical paraphernalia.

The book concludes with essays on the three main healing deities of Asia; Dhanvantari, Shennong and the Medicine Buddha.

This publication will be of multi-disciplinary interest and use to historians and social scientists, as well as to physicians and the general public interested in a vast heritage of complementary and alternative therapies.Amazon.com Review
Spiritual roots and traditions spanning 2,000 years distinguish Oriental medicine from its Western counterpart. In Oriental Medicine, editors Jan Van Alphen and Anthony Aris strive to offer an exhaustive and visually stunning overview of healing systems, and they succeed beautifully in detailing the histories and techniques of traditional Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese (including Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan) medicine. Some terms will be familiar to Western readers--Ayurvedic medicine, for example, is "the system ... which developed from the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas," made accessible by the writings of Deepak Chopra. The text teems with magnificent, full-page color reproductions of classic manuscripts, miniatures, and drawings, plus photographs of medicinal plants and healing practices and objects. The discussions of each ancient medical system focus on such topics as the system's history, the impact of religion on medical theory, beliefs about wellness, the causes of disease, diagnoses, and therapies.

The richness and complexity of the information collected in Oriental Medicine make it an ideal resource for the beginning practitioner of Asian healing arts. The book proves to lay readers that the Western approach to healing is only a small part of a greater whole, and it will interest students of history fascinated by how different societies--including our own--interpret and relate to health and illness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Worthy of deep consideration
Ohsawa was one of the most interesting and brilliant minds of last century, and he certainly led a full and active life. As a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, I have found his works worthy of deep consideration, even though he is totally ignored by TCM practitioners who can't seem to think outside the box and get over the fact that he "switches yin and yang" - actually this is not true, and he explains why.

That said, I recommend all of Ohsawa's books because they are inspiring and vital, and seem free of the rigidity and dogma of later Kushi-esque macrobiotic works. ... Read more

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"The best work o Tibetan medicine ever to appear in English."--Dr. Barry Clark ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good book, but glad to be done with it...
This book is a compilation of lectures given by Dr. Donden at the University of Virginia to I'm sure audiences made up of other doctors. I really can't imagine any other crowd staying still for it.

This book is very interesting at times -- not so much other times. Pretty exhaustive lists of how to diagnose different illnesses in patients, which I'm sure is intensely interesting for doctors, but not for me.

The translator and editor is Dr. Hopkins of Virginia, who is renknown for his good work. Dr. Donden was the Dalai Lama's personal physician. The personnel is there, which is why I can't go any lower than four stars, but I'm glad to be done with this book. Probably a better title for serious (very, very serious) students of medicine.

great basics
when I was iving in kathmandu and studying tibetan medicine, the first book my amchi (doctor) recommended was this one... and you know, it really is a great book for introducing the subject... fantastic overview and great layout...

Not as applicable as it seems
If you are truly planning on pursuing the study of Tibetan medicine as a vocation, this book is for you. If you are hoping to glean a few practical tidbits to apply toward a healthy life, it is possible...however, few is the key word. Chapter 11 was the most informative chapter in the book, talking about behavior. It's a great book explaining Tibetan medicine, not applying it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great 5 element book!
For you unfortunate students who only got to experience TCM training and feel like the emotional component was ripped out of a system which is supposed to be rooted in the spirit.Perhaps this book will help you on your way.Dr. Rose provides the basic fundementals of Worsley 5 element, discusses energy blockages in channels, and apitherapy.Her clear writing provides an easy explanation for both the experienced practioner and beginning students.Anybody looking into treating from the spirit must read this book.

Bee in Balance: A Guide to Healing the Whole Person
Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are, and why you are the way you are with other people? Amber Rose has laid out some possible patterns of interaction of the elements within, according to ChineseMedicine. Her book, allows people not only to discover their personality,but to use acupuncture needles, pressure, or bees, yes bees, to stimulateenergy, and move it out of the bodily pathways. This book has yet anotherway to view the healing process, and it's effect on the mind, body andspirit. A good source of information, well organized, and clear. ... Read more

Product Description
A philosophical overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A look at its roots in the Chinese language, and the way of Chinese thought which created the Chinese healing arts. This text emphasizes the critical importance of examining ancient Chinese texts which are the basis for Traditional Acupuncture. Trade Paperback ... Read more

Product Description
China's traditional way of health preservation hasdeveloped through the accumulated wisdom and experience of thousandsof years, and is known throughout the world for its distinctivemethods and effects. These methods are often closely related to thedaily life of the people. They are simple, safe and effective, as wellas being easy to understand and learn. This book is a summary of themany Chinese methods of health preservation, and has been written soas to be understandable and acceptable to Westerners, containingmethods which they will find easy to learn and apply. Daily healthpreserving methods are introduced first, including the seasons, mentalattitude, food and drink, entertainment, work, leisure and sexlife. The next section contains some 60 different kinds of well-known,easy and effective health preserving methods and exercises, which areall suitable for both the treatment of illness and healthpreservation. The readers should be able to find whatever he or sheneeds to fit his or her own daily health needs. The 339 illustrationswill help the reader to master the techniques. ... Read more

Product Description
Unschuld provides a description and analysis of the contents and structure of traditional Chinese pharmaceutical literature. Unschuld has selected some one hundred titles in this far-reaching study. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides a step-by-step introduction and practical guide to palpation as a method of assessment, diagnosis and treatment within the context of Oriental medicine, and in particular Japanese acupuncture practice. Leading the reader through the "how" and "what" of touch, around the abdomen (or "hara") and other key areas of the body, the author also explores key acupuncture points for clearing these areas, as well as Japanese needle techniques. The aim of the book is to allow the reader to have a more vivid and sensitive feel for what lies below acupuncture meridians and points, and to be able to assess and treat a very wide variety of clinical conditions - with an understanding of the individual patient - successfully. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Misrepresentation of 'Japanese Acupuncture'
It is important to understand that there are many different styles of classically oriented acupuncture that have been developed by Japanese masters.While they are all different, they do all share several commonalities, the most important being that they all derive their diagnostic information first and foremost from palpatory information - i.e. information that can be felt through informed touch.In that sense, the title of this book is correct to convey that basic essence of Japanese palpatory styles of acupuncture.But beyond that, this book leaves me very confused.
I have studied 4 distinct palpatory styles of Japanese acupuncture (including styles developed by Manaka, Sawada, Hukaya, Kiiko Matsumoto, Nagano and the Toyohari style).This book does reflect any of those styles accurately.It appears to reflect a very poor and confused interpretation of Kiiko Matsumoto's style.
All students of Japanese styles of acupuncture are always very careful to credit their masters and their lineage.This book does a fundamental disservice to that tradition by not indicating where the authour has derived her information.Much of the material in this book, I have NEVER seen anywhere and I am left to wonder if she developed it all herself.
The publisher should be more careful in the future and ensure that the books it publishes are properly referenced.

Wonderful Introduction to Abdominal Palpation
I enjoyed this book tremendously.I believe that you can see Skya's education background in the way the material is presented clearly, with well defined topic areas.It is well designed as a "how to" text.
I found the abdominal clearing section of the book to be the gem.Although there may be a lack of understanding of where the material came from, effectiveness is the measure of truth, and it works.It is also presented clearly enough for most practitioners to understand.
This is not a book for the person who is all ready trained in Japanese methods but is perfect for the TCM practitioner who wants to expand their thinking by using palpation as another diagnostic and treatment modality.

The art of confussion
The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine by Skya Gardner-Abbate could have been a great idea if the information was true to the title or accurate as a whole. Oriental Medicine is not only Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion as emphasized in this book, it includes Korean styles of acupuncture, Thai massage, Vietnamese folk medicine and much more. The author of this book constantly mentions Japanese acupuncture or "Japanese physical exam". Unfortunatly there is no such thing as one Japanese form of acupuncture or a "Japanese physical exam". There are over 150 different styles of Japanese acupuncture thus probably as many examination techniques. It is wrong to have the reader beleive that there is such a thing as "Japanese acupuncture" per se. In the book the reader will find inaccuracies and simply wrong material such as on page 157 the author claims that "the first evaluation within the Japanese physical exam is that of the inner thigh compression." I wonder what the Toyo Hari group of acupuncture have to say about that. Dr. Manaka, Master Kawai, Ito and Fukaya (all prominent Japanese acupuncturists developing their own unique style) certainly do not agree. Also on page 118 the author states that the Nan Ching (a source text for acupuncturists) "characterizes the healthy navel as deep and well shaped..." Unfortunately the Nan Ching does no such thing. There is no reference in the Nan Ching about the healthy shape of the navel. This goes on numerous times, more than I care to mention here. The important issue here is that the author does not check her sources, does not care to be specific about where the information comes from and evidently has never studied or observed acupuncture in Japan. Last but not least this book is written like a text book for a course in college with sections that explain rather simple words (like "stress", "tension", etc.) that every average acupuncturist should know and then gives litle tests that require the reader to repeat what has been written - All in all not professional. Readers please read carefully and with discrimination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

zang fu, the organs systems of thraditional chinese medicine
this book was well written and very imformative for the new student as well as the practitioner of oriental medicine . it is very beneficial for preparation for the national boards.. well done ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

One of a kind book!
My husband and I are both Acupuncture Physicians and have accumulated lots of books over the years. This two-volume book stands up because of the wide variety of information but especially due to the unique herbal information presented - Western Herbs explained through the Chinese Medicine concepts. It is a really unique tool for any herbalist - there are so many things covered in this book so I will highlight just a few of them for you. Not only it gives both Western and Chinese functions and indications, but it also gives different types of therapeutical preparations, including dosages and cautions. In addition, it presents aromatherapy qualities, chemical constituents, and Ayurvedic medicine explanation. Did you think that this was all of it? Not quite. Any of the common herb books would probably have the Botanical Name and Pharmaceutical name; this book however offers names in other languages such as German, Chinese, Japanese, French, Arabic, etc. Finally, the part that I love the most about this book is the Notes section from the end of each herb. The information presented there is varied and it depends from herb to herb, however, it usually discusses more about the Chinese Medicine aspects, gives research from both Chinese and Allopathic perspective and he even goes so far to compare an herb to certain acupuncture points. I should also mention the comprehensive introduction with impressive information that any respected herbalist would love to read. Definitely worth the money! Peter Holmes did an amazing job with this book.

the energetics of western herbs
This book, and its partner vol 2, form probably the most comprehensive herbal materia medica available. I find that I refer to it whenever I prescribe herbs to a patient and I would not be without it. Peter Holmesdescribes each herb from a Western and an Eastern viewpoint, includingenergetics, modern chemistry and historical perspectives. Uses are alsodescribed from both angles, with both Chinese traditional descriptive termsand modern western allopathic terms. He goes a long way towards a fullyintegrated world herbal medicine system. My favourite herbal medicine book- and I have a few! ... Read more