Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture Book

The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture 

by John E. PirogPacific View Press 1996
$70

The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture is one of the more interesting books to come out of the American Acupuncture press. Most acupuncture books written and translated into English are basically texts used for teaching purposes. This book is written with an independent voice of inquiry and Pirog has distinguished himself by the depth of his study. To its credit, the tone of the book is like that of a journal article exploring new ideas and concepts.

A “classic” like Chinese Acupuncture and Moxabustion is not really the “best of TCM” that has filtered down through the centuries. However, it IS an incredibly good teaching tool for millions of Chinese and thousands of Western students. In its scope, CAM is unparalleled but we would all agree it doesn’t have a lot of depth. Meridian Style Acupuncture has, if not answered, addressed many questions left unsaid by texts and teachers.

Although Meridian Style Acupuncture is aimed at practicing acupuncturists, students should definitely read it. It also could be used as a textbook for acupuncture classes.

Meridian Style Acupuncture is divided into five sections. The first and shortest is what Pirog calls a “simplified” approach to making an acupuncture prescription. It really serves as a coherent and concise introduction to his approach for the rest of the book. Pirog introduces the chapter by pointing out the differences between needling techniques and makes clear why finding the point location changes according to how one uses the needles. As I understand it, he says that (in general) the “harder” Chinese needling technique reaches out to the point to be affected. “Softer” and shallower Japanese needling must be exactly on the point thus more palpation is needed to determine the point. This is a refreshingly non-judgmental assessment and one that clears a lot of confusion between different styles of acupuncture.

Pirog says that “meridian therapy” is the recognition of the flow of energy in the channels. The points, he eloquently states, “functions like the holes of a flute that could be opened or closed to alter the ‘tone’ of the meridian flow”. The primary role of the meridians is different than the emphasis on the points themselves as stated in most TCM text books. Pirog is able to talk about the points in exciting ways from this perspective.

The second, third and fourth sections cover much of the material in other acupuncture books but Pirog writes interesting and often lengthy discussions of the how, what and whys of the channels and the meridians. For example, he convincingly explains why we should care about the significance of distinguishing points as belonging to the Foot and Hand Tai-Yin, Shao Yin etc… Similarly, he devotes 15 pages to the Luo connecting channels. Here Pirog changes the conceptualization of their use that conforms to the indications as outlined in the Ling Shu. Acupuncturists may be surprised at the some of the conclusions he draws.

Other chapters in the second, third and fourth sections are devoted to lengthy discussions of the cutaneous zones, the proportion of Qi and Blood in the meridians, intersection points, xi-cleft, the “antique points, yuan source and entry and exit points.

Some of the writings here will not be without their controversies. I asked a acupunctuist from China to give me his opinion of the book. Although he reacted generally favorably, he mentioned several ideas that are inconsistent with acupuncture theory in China. One example which will cause much discussion is Pirog’s writings about the Chong channel. Pirog makes the argument that the Chong is a description of the arterial system. He asks whether this is why the Chong is called the “sea of blood”.

Pirog also blows away any illusions about the “window of the sky points” which so captivate many American acupuncturists. According to Pirog, the window of the sky points have no special clinical significance, despite their “heavenly” names which many say are evidence to their psychological functions.

Pirog’s discussion of the six levels is fascinating. He manages to re-frame the significance of their usage in a way that is practical and not solely theoretical.

The fifth section goes over functions for many of the points and is the weakest section of the book. Even these are not without some different conclusions. Fortunately, this section occupies only a small part of the entire book. Given the scope of the rest of the book this is a small complaint.

I was confused as to how much truly original information was in the book. Meridian Style Acupuncture flips between references to the ancient texts and what might be seen as totally original concepts. Often Pirog’s references are quotes from other footnoted sources. I felt as if his own concepts could have stood out more readily if the context for his ideas would have been referenced in relation to other books, or schools of thought. One also wishes that Pirog would have had the chance to read and comment Maoshing Ni’s newly published and imaginatively translated Su Wen as a source text.

The market for acupuncture books in the United States, new as it is, has given us many books that reflect the Chinese acupuncture school curriculum. We know that more Asian language acupuncture books will be translated into Western languages. Of no less importance are authors like Pirog who search for the best contemporary and practical solutions to our patient’s health.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac

Tai Chi Flipbook Balcom Book

The Tai Chi Flipbook

by Craig Balcom & Kirk Bales

The Tai Chi Flipbook presents the Yang style form from beginning to end in 415 individual photographs. The concept is simple, ingenious and it works. In addition, there are short descriptions of the positions, the trigrams and other comments concerning aspects of Chinese philosophy. For those who are beginning to learn the form, want to review it or learn a new style this is a great way to do just that.

This review is about 8 years old and I’ve lost track of where one can find this book. If you find out, let me know.

The Tao and The Tree of Life Yudelow Book

The Tao and The Tree of Life 

Eric Yudelove

The Tao and The Tree of Life is an extremely unique and fascinating book that looks at the practices of Taoist Qi Gong and compares it to the Kaballah, an ancient European Jewish mysticism. The author Eric Yudelove, is a long time practitioner of Mantak Chia’s teachings, one of the most prolific writers in English about Qi Gong. If nothing else Yudelove should be praised for coherently and succinctly describing Montak Chia’s exercises in this book. Yudelove also describes the Kaballah and its fascinating history as a Jewish tradition and then as parts of it became absorbed into European mysticism as a whole. This spin-off from the Jewish tradition, Yudelove calls Western Kabbalism. It is most recently known through the writing of Alistar Crowley and in the spirit of the Tarot Cards. He has also done a fine job of explaining “alchemy” and its importance to both practices.

Yudelove is a fine writer and The Tao and The Tree of Life is remarkably non-judgmental in exploring aspects of both Taoism and the Kaballah. It is a good read for those curious about the Kaballah as well as Taoist Qi Gong. For those who want ONE Montak Chia book or want a concise description of many, many Taoist exercises, this is the book to own. The Tao and The Tree of Life is very much a companion to Carolyn Myss’s Anatomy of the Spirit which ties together yogic, Christian and Kaballistic conceptions of ritual and chakras (energy centers).

Yudelove and Llewellyn Publications (which most people know through their Astrology publications and calendars) should be commended for the high quality of The Tao and The Tree of Life. It is concise, informative and fascinating material.

Llewellyn Publications
St. Paul, MN
$14.95

Qin Bowei Anthology Book

A Qin Bowei Anthology 

translated by Charles Chace with Zhang Ting Liang
Paradigm Publications 1996

Qin Bowei is a modern legend in Chinese acupuncture. Born at the turn of the century he went on to found and defend Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Shanghai and Beijing Traditional Chinese Medical Universities. He was known as a brilliant clinician, teacher, administrator and writer.

The Qin Bowei Anthology is a collection of some of his writings. This is exciting material. Of special interest are the few case studies at the end of the book. These put all the concepts together into a coherent clinical context. Qin Bowei was unique in his ability to bridge the gap between pre-TCM and the modern world that TCM now inhabits. Just as Qin’s work has been invaluable in China, this is the type of material that will advance TCM in the English-speaking world.

Chapters include:
Discussion of Liver Disease
Discussion on the Use of Medicinals in Prescriptions
Chinese Medical Therapy for Abating Fever
Cough from External Contraction
A Brief Discussion on the Question of Supplementation
A Preliminary Inquiry into the Life Gate
Case Notes on Understanding Water Swelling Illnesses
Qin Bowei’s Case Histories

Obviously Mr. Chace knows what the current concerns are of American acupuncturists. The 80 pages on liver illness are especially important when so many of our patients are diagnosed with liver qi stagnation. Qin breaks down liver illness into liver vacuity, liver qi (pathological counterflow), liver depression, liver fire, liver heat, liver yang, liver wind, liver cold, liver reversal, liver repletion (excess), liver accumulation, liver fixity, liver distension, liver water and liver impediment.

In the section on Liver Yang Qin writes, “In general, the nature of liver yang is closely connected with heat and is fundamentally a vacuity (deficiency) pattern. This may be clarified by the recognition that the above statement specifically relates to a vacuity of liver yang presenting as intimidation, headache and numbness, and lack of warmth in the four extremities. Therefore it is said that its nature is intimately related to heat. So is this, or is this not, a contradiction? It is not. A liver yang pattern also implies a blood vacuity and internal heat with yang rising. The vacuity here is not in the liver yang itself.

There is much to ponder and study here. My reservations about the book would center on the dryness of the translations. As well, terms pop up such as “wind depression”. Does anyone know what this is? Also there is liberal use of the words “liver qi” to describe “an excessive strength in the liver viscus that produces pathological symptoms”. I suppose it is admirable that certain translators adhere to the standards of Nigel Wiseman’s “English-Chinese-Chinese-English Dictionary of Chinese Medicine” however it should be evident that this seldom seen volume is not the standard for most clinical practitioners.

There also is a particular editing problem in that Charles Chace has added his own comments to clarify sections. I liked this very much. However, it is never clear when the text reverts back to the original writing. This is a rather minor point that only slightly detracts from a very valuable and readable book.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac

Warm Diseases by Liu Book

Warm Diseases

A Clinical Guide
by Guohui Liu

(Eastland Press: $65.00; 580 pp. ISBN: 0-939616-34-3)

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark, L.Ac.

Warm Diseases, A Clinical Guide by Guohui Liu is probably one of the best Chinese Medicine books to be published in English. Finally we have a book that puts it all together, theory, practice, historical perspective, written by an experienced practitioner and teacher. Just when you thought that Chinese Medicine simply couldn¹t be transmitted in English a book like this comes along. In the same league as Steven Clavy¹s Fluid Physiology and Pathology or Introduction to Meridian Therapy by Sudo Denmei, Warm Diseases shows us how a skillful writer and publisher can create an instant classic.

Mr. Liu has several things going for him in writing this book. First, he is a Chinese trained practitioner who studied with his father as well at the Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine. At Chengdu he was a professor where he also wrote articles and books. He now lives, teaches and practices in the United States. He is obviously comfortable in transmitting the material needed to understand and practice the material. Mr. Liu is fluent in the historical perspectives, which he weaves throughout the book. Finally, either he is being overly modest about his English skills or he had considerable help from Eastland Press for the book reads perfectly in its use of English. China¹s schools like America¹s have “teacher¹s editions” of their textbooks. Whereas many other Chinese Medicine texts seem to be a regurgitation of texts on subjects of which the author¹s have neither clinical experience nor adequate historical perspective A Clinical Guide very much is appropriately aimed towards the actual needs of its readership.

This book reads like that class you wished you had had in Wen Bing. Without an adequate explanation in theory, Wen Bing theory seems to be: “these are the symptoms, these are the formulas”. Liu takes us step by step through the process of understanding not just Wen Bing theory but also the mechanisms of Qi in all manners of treatment in Chinese Medicine. Probably as a result of his teaching experience, when a new concept is introduced in the book, Dr. Liu anticipates questions and answers them with helpful explanations and case studies. Dr. Liu obviously is aware of the difficulties in teaching the subject matter and overcomes them in an extremely careful and thorough manner. Theory, etiology, differentiation and treatment methods are broken down into a completely understandable and usable manner.

Wen Bing (and Shang Han Lun) is primarily about herbal medicine. Any herbalist should read the book for the extensive and carefully delineated discussions for the subtleties of the herbs and formulas. Modifications are also carefully explained. Although often shown by their English translation there are many comparison charts and descriptions of the formulas. One imagines that the editors at Eastland had more than a few discussions about how to handle the listing of formulas.

In short, I think this is the next book that students or practitioners of Oriental Medicine should add to their library.

The Treatment of Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine Book

The Treatment of Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Volumes 1 and 2 (a 3rd volume is now out)
Will Maclean Jane Lyttleton
University of Western Sydney Macarthur
ISBN 1-875760-93-8

The Clinical Handbooks of Internal Medicine are strongly recommended for any practitioner of Traditional Oriental Medicine. From their beautiful covers to the selection and presentation of the material , The Clinic Handbooks embrace the high standards that physicians strive for.
The books are organized into large sections by the organs (liver, heart etc.) and then within those divided by disease patterns (dizziness, hypochondriac pain etc…). Each of these patterns has a Chinese correlative which allows the authors to draw upon both modern sensibility and the rich traditions and wisdom of Chinese literature.
For example, lower back pain is discussed as “yao tong”. The chapter begins with insightful comments about the syndrome and then proceeds into zang-fu differentiation. Those familiar with Chinese language texts will appreciate the approach. There is just enough discussion to be helpful without assuming that the reader needs to be “taught” with unnecessary background about TCM.

For example, the Lung chapter includes: acute exterior disorders (with a discussion of Shang Han and Wen Bing), cough, epistaxis, haemoptysis, loss of voice, sinusitis, rhinitis, sore throat and tuberculosis. Included are appendixes on lung abscess and pediatric asthma. The Heart Chapter includes chest pain, palpitations, insomnia, somnolence, forgetfulness, and anxiety. Again, each of these subsections are broken down into zang-fu diagnosis and treatment.

Each of the sections has comments and treatments for both acupuncture and herbs which are then shown in modification depending on symptomology. The authors are generous in sharing their comments about clinical approaches and expectations as well as citing other practitioners for special formulas and ideas. For example, in discussing Urinary retention they offer some comments about Tui Na : “Ren 6, Ren 5, Ren 4, press from above toward the pubic bone. Be sure to have some implement to contain the urine as this technique may cause immediate release” and electro-acupuncture “St. 28, Sp 6, or Sp 9 with high frequency stimulation. St. 28 should be needled cautiously and superficially in those with very distended bladders.”

They also cross reference to (Western) biomedical diseases give their opinions as to the appropriateness of certain western treatments and the interaction between the two systems. Again, for the urinary retention, they write,

“…it should be remembered that complete retention of urine constitutes a medical emergency and catheterisation is necessary if other therapies fail” and “In cases with severe infection, especially that involving the kidney, antibiotics may be necessary to quickly cool Heat. Once the infection is controlled, treatment may be given to clear Damp.”

The section on Shen disturbance (heart issues) discusses Western anti-anxiety medication and is honest enough to compare their side effects to those of our heavy herbs used for the same disorders. For those of us who do not have our M.D. license yet, this information (closely resembling common sense) is invaluable in assessing our own limitations and insecurities as practitioners in different clinical situations. An interesting section talks about animal products, which ones are endangered and which are “farmed” for their medicinal purposes. Although it may not mean much to your vegetarian patients it may reassure those who are taking turtle shell or Chaun Shan Jia in their formulas.

Listen, I could go on and on about how good these books but it is late and I don’t get paid to write these reviews and I certainly don’t get paid by the word. If you read English and practice TCM then you owe it to yourself to buy these books. I did and I think that these will be two of the most valuable books in the library of any acupuncturist.

review by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac.

The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine Book

The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine by Skya Gardner-Abbate
forward by Mark Seem
Churchill Livingstone ISBN 0-443-07058.

The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis is an achievement in the English-language writings about Japanese-style acupuncture. The book is organized in a logical manner with a style for being used as a textbook. The section in the book on abdominal diagnosis and the umbilicus forms the core of the book. Even if you don’t follow the treatment protocols the high quality photographs are an exceptionally well done guide to this form of diagnosis. Ms. Gardner-Abbate has been practicing for 15 years and it shows in the practicality and applications of the book in both content and organization. She has successfully created a practical text with solid theoretical underpinnings. There is even one section devoted to office forms for the various modalities discussed in earlier parts of the book.
With the this text along with Birch’s weighty Reflections on the Hara and Eastland Presses’ translation of Shudo Demnei English, language readers can begin see the many dimensions of “Japanese” acupuncture. Of these, The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis may serve as a more useful introductory text for those who are learning without the benefit of a teacher.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac

Pediatric Acupuncture

PEDIATRIC ACUPUNCTURE

Pediatric Acupuncture May Loo, MD Churchill Livingston ISBN 0-443-07032-6


Pediatric Acupuncture is a fine addition to the English language body of Chinese Medicine books. Dr. Loo, who practices both Western and Asian medicine in California, is to be commended for an exciting and stimulating book.


Pediatric Acupuncture is not strictly a TCM book and often goes into 5 element theory and aspects of Japanese acupuncture styles. Practitioners may want to invest in a laser, ion pumping chords and a point stimulator after reading this book. It begins with Chinese Medical theory and clear insights into how this applies to children and their particular diseases. Those who are well studied in TCM will find the information familiar yet it is clear enough for those who are approaching the material from the outside. Especially welcome to acupuncturists are her comments about the relationships between the elements/organs, development and emotional states.

Dr. Loo easily correlates Western and Asian views and her experience in both approaches shows in this excellent book. If there is a deficit it is that there is little herbal information. Often pediatric acupuncture is seen as an oxymoron, thinking that no child will tolerate the needles. Dr. Loo assures us that this can be done and gives us some amazing photos to prove it. Once again Churchill Livingston has provided a great addition to our ever-growing library of Chinese Medicine books.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac  

Management of Cancer with Chinese Medicine

The Management of Cancer with Chinese Medicine

by Li Peiwen and Cheng Zhiqiang, Du Xiuping.
Translated by Mao Shuzhang/Bao Liling.

Donica Publishing

The creators of the informative and comprehensive The Management of Cancer with Chinese Medicine have risen to the challenge of making an English Language Chinese Medicine “instant classic”. Li Peiwen and his contributors have created a true ego-less book in that it represents decades of the collective experiences of an entire TCM department in one of the most renowned hospitals in China. The writing here is not simple theory and rhetoric but the praxis of doctors working with the most complex of diseases. The Management of Cancer reflects one of the finest examples of the treatment of a disease category and this book is a sign of achievement in TCM itself.

Anyone, TCM practitioner or not, who sometimes might think that TCM can be simplistic should look at The Management of Cancer If any TCM practitioner wants to treat or has patients with cancer then this book is an absolute necessity. (This is definitely not a consumer level book and I would urge any patients to get Sagar’s excellent Restored Harmony instead.) The principal author of The Management of Cancer has for decades been the director of the oncology department of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, probably the best hospital (and well funded) in Mainland China. The 590-page book starts with a 10 page introduction to the history of cancer management in Chinese Medicine and subsequent chapters follow a natural progression from etiology to diagnosis to treatment and then management of integration with Western settings.

After the historical chapter the book divides into 3 sections. The first mainly deals with symptoms resulting from both the cancer and the Western therapies that treat cancer. Each of these chapters is prefaced by a short description of the Western Treatment. For most TCM practitioners this will be very useful reading. The shorter second section covers Qi Gong and diet. The weakest link in the book is this 10-page Qi Gong chapter in a nod to the Qi Gong department and the value of relaxation. The Diet chapter however is much more comprehensive although perhaps greater care could be taken with translating Chinese dietary medicinals into practical Western foods.

The third section deals with a dozen types of cancers along with case studies and case management. While at first glance it seems to be organized as a Zang-fu book, closer reading shows it to be a comprehensive look at both patterns and diseases. There are case studies, clinical observation reports and research studies. Compared to most internal medicine books of this nature, it has much appreciated information about acupuncture.

I often tell my students that in Asia for thousands of years Chinese Medicine or one of its regional variations was the only medicine available. When someone was sick anything and everything might be done to help the patient. So when we say that CM ‘treats everything’ we mean that CM has treated everything. When confronted with a cancer patient who may also be enmeshed in the most sophisticated of Western Treatments, the TCM practitioner may be overwhelmed with the case. A book such as this can show the TCM practitioner what the limitations of TCM are but perhaps more importantly what the possibilities. If the practitioner has more confidence in the level of treatment then that can only can be good when transmitted to the patient. All too often we only offer limited care because of the fear of overreaching and doing something wrong either through our treatments or promises.

Each page of the The Management of Cancer is filled with such new and practical information that I needed to sit down and read it from cover to cover. I appreciate the fact that there is a minimum of space explaining simple functions of the herbs and with a section on the less common herbs. There is a fair amount of information about Western Chemotherapy drugs especially within the numerous case studies. Although it is unclear if this book is a translation of an existing book in China or an originally written book it reads as well as if written by a native English speaker. Translators Mao Shuzhang and Bao Liling should be congratulated for a highly readable volume.

Here are two short excerpts:

Discussion: The formation of tumors is closely associated with Blood stasis. Solid tumors are less sensitive to radiotherapy because they are often poorly oxygenated (hypoxic), the consequence of outgrowing the blood supply. In addition, the chemical substances secreted by tumor cells can result in an increase in sensitivity to exogenous and endogenous blood-clotting factor and cause hypercoagulability of the blood by impairing of the blood by impairing fibrinolysis and platelet aggregation. Under these circumstances, material medica for invigorating the Blood and transforming Blood stasis can supplement radiotherapy treatment by increasing local blood flow, reducing hypoxia, and impeding repair of the cancerous cells damaged in radiotherapy by inhibiting the expression of proteins at the cell surface.

Some drugs used in chemotherapy such as vincristine (Oncovin), vindesine, vinorelbine (Navelbine), cisplatin (cis-disaminodichloroplatinum), doorucric (Adriamycin), mitromycin, and mustine hydrochloride (nitrogen mustard) can give rise to numbness in the extremities and scorching pain in the hands and feet since these drugs can cause neuropathy. Pain due to radiotherapy can occur immediately or many years after treatment and is caused by inflammatory edema of local tissue and mucosa characterized by scorching pain, dryness, bleeding, edema, exudation and ulceration. This pain is often seen in oral, esophageal, nasopharyngeal and bladder cancer. A continuous dull pain often occurs as a result of changes in the fibrous tissue due to radiotherapy and is commonly seen in the treatment of lung cancer.

I would consider The Management of Cancer by Li Peiwen one of the most complete discussions of modern TCM methods in English. This is an astounding compilation of 40 years of experiences in a top oncology department. When people with this much experience imparts information then one had better listen.

Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac. 2004

4 books on Diagnosis

Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine Giovanni Maciocia
Churchill Livingstone 

Practical Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine Tietao Deng-Churchill Livingstone

Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine 
Ping Chen-Paradigm Publications

Since I wrote this review another book from Eastland Press appeared from Yi Qiao and Al Stone. Below is a short review of that book.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Study Guide – Eastland Press
Qiao Yi with Al Stone

437 pages, 8-1/2″ x 11″
ISBN: 0-939616-64-5
978-0-939616-64-0

“Qiao Yi and Al Stone, both veteran educators, have risen to the task of explaining TCM diagnosis in both overview and its intricate details. This Study Guide goes beyond simply translating and reiterating what has already been written in other texts by showing diagnosis as an interactive process with zang-fu and TCM theory. The authors’ years of experience in teaching this material which has been peer reviewed by leading scholars of Chinese medicine is reflected in both the content and its presentation. More than just a dry compilation of facts, this book clarifies many of the ambiguities left by other TCM texts. Highly recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners.”

_________________________

Diagnosis is the key. Those four words are the most important in all of clinical medicine. Everything else falls by the way side. If you don’t have the correct diagnosis then the strongest herbs or drugs or surgeries or acupuncture needles will help you. Despite this Chinese Medicine is notorious for having an ambiguous approach to diagnosis. Equally talented practitioners can create effective treatment by jumping into the circle at an infinite number of points. The roads to a diagnosis are just as endless. Some practitioners favor the pulse, some the tongue, some put great emphasis on questioning and some on facial reading. While there are many effective diagnoses, a definitive one is an oxymoron.

Here we have three books that approach the subject of diagnosis as differently as those who favor the pulse and those who might favor the tongue. The first two books (and from the same publisher) on the same subject begs a comparison and they stand as the Yin and Yang of previously unavailable texts in English. I was frankly prepared to favor Deng’s book over Giovanni. Deng would seem to be more ���authentic�� coming from a Chinese author and translated by the superb scholar and acupuncturist Marnae Ergil. Giovanni should be well known to all who know anything about English language books on Chinese Medicine. The Giovanni weighs in at over 1100 pages while the Deng book is half the amount.

Students (and practitioners) of Chinese Medicine often are confused about the dichotomy between the classroom and clinic. ���Statements of Fact�� are the building blocks that clinical medicine manipulates. Know these invariable rules backwards and forwards and then bend them in the clinic. So what if the patient does not conform to the textbook? The Western student often wants to jump ahead to the exceptions and the Giovanni text stands as the answers to the eager ‘problem student’ in the back of the room. This student asks, “But what if…”.

This is the difference between the two books. The English version of Deng is a translation of his book that is a nationwide standard in China and is best seen as a classroom text for students and practitioners. The Deng gives us the rules and the authority of consensus of the TCM establishment while the Giovanni book is a generous helping of one practitioner and his experience. From the lavender cover and highlights to the rich details of diagnosis, Giovanni aims straight at the practicing Western acupuncturist, as if acutely aware of what they might face day to day in the clinic. Giovanni has never been so open about the non-mainstream influences of the now late John Shen nor the help of his translators. Unfortunately, one is never sure about the sources of his statements and so issues of consensus, classic integrity and contextualization become problematic. Although there is a bibliography, the book is rather thin in it�۪s footnoting. So although I am skeptical of aspects of the Giovanni book I can appreciate his experience of diagnostic possibilities.

The third book on diagnosis, Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine by Ping Chen shows the range of how a practitioner can approach the subject. Diagnosis Of Chinese Medicine is basically a study guide of tables of various symptoms and complaints. I had seen it in a bookstore but had bought it on line not realizing what book I was to receive. At first I was a bit disappointed but looking at it again I can see it’s value in both the clinic and classroom. Dr. Chen says that she made the book because students were confused by narrative diagnostic descriptions. For me, the narrative is exactly what I miss about most of TCM literature. Oh well… for a student (and/or their teachers) this book may be a god-send. The information is sound and more comprehensive than most guides on the same subject. So, after all, the Deng Guide may be the first diagnosis book one should buy. Every student and practitioner should have this material down cold before proceeding to the others.