Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Establishing an Evidence Base

by Hugh MacPherson, et al; Churchill Livingstone, 2007

This is the first book to set out a full range of research strategies for evaluating the clinical practice eof 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. 

Pregnancy and Gestation in Chinese Classics

by Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee; Monkey Press, 2007

Library Call No.: WZ294. R672e. 2007  

This work examines classical Chinese medical literature to presents the various transformations for mother and developing infant during pregnancy. The discussion begins with Suwen chapter 1, which describes the unfolding of female fertility, then looks at descriptions of the pulses during pregnancy. A month-by-month description of pregnancy is given drawing specifically on the Zhubing Yuanhou Lun, the Mawangdui manuscripts, and the writings of Sun Simiao. Two later texts, the Qipolun and the Luxingjing, are particularly interesting because they present alternative and more unusual images of the developing fetus, and speak of the presence of the spirits (hun, po, and shen) in the fetus.

These ancient teachings are still valuable today for our understanding of the transformations of blood and qi which take place during the ten months of a pregnancy. The material will be of great help to those working with pregant woman or simply interested in the classical Chinese perception of women’s health and fertility.   

Essential Woman-Female Health & Fertility in Chinese Classics

by Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee; Monkey Press, 2007

Library Call No.: WP100. R672e. 2007

An understanding of women’s health is essential to modern Chinese medical practice, yet it has rarely been studied from the classics. In this unique book Elisabeth Rochat draws on a range of Chinese texts both well-known and more obscure. Beginning with the balance of blood and qi she moves on to examine the different roles played by the zang fu and extraordinary meridians in creating and maintaining femininity and fertility.

Suwen chapter 1 is discussed in depth, with its full exposition of the seven year cycles of the girl and woman as she commences menstruation, reaches the fullness of her fertility and then moves into menopause. There follow sections on infertility, the menopause, and various menstrual problems. While explaining theory in depth, this book is also supremely practical and will be of great help in the clinic.

Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang: Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand in Gold for Every Emergency Vol. 2 –4 on Gynecology

by Sun Si-Miao; Translated by Sabine Wilms; The Chinese Medicine Database, 2007

Library Call No.: WZ290. S957b. 2007

This book contains the 3 volumes on Gynecology from the renowned author Sun Si-Miao’s 30 volume text the Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang. This text was the one of the Tang dynasty bibles for Chinese medicine. This text talks about herbal formulas and moxibustion methods for such problems as:

• Infertility

• Menstrual difficulties

• Labor

• Child birth

• Postpartum care

• Birth control

• Herbal abortion

• The miscellaneous OBGYN diseases

This text also includes the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing in the appendix. This way the reader is able to look up the herbs within the Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang, with exactly the same text that Sun Si-Miao would have used to compose the formulas.         

Zheng Gu Tui Na: A Chinese Medical Massage Textbook

by Tom Bisio & Frank Butler; Zheng Gu Tui Na, 2007

Library Call No.: WB537.B622z. 2007

This in-depth textbook with hundreds of photos will present all the material taught in Zheng Gu Tui Na Courses (levels 1-4). The text includes detailed hand techniques, treatments, anatomy and Qi Gong exercises.

Qigong Fever: Body, science, and utopia in China

by David Palmer; Columbia University Press, 2007

Library Call No.: WB541. P178q. 2007

In this absorbing and revealing book, David A. Palmer relies on a combination of historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives to describe the spread of the qigong craze and its reflection of key trends that have shaped China since 1949, including the search for a national identity and an emphasis on the absolute authority of science. Qigong offered the promise of an all-powerful technology of the body rooted in the mysteries of Chinese culture. However, after 1995 the scientific underpinnings of qigong came under attack, its leaders were denounced as charlatans, and its networks of followers, notably Falungong, were suppressed as “evil cults.”

According to Palmer, the success of the movement proves that a hugely important religious dimension not only survived under the CCP but was actively fostered, if not created, by high-ranking part members. Tracing the complex relationships among the masters, officials, scientists, practitioners, and ideologues involved in qigong, Palmer opens a fascinating window on the transformation of Chinese tradition as it evolved along with the Chinese state. As he brilliantly demonstrates, the rise and collapse of the qigong movement is key to understanding the politics and culture of post-Mao society.         

Ling Shu Acupuncture

by Zhao Wang; Ling Shu Press, 2007

Library Call No.: WZ294.W24691. 2007

This book, «Ling Shu Acupuncture», is the first of its kind to present acupuncture theory from the clinical viewpoint by connecting the contents of both volumes of «Huangdi Neijing» (Ling Shu and Su Wen). «Ling Shu Acupuncture»has reorganized the acupuncture theories of both volumes of «Huangdi Neijing» under different subject discussions.

«Ling Shu Acupuncture»is also the first of its kind to cover over 2000 years of Acupuncture history in its comprehensively detailed discussion and analysis of acupuncture classic books and modern acupuncture theories written after the publication of «Ling Shu». These discussions are conducted based on the contents of «Ling Shu» itself.

«Ling Shu Acupuncture» is split into seven major sections: (1) Renying and Cunkou Pulse; (2) Meridians and Collaterals; (3) Muscle and Cutaneous regions; (4) Acupoint; (5) Acupuncture technique; (6) Acupuncture Contraindications; (7) Acupuncture Malpractice. Every section has several chapters, and each chapter is divided into 3 sections of original text, comments, and appendix.  

The Voice of Medicine

by Yu Chen; Jadestone Medical Supplies Inc., 2007

Library Call No.: WB50. JC6. C5189v. 2007

Dr Yu Chen, a gynecologist in China, acupuncturist, and Chinese herbologist, combines Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to create simple and proven treatment methods for ordinary ailments. The Voice of Medicine explores more than thirty diseases and introduces eight acupoints magnet therapy self-care devices. Some improvements in traditional Chinese medicine theory are suggested and a discovery in ear acupuncture is shown in this book. The story-like writing makes the book an interesting read.

Yin Yang in Classical Texts

by Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee; Monkey Press, 2006

Library Call No.: B127. Y56.R672y. 2006

This work examines classical Chinese medical literature to presents the various drawing from the transcripts of two seminars given in 2005 in London, the author continues her exploration of the Chinese classical texts with an in-depth look at the concept of yin yang. Selections from non-medical texts use existing English translations, and those from medical classics are translated by the author. Examining early writings of the Sping and Autumn Annals, the Daoist classics of Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Huananzi, and the medical texts of the Yellow Emperor and the Neijing Suwen, Rochat explains the development of these ideas from their early associations with the weather and their interpretation as heat and cold, light and dark, to their more widespread use to compare and contrast any phenomena, and to explain their movement and interaction. Along with the concept of qi, an understanding of yin yang helps us to absorb the perspective that is fundamental to classical Chinese thinking, a perspective quite different from that of the modern West. It speaks of relationship, mutual resonance, constant change, and transformation. Yin yang underpins this interrelationship and codependence. These ancient texts suggest a universe in which humans are not only part of the larger web of life, they are indeed responsible for their actions, for their emotions, and for their health, and by extension, responsible for the health of the planet. Selections from non-medical texts use existing English translations, and those from medical classics are translated by the author.  

Mending the Web of Life: Chinese Medicine & Species Conservation

by Elizabeth Call; American Herbal Products Association, 2006

Library Call No.: WB50. JC6.C156m. 2006

The author addresses loss of biodiversity as manifested in the world of Chinese medicine, specifically the non-sustainable use of endangered species in formulas.

"The process that infuses Chinese medicine seeks to work with nature, complement body processes, and reconnect and integrate the physiological and psychological possibilities within the entire being. Most Chinese medicine practitioners actively use their five senses in patient evaluation. ... The organic approach of Chinese medicine fosters the use of intuition, integrated with critical thinking, academic knowledge, and practical experience. Unfortunately, a split from nature also has occurred in Chinese medicine, the philosophy of which is applied only in clinical practice. For example, some Chinese doctors justify their use of endangered animals, because they insist that people are more important than animals. This position ignores the contributions of nature to people and wedges people and nature in conflicting opposition. So, while these individuals do not consider humans to be isolated from nature, they place humans in the central position (much like in the West), which maintains their distance from the web of life."

She sounds a call to the Chinese medicine profession to assume a responsible role in the survival of the species referenced in its materia medica, as well as in the preservation of its medicine for future generations. This is a thoughtful, thoroughly researched book that will not only be of interest to any student or practitioner in the field, but will serve as an important reminder of the vast and mutifaceted responsibilities of the healer that may focus on the patient but that extend to the species, the planet, and beyond.