Used as a reference by students of acupuncture, this is a hefty, truly comprehensive guide to the theory and healing power of Chinese medicine. It'...
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Feb 26, 2008
Jamie
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an epic overview of east meets west nutrition from a chinese medicine perspective [no ayerveda here]. i'm not sure i'll finish this 700+ page reference, but it has been easier to use it as such since reading some of the deeper diagnostic discussions early on in the book. because i temper my hippie eating food habits [currently being dubbed the 'priviledged peasant' diet] with lots of butter and bacon, i'm not sure i can be a proponent of this book with full integrity. but if you walk the middle
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Sep 25, 2008
Dawn
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As a friend put it, "he's a real radical." And yes, Paul Pitchford is very extreme in his assessments and directives. No sweets, no dairy or meat, except for the super-debilitated. It can be hard to figure out where you fit into all the information, but, after 2 years of poring over this tome, I find myself mentally referring to it with frequency, as well as looking to it often for recipes and advice. Also, importantly, it is no substitute for (competent) professional guidance, except
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Dec 03, 2010
Taran
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What an insight into Asian food! Anyone who believes in good diet, psyche and spirit this book is for them. It outlines the warning signs of illnesses and makes clear recommendations about foods and herbs that can be used in order not to worsen the illness. I haven't practiced any of the recipes, generally eat right anyway, but a couple of people who have read the book and practiced have actually recovered from their ailment, and some even from very severe conditions. I can, of course believe, o
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May 05, 2010
Jib
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"Convenient" would be the word I'd use to describe this book. And that's really what it is: any time I need to refer to something on nutrition, I look it up in this book.
The Internet is extremely easy to use for research purposes. Many times I'll use Healing with Whole Foods as a "jumping pad," by reading through what Pitchford said about the topic, then using the terminology I pick up from the book to do further research online.
An example would More...
The Internet is extremely easy to use for research purposes. Many times I'll use Healing with Whole Foods as a "jumping pad," by reading through what Pitchford said about the topic, then using the terminology I pick up from the book to do further research online.
An example would More...
Jun 26, 2007
Mimi
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always reading this book. just a great resource on nutrition, definitely for those interested in chinese/asian nutrition theory and health. for most asians, especially in ayurvedic thought, the gut is the source of all the bodies ailments and this book speaks to that. he talks about foods that most people don't eat, sea vegetables, dark greens, grains like millet and amaranth. it has helped me to learn and incoporate a lot of foods i wasn't raised with into my eating.
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Jan 23, 2008
Heather P
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This was one of my textbooks in grad school and I thoroughly enjoy it. It is full of information that is sure to change your eating habits for the better. It lists different conditions and ways to eat to heal your body. It has a great section on calcium, magnesium, and brown rice that I think is invaluable. If you are concerned about what you eat and how to live healthier then you need to check out this book.
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Jun 01, 2008
Haines
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Essentially a vegan adjustment of traditional Chinese medicine, this is a fucking tome (and I haven't read all of it). Nonetheless, it has the scent of total authority. More of a life-long reference than anything else, it is pretty great if you are interested in significantly changing your diet and balancing your constitution. Recipes, self-diagnostic stuff, theory, history, etc. Immense.
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Jan 16, 2008
Jenalyn
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Asian healing can be at best confusing. However in what little research I have done they are spot on about many things, especially the links between personality and constitution. I reference this book almost once a day. Especially when trying to figure out how to pair food. Should I drink water with this meal? Should I serve this hot or cold for the best nutiritional intake?
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Jan 07, 2008
Corrina
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This is almost a daily read for me. Highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their diet to combat an illness or to improve the quality of their life in general. This might be the best guide to whole foods I've ever owned...and I have quite a few. This one ain't collecting dust on my bookshelf. WE ARE WHAT WE EAT!
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Mar 08, 2009
I will never be finished with this book. It is a manual for understanding your personal relationship to food and your body. I go to it often
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Oct 08, 2007
Heidi
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This book changed my life. It explains how eating the right foods can heal what ails you, and it explains it in a way that makes total sense. I first read this book in 1995, and i conti ue to use it as a reference to this day.
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Oct 01, 2011
Lia
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This is a daunting book filled with enough information to last you a lifetime. It needs a "quick start guide" or something at the beginning that gives a very useable understanding of how to use the book. The tone of the book is dry and heavy, which makes it less accessible than it needs to be. It does have some fascinating information. I found the section on Enjoying Food to be very interesting and helpful, although it didn't seem to be much about actually enjoying food. :-)
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Oct 15, 2008
Jubz
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This is the ultimate reference in nutrition, diet, and health. This will give you the knowledge you need to diagnose and treat your many deficiencies and excesses with a whole food diet.
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Jan 11, 2010
This is THE authoritative tome on whole foods coupled with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is information-dense reference material, while still being highly readable. Yes it is on my nightstand.
It is information-dense reference material, while still being highly readable. Yes it is on my nightstand.
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Dec 23, 2007
Lily
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I haven't read this one cover to cover but it's great reference book. It's centered around eastern medicine and creating balance with what your eat. I'm working on my yin at the moment.
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Aug 07, 2008
Frank
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I wish he would update it. This came out 5 years ago. A lot has been found out since then. I'm amazed this book is still in one piece. The bible of health, I'm always referencing this book.
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Feb 05, 2008
Melinda
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this book is unbelievable any quiestion you have can be answered and change your life empower you to realize that you can heal any ailment you just gotta learn how and take action
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Feb 22, 2009
Katie
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One of my favorite books of all time. Very informative and great to reference when changing diet or looking to alternative ways to stay healthy.
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Mar 03, 2009
Carol Ann
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Still my go-to for so many reasons. I got this book years ago, and I still consult it on a regular basis.
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Nov 20, 2008
Ayden
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Back in the day, late teens, learned of this from a b/f in Berkeley. Back in l'il Carson City,NV, picked it up for $30 at the local health food store. It has been an early morning bible ever since. I consult it for recipes, at the start of a season to see what's best, or to look up specialties like spirulina or spelt or vitamin A... it is deep and tomeish and also very useable! Extensively drawn and sketched on and utilized by me.
Feb 17, 2009
Bethany
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THE source for nutritional healing. It uses Chinese medicine diagnosis descriptions to evaluate health and explains the technique as well as describing properties of different foods and what they will treat. Also , I have some illustrations in this book, but even if I didn't , I would still think this is the best reference.
Feb 04, 2011
Celeste
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I did not add a date finished because although I read all 600+ pages (including the footnotes), I will never be finished with this book. The wisdom- nutritional and spiritual, is remarkable. One could spend a lifetime just studying, applying, and pondering the information this book holds.
May 21, 2009
Mo
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I don't know HOW I managed to not read this after working at Whole Foods for 15 years...just read it this week and loved it. Marries a TCM approach to Western herbs/supplements and a plant-based diet focus...there's something for everyone in here no matter what your holistic persuasion.
Jun 26, 2009
jen
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This my favorite reference for nutrition and food-as-medicine questions, but I also found it compelling enough to read all 750 pages a few years ago. I've never been excited enough by the recipes in the back to try many, but otherwise this is an excellent and thorough book.
Aug 05, 2010
Derek
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Wow - too much information to take in on one read, but I will definitely be returning to this book throughout the years. Pitchford bases his findings upon the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, but provides a relatively good foundation of those principles.
Feb 20, 2009
Sarah
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This book is like an encyclopedia. Great to reference practically any ailment you are experiencing. But its important to read through if you wanna learn more. It’s a somewhat entertaining read.
May 28, 2009
Maly
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It's a 700 page reference book, a marriage of Asian and modern nutrition. It's packed with information and recipes. Highly recommended for those who are seeking better health.
Aug 20, 2010
Samuel C.
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This book covers all areas of nutrition. It is a must have for those who are trying to make serious change about their health. It is from a vegetarian perspective.
Dec 03, 2008
Erin
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Possibly the best whole foods resource out there (at least, this is the opinion of many of my most respected friends and colleagues involved with CAM.)
