The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists

by Giovanni Maciocia CAc(Nanjing)

This successful Chinese medicine textbook covers the 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 a Western practice context. The new edition features new and updated material, including discussion of 50 additional acupuncture points and more patterns. A redesigned layout complements the accessible writing style and makes the material even easier to follow. Plus, an accompanying CD-ROM contains over 750 self-testing questions in a variety of formats.

Genres: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Health, Medicine, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Medical, Reference

1236 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 1989

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't claim to have read this book from cover to cover but it is another one of my trusted reference books. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in traditional chinese medicine.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be reading this for the next 3 years, so I might as well say here and now that it's fantastic. No matter what the consensus among TCM students may be, I find it well-written, interesting, comprehensive, and somewhat easy to grasp. Maybe "easy" is a strong word...but that's not because of Giovanni. Update: ten years later I’m not so into this book, but i guess i can appreciate what if gave me as a novice.

[Heather P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good translation from Chinese. Good study guide with a good outline. It seems redundant at times, but that's mostly because I read it through instead of using it as a reference. Its a good book to have on my shelf for reference.

[Finbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the cornerstone textbook for first year acupuncture students.

[Jmaynard9221 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise. Well organized for presenting a very fluid medicine.

[Joshua]

I read enough to convince me that I like western/modernist/scientist concepts of disease and the universe, Taoism metaphysis notwithstanding.

[Stacy Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real whopper of a book. At over a thousand pages, it's not exactly a light read, but for anyone serious about studying Chinese medicine, it's a must-have.

The authors, Giovanni Maciocia and Su Xin Ming, have truly outdone themselves with this comprehensive text. It covers everything from the theory of yin and yang to acupuncture points, herbal formulas, and more. It's no wonder it's considered a staple in many Chinese medicine programs.

But, and this is a big but, it's not exactly a page-turner. I mean, don't get me wrong, the information is fascinating and incredibly valuable, but it's not exactly the kind of book you'll want to curl up with on a rainy day. It's more of a reference book, really.

Overall, I would highly recommend The Foundations of Chinese Medicine to any serious student of acupuncture and herbalism. It's an incredibly valuable resource that you'll find yourself turning to time and time again. Just be prepared to do some heavy lifting, both figuratively and literally (it's a pretty hefty book).

[Meche Kneidinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's comprehensive but a terrible reference book. The graphics are weak and some of the tables just repeat one another. The pages are not marked with what chapter number they are in and the outlines at the beginning of each chapter do not contain page numbers for each header (a simple way to provide quick reference). I also find myself wanting tables that serve as an overview to categorize everything in one place. This happens rarely. I'm disappointed in this book, but it is what there is in the way of a comprehensive textbook on East Asian Medicine. I wish it was more like the Anatomy & Physiology books I've used in terms of organization, graphics and reference utility, but I will give the editor a break since there is far less money in publishing TCM books than A&P books!

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book while in Eastern western medical school, Giovanni also wrote my Anatomy physiology book, Someone stolen it from my home, I have an autoimmune disorder and been treating myself holistically Now I need it my health has taken a bad turn The 2nd edition is great and cost more than the others He is a very intelligent man looking for it used I had all the yin yang grafts inside with the disk some people are horrible, hope I can find a affordable one ! I'm having a bad flux to much yang its definitely a must read

[Christine DeLozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough, well-researched and comprehensive

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I go back to this book, I'm amazed at how much information is there. It's dense without being inaccessible. Worth its weight in gold.

[Macpherson]

Whew!

[wheels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent 160 US dollars on this book. I think it is not to much to ask for it to be thoroughly copy-edited.

[Anindya · Rating 4 out of 5]

thats good book :)

[Anindya · Rating 4 out of 5]

best