The Shambhala Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine

by Daniel Reid

The Chinese approach to health and healing is a rich and complex tradition, encompassing disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the full spectrum of illnesses, as well as offering a holistic approach to mental health. More than a system of medicine in the Western sense of the term, the Chinese approach to health care reflects the Taoist belief in the importance of promoting balance and harmony in body, mind, and spirit. In traditional Chinese medicine, this goal is achieved through nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, massage, exercise, meditation, and other holistic methods that restore the natural patterns of the human system. This book is an accessible and highly readable introduction to all the major aspects of this vast tradition. Topics covered include:

   •  The foundation of traditional medicine in Chinese history
   •  The theory of chi (energy) and how it influences health
   •  The Chinese approach to health, happiness, and longevity
   •  The use of Chinese herbal medicine and herbal formulas
   •  Diet and nutrition as a form of preventive medicine
   •  Acupuncture, acupressure, and massage—including sample techniques for self-massage
   •  The practice of chee-gung, or "moving meditation," as a means of promoting good health
   •  Meditation and internal alchemy
   •  Suggestions for further reading and other resources

Genres: Health

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Daniel Reid was born in 1948 in San Francisco and spent his childhood in East Africa. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley in 1970, and a Masters of Arts degree in Chinese Language and Civilization at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 1973, Reid moved to Taiwan, where he spent 16 years studying and writing about various aspects of traditional Chinese culture, focusing particularly on Chinese medicine and ancient Taoist health and longevity systems. In 1989, he relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he continued his research and writing until 1999, when he immigrated with his wife Snow to the Byron Bay region of Australia, where he now makes his home.

Reviews

[Victoria Montes · Rating 5 out of 5]

great intro to Chinese medicine and acupuncture, meditation etc.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid! In just 139 pages, Daniel Reid manages to write a lucid and intriguing overview and brief history of TCM and its facets. A wonderful introduction.