Qigong Empowerment: A Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist, Wushu Energy Cultivation ASIN: 1889659029 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Unique Information Immensely Practical and Useful Comments: Definitely the best book on QiGong available in English to date. And no doubt better than a lot, if not most, of the QiGong books in Chinese. The "varieties" of QiGong in China number in the THOUSANDS, this book presents some of the best in essence. This 348-page volume is divided into five chapters or "Books". The materials contained in Book 1 (Medical QiGong) are pretty basic, and commonly available, though useful for beginners. The last chapter (Book 5) on WuShu QiGong will be primarily of interest to martial artists and some athletes. The weakness here is that it covers only the "Hard" techniques, but does not include the "Soft" or internal methods like TaiJi and similar QiGongs. Toaist QiGong is covered in Book 2. Being an integral part of Chinese culture from the beginning, Taoism can claim to have the most elaborate and comprehensive QiGong practices. These emcompass the whole spectrum of physical to spiritual development purposes. The disadvantage of Taoist QiGong is that sometimes it can get overly complicated, and burdened by cultural dross. The authors however, have been able to present the information in a reasonably simple and straightforward way, easily comprehensible to those not steeped in ancient Chinese lores. The most unique part is Book 3, which is about Buddhist QiGong, more specifically QiGong as taught in some Tantric Buddhist traditions. Most of the information contained here are not easy to come by, even for students of Tantric Buddhism. This is really a pity as, in my experience, Buddhist QiGong has some of the most powerful and profound techniques. So the author really has done a great service to the general public by sharing such information in a non sectarian way. For some this section alone will justify getting the whole volume. Book 4 teaches the principles and techniques to develop (build), regulate and work with Qi (both within and outside of the individual) for a variety of purposes, especially healing. These really make up the foundation for any advance QiGong cultivation. After you have mastered them, the rest are easy. This section is invaluable to those involved in energetic healing work. ( If you find a QiGong teacher who teaches you these techniques early in your study, you most likely have a good and generous teacher, it may be worth your while to stick around.) The language used throughout the volume is simple and straightforward, the instructions are direct and easy to understand. The numerous photos, charts and illustrations are clear and helpful. Though the volume also contains a fair amount of philosophical and technical details, much of these can be skimmed over without impeding the learning of the QiGong methods, if you are impatient. You can always refer back to them later when necessary. An immensely practical book well worth the price.

The Web That Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine ASIN: 0809228408 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Acupuncture 101 Comments: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and philosophy behind traditional Chinese medicine. The average lay person may find more information here than they need at first but better that than a dumbed-down, less comprehensive book which will leave them nothing to turn to if/when they eventually decide they want more information. And unlike some Chinese medical books where 'facts' are produced seemingly from thin air, each of Kaptchuk's chapters is followed by an extensive section of notes/references. The Web was one of the first books on Chinese medicine published in English for the layman and despite its limitations, I feel it is still one of the best. I am a practicing acupuncturist/herbalist and I recommend this book to my patients. It isn't perfect - sometimes there's too much detail, the illustrations could be clearer, could have included more info about herbs, etc. But to Kaptchuk's credit, some sections of this book are written with a beautiful simplicity unmatched by anything I've seen written since, e.g. when he compares the way Chinese painters represented the natural elements in their landscapes to the "poetic logic" a Chinese physician employs when evaluating a patient. It is no small task to sum up traditional Chinese medicine in a single volume but Kaptchuk has done an admirable job.

Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition ASIN: 1556434308 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A holistic approach to TRUE health and wellness... Comments: I have two copies of this incredible book. If you are truly committed to your health and wellness, read and live this book's philosophy. In America, we are always looking for that magic pill that will fix our bodies. It doesn't exist. Paul Pitchford combines body, mind and spirit in a unique way. Learn to care and nuture your body and spirit. This book will change your life and how you live it if you truly follow it's approach.

Power Healing: The Four Keys to Energizing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit ASIN: 0062517791 Customer's Rating: 2 Summary: some anomalies in the book Comments: The book presents some interesting thoughts and ideas. It has plenty of exercises and a few of them actually work (especially those for enhancing energy) BUT there are quite some anomalies in the book too. First of all at the beginning of the book the dear doctor raves about how he has cured or helped curing a deaf person, persons with cancer and even a blind kid. How strange though that the doctor wears glasses ... what? he can cure blind people, but he can't even improve his own eyesight?? His "medicine" doesn't work for him? Secondly, the doctor explains a few techniques in the book, one of which pertains to chanting various chinese number combinations and mantras in chinese. Depending on which part of the body you're healing there's a different number combination or mantra because each of these produce a different level of vibration when pronounced or chanted and thus help healing a particular part of the body. BUT suddenly there are two exercises where you have to chant "God's Blessings" and "God's Light"...well, so far for the theory about chinese words that produce different levels of vibrations. Why does he use english words now?...I have no idea. Why does he starts relying on God all of a sudden when he has been explaining throughout the whole book it's all about energy and energy movement?...I have no clue either. Do the english words induce a certain level of vibration...I doubt it, but let's say they do, then why can't he do the other exercises in english too. Why do we (=readers) need to learn number combination in chinese? Albeit small thoughts, these thoughts make me a little sceptical towards believing the book's content, even although some of the exercises seem to work. Maybe it's all in the head after all!

Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Revised Edition) ASIN: 7119017586 Customer's Rating: 2 Summary: If you must pass NCCAOM read it, otherwise forget it Comments: The simple fact is that if you want to pass the NCCAOM acupuncture exam you will need this book. Otherwise don't waste your time. Even if you need to pass the exam, find other books first. This book is definitely not useful for understanding the "whys" of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is mainly a poorly assembled mass of factoid minutiae that need to be memorized for the exam. The language of the book is both confusing and contradictory. Often you don't know if particular terms are different because they actually represent different principles in TCM or just because it was translated differently. The diagrams for point locations are mediocre, at best. You will need to find better descriptions and diagrams to pass NCCAOM. Most importantly, this book completely fails to provide beginning students with the conceptual overview of how TCM is used to actually diagnose and treat patients. The authors really got lost in the trees and forgot to describe the forest. So, a big thumbs down here.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica ASIN: 0939616157 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Good for minor research, but not for serious usage Comments: This book is very good if you are looking for descriptions and clinical research of the book. However, due to the variable nature of Chinese medicine, the dosages and usages of the medicines should not be written into the book. Also, each herb has it's own use and should NOT be categorized into "symptoms" categories as all those herbs can belong to several categories and not just one of them. If you are looking to heal yourself by using this book, don't do it. You can get yourself VERY sick. However, if you are just looking for light info on an herb, this is a good book. One more thing, if you want a real Chinese medicine doctor, goto China. The ones in the US(especially California), are [not worth the money], undertrained and have absolutly no idea what they're doing. They couldn't tell yin from yang if it hit them in the head. And no, Chiropractics doesn't do anything to heal you, it's just a mind thing, that's why Chiropractors keep on telling you to go back, so they can rip off your insurance.

The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi ASIN: 0809295288 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A many splendid book Comments: At first, I related to this book lightly and let others that had a more flamboyant approach to the subject of Tai Chi and Qigong capture my interest. But then there came a moment when The Healing Promise of Qi took over to become a permanent feature of my reading life now for many months. With little mystery and great charm Roger Jahnke explains the Qigong way of solving some of the greatest mysteries of them all - how to joyfully unburden ourselves of emotional baggage and trauma and physical, mental and emotional disharmony in order to allow the wonders of life to express healing energy within us. All this he does admirably with little ego and much compassion. The insights in this book are many as so are its blessings. My heartfelt thanks to the writer for his truly wonderful gift.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies ASIN: 0939616106 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Still the Standard Comments: Regardless of its very few flaws, this is still the standard reference for basic chinese herbal formulas. Many books have formulas with herbs and dosages, but none speak so extensively of how each herb within the formula works. This is an indispensable tome for the OM student. As for whether the general public will appreciate it, I doubt it. This is the kind of book needed by those who aspire to writing personalized modifications of classical formulas... but no one else except the extremely curious patient will find it worth the price.

A Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine ASIN: 0912111542 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Essential for Serious TCM Students and Practitioners Comments: It'll take you forever to get through it- it's big, and it's a dictionary. Wiseman is the only scholar out there who has advanced a standard for Chinese medical translation. Until someone comes up with something better, it's the language we'll use. This dictionary is also packed with loads of useful clinical info you won't find anywhere else. It's pricey, but if you want the real Chinese Medicine, I'd suggest you keep it on your list.

Chinese Pulse Diagnosis: A Contemporary Approach ASIN: 0939616254 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: a new approach to an old skill Comments: I was looking for a book that can teach me the secrets of pulse diagnosis but the problem was the terminology. I went to seek help from aryvedic practioners but could not comprehend. "Chinese Pulse Diagnosis" is a readable and highly informative approach on the subject. Pulse diagnosis is a difficult art to master and more difficult is its teaching. Leon I. Hammer has used the latest method of teaching for this ancient art which I hope will give a new life to art. I understood many things of the art for the first time though I read them in many other books before.

Healing with Ki-Kou: The Secrets of Ancient Chinese Breathing Techniques ASIN: 1891434039

Shang Han Lun: On Cold Damage, Translation and Commentaries ASIN: 0912111577 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: On Cold Damage True to Tradition Comments: There have been other translations of Shang Han Lun (the Treatise on Cold Damage) into English, but this is the first to preserve the original's clinical detail and precise terminology. It is also the first to include the most commonly encountered edition of the original Chinese text, both in characters and in Pinyin tone marks. Since the number of characters used in the original text is few, this book is a good text for those wishing to learn ancient medical Chinese as well as a useful clinical reference. The text commentaries, while useful and appropriate, are limited to the original applications of the herbal formulas described in the Shang Han Lun. It is disappointing that the authors chose not to cover later applications of these formulas, as the inclusion of such material would have made the text authoritative. However, what the work lacks in breadth, it makes up for in depth by being the most comprehensive and unadulterated look at the original Shang Han Lun system of herbal medicine available in English. Unfortunate is the adoption of coauthor Nigel Wiseman's exotic English terms for traditional Chinese medical phrases, which are uniformly neologisms or new, awkward usage of existing and often unrelated English words. This choice makes for difficult reading, but Mr Wiseman's terms are explained in detail both in situ and in the excellent glossary section of this book. Liberal use of the glossary will make clear to the reader words and turns of phrase which otherwise seem designed to obfuscate. Despite a few faults, this book is a landmark translation for the English-speaking practitioner of Chinese medicine wishing to study the theory and practice of the Shang Han Lun, or to begin learning ancient medical Chinese. What it may lack in the details of execution, it more than makes up for with an overall solid translation, including the original Chinese text, and a useful glossary. The coauthors manage to convey a clear sense of this way of looking at infectious diseases and epidemiology, a way very different from the modern Western view, but also eerily similar on closer examination. This book will be welcomed, both by the clinician and the advanced student.

Warm Diseases: A Clinical Guide ASIN: 0939616343 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A Gift Comments: With this volume, Dr. G. Liu brings together a wealth of clinical experience and understanding. His approach to an important, yet often under-exlpored subject is cohesive, well integrated and quite accessible to its readers, and as such, fills a long empty gap in the English language volumes on Traditional Chinese Medicine. As the title states, this is truly a "clinical guide". It not only provides a thorough discussion of the history and concept (including etiology, differentiation, and treatment)of "warm diseases", but goes on to bring the material to life with numerous clinical examples. The examples provide anchors for the various aspects of warm diseases that each represents, and then take the reader through the process of developing a rational treatment approach based on the understanding of that particular condition. Dr. Liu's extensive knowledge of Chinese Herbal Medicine is also quite evident as he discusses the various herbal approaches to treatment of different warm diseases. Despite the complexity of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Dr. Liu presents this information in a style which is, at the same time, informative and accessible to the reader. He provides the reader with information on both individual herbs, as well as specific formulas. Thus, he helps the reader on the path to working to understand and adjust formulas, based on the specific, individual needs of their patients. His integration of theory, and diagnostic understanding, with treatment implementation makes this volume invaluable to both students and practioners alike. I strongly recommend this as a book to keep on your shelf, as it is one to which you will frequently return. I believe that we owe Dr. Liu a debt of gratitude for sharing himself, his knowledge, and his clinical experiences with us in his gift of "Warm Diseases: A Clinical Guide".

Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine ASIN: 0345379748 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great Book Comments: This is an excellent book for the person beginning to learn about chinese medicine. Very informative and easy to read.

Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine: Zhong Yi Xue Ji Chu ASIN: 0912111445 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: good book, confusing translation Comments: I like the book, but the translation seems confusing at times. For example, on p. 29: "The channels and network vessels include the channel vessels and the network vessels." What does this mean, exactly? Grammatically, the sentence says only that "channels" include "channel vessels" (since network vessels obviously include network vessels -- the sentence is redundant.) Also, grammatically, "channel vessels" should be a kind of vessel, related to channels (as opposed to networks). To make things more confusing, a few lines later, we get: "There are two types of channel vessels: the twelve channels and the eight extraordinary vessels." This sentence says that a "channel" is a type of "channel vessel", which seems to contradict the earlier sentence (which said that a "channel vessel" was a type of channel), as well as the notion that a "channel vessel" is a type of vessel. As a software engineer experienced in object-oriented analysis, I'm frustrated that I'm completely unable to determine the relationship between "channels", "channel vessels", "network vessels", "extraordinary vessels", and "vessels".

The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques to Release Your Body's Own Medicine ASIN: 0062514776 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent: highly recommended Comments: I read Jahnke's latest book, The Healing Promise of Qi, and loved it. I was so impressed with the clarity of Jahnke's explanations that I bought The Healer Within. I was not disappointed. The exercises in this book are accessible and simple to apply to everyday living, the explanations clear and concise. I have found the techniques beneficial for cultivating health and vitality. An excellent introduction not only to Chinese medicine, but also to the principles of energy medicine and quantum healing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Natural Guide to Weight Loss That Lasts ASIN: 0380809052 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Are you ready to change? Comments: If you are ready this book will change your life. It is more than weight it is about how we live in the world. It is about beoming one with the universe. MOVE INTO IT!

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer ASIN: 0380809028 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing fro Comments: Dr. Nan Lu, extensively trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), founded and developed The Breast Cancer Prevention Project. He is also a founding director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, Inc., and is involved in SHARE, a self-help organization for women with breast and ovarian cancer. He is also a Qigong master and martial arts champion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer, Dr. Lu describes how ancient TCM techniques can help prevent, treat, and aid recovery from breast cancer. He emphasizes throughout the book that "TCM is dedicated to helping the individual treat the source and not the symptoms of his or her problem." Dr. Lu presents lots of general information about TCM, natural laws, and Qi, repeating that "everything has a connection and everything has an effect on every other thing." He then applies those principles specifically to breast cancer. He says that "headaches, stomachaches, PMS, or menstrual irregularities. . .are not normal conditions for a healthy body." He regards them as symptoms that should be heeded, to prevent future difficulties. TCM can be used in many simple ways. For example, doing a monthly breast exam is a source of stress for many women, because it focuses their thoughts on having breast cancer. Dr. Lu recommends "telling yourself instead, that wherever you touch, you are sending in healing energy to protect that location so that you will never have breast cancer." He includes many other ways to conserve, increase, and use the natural healing energy each human possesses. The healing information is presented in a way that allows each woman to customize the techniques to fit her own needs. All the techniques are compatible with modern medicine and may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Dr. Lu says that "many of the self-healing techniques I've talked about can help keep your organs working in harmony." Bodies that are in harmony and balanced do not suffer from physical problems, including cancer. The Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer is a valuable reference for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or current physical condition.

The Tao of Healthy Eating ASIN: 0936185929 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Invaluable dietary advice Comments: Bob Flaw's book "The Tao of Healthy Eating" applies Chinese wisdom to modern Western eating habits and food-related health problems such as food allergies, candidiasis, cholesterol, and obesity. Included is a list of 150 foods with their characteristics in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The strength of this book lies in its explanation of how and why certain foods are healthy, not healthy or have certain effects. After reading this book you will certainly think twice before reaching for a cup of coffee! I would, however, have liked to have seen a few examples of case studies of how to apply this valuable information. One reviewer complained that the author self-promotes his other books. That is true. And the reason is that in his books Bob Flaws takes one topic within TCM and focuses on that to help readers new to this vast field appreciate one small aspect without being overwhelmed. And a natural consequence is to point the reader to books on related areas, which he has written about - and we should be very grateful for this because Bob Flaws is a very experienced and successful TCM practitioner. If I have one complaint about his books, it is that they seem a little dry. It would be nice to see a more user-friendly page design including a few illustrations here and there, with summaries as appropriate to help the reader consolidate the information in their heads.

The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, Second Edition ASIN: 0849316650 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Concise guide to the scientific base of major herbal drugs Comments: Very outstanding among the books on chinese herbs written in English (to be fair, many better books in Chinese exist but not well translated!) Starting from the chemistry and ending with the toxicology, each important herbs included are presented in a well-balanced format; the therapeutic values are thus projected clearly on the empirical grounds. The new edition is an updated gist of those related scientific works done but could not be tracked on the great MedLine due to the language barrier.

Staying Healthy With the Seasons ASIN: 0890873062 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Tried and true Comments: This book is fabulous! I've done the elimination cleanse twice to astounding results. I'm about to do it again. It takes effort and about a month, but it's worth it for the absolute well-being you feel as a result. I've recommended this book to many people and all of them sing its praises! You will too!

The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing: Guarding the Three Treasures ASIN: 1570620717 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Start Here For Understanding and Detail Comments: There are thousands of books published about Chinese Medicine,but none come close to this one for readability, enjoyment, clarity,and detail. While I don't agree with every single interpretation that Reid makes, I find that I am constantly referring my patients and students to this book. It is a great place to begin your exploration of Chinese Medicine in its broadest scope. Reid writes intelligently, and yet simply, about the full range of Chinese Medical practices and the foundations of Energetic Medicine too. His format takes the reader, step-by-step, along the path of understanding this rich tradition of self-care, personal evolution, and natural healing. You will find plenty of personal stories in this book and a fair share of scientific findings which support the understanding presented. Perhaps most importantly, you will be able to apply the basic principles, as described so clearly here, in your daily life. This is truly a book that can help you get started on the path of natural healing in your own life. If you are in the healing profession, you will discover a world of refreshing insights, challenging questions, and beneficial protocols to explore. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is sincerely interested in Chinese Medicine or Qigong.

Ancient Herbs, Modern Medicine: Improving Your Health by Combining Chinese Herbal Medicine and Western Medicine ASIN: 0553381180

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Healing Methods from Chinese Medicine, Orthopaedic Medicine and Osteopathy ASIN: 1556432828 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A must for any practioner dealing with musculoskeletal disor Comments: This text is a must for any practioner who wants to learn about musculoskeletal medicine. The text integrates the diagnostic strength of Cyriax'Orthopaedic Medicine, the energy of Chinese Medicine, the ligament diagnostics of Hackett, Ongley and Dorman, Travell's Myofascial Pain, the biochemistry of nutrition, and the spinal diagnostics and philosophy of Osteopathy. This is a massive work that encompasses and coalesces the many and seemingly disparate fields that any sophisticated practitioner needs to know. The information is useful both for understanding multiple approaches, and as "how to" book for performing many of the recommended procedures. It is not a book that will languish shelf but will be well worn by continued use. Bravo and well done! R Gracer MD

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen With Commentary ASIN: 1570620806 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: a solid paraphrase for the practitioner Comments: While this book is sometimes criticised for its lack of scholarly style, it is important to realize that the writer is approaching a 2,500 year old work, the seminal theoretical treatise of Chinese medicine, from the point of view of a clinician. It is frankly not much easier for native speakers of Chinese to approach the Neijing in its original form than it is for Westerners. Moreover, Mr Ni comes from a medical family spanning several generations of physicians. Being a practitioner myself, I can attest to the correctness of the decisions made in preparing this book. He has done a commendable job in making this ancient classic accessible to modern readers. Chinese physicians make use of this material during nearly every moment spent in the clinic. It is practical in a way that sinologists locked in their ivory towers can scarcely imagine. Those who would prefer a dry, smugly academic translation with separate footnotes, devoid of historical context or cultural annotation, would do well to investigate Ilza Veith's translation of the Neijing; a valiant effort which inevitably fails as a result of its refusal to acknowledge the living traditions surrounding the text itself.

Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics ASIN: 0443071667

Treating Pain with Traditional Chinese Medicine ASIN: 0912111712

Pocket Handbook of Chinese Herbal Prescriptions ASIN: 0967993512

Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine Volume I Diagnosis and Treatment ASIN: 0914955314 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Understanding Chinese Medicine Comments: This and the companion book, the Materia Medica, are excellent books, for the students of Chinese medicine. This book is understandable to the beginner, as well as an excellent resource for students who are well into their studies.

Controlling Diabetes Naturally With Chinese Medicine (Healing With Chinese Medicine) ASIN: 1891845063

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