Description
Book SynopsisHistorically, the influence of Chinese medical traditions, thought to be revealed from divine sources, extended East to Korea and Japan and as far South as Indochina, the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago. As the distinct medical traditions of these regions encountered the ancient medicine of mainland China, they absorbed and transformed them based on their own indigenous healing practices, and herbal and plant resources.
Providing a panoramic overview of the medical traditions of China, the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian Archipelago, the Philippines, Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), Korea, and Japan, Dr. Marc Micozzi offers compelling new insights into the influence of the essentially Chinese expression of vital energy (qi) in these traditions, as well as the pull of other cultural traditions, such as those of India and Islam. Dr. Micozzi discusses evidence for the efficacy of these healing practices and their many influences in the West, and explores how a Western reader might consider seeking a practitioner, as well as effective treatments, from one of these traditions.
This groundbreaking book will be of interest to practitioners of Chinese and Asian medical traditions, and complementary and alternative health, as well as anyone with an interest in Chinese and Asian approaches to health and wellbeing.
Trade ReviewThis clearly written overview will be appreciated by those seeking healing through Eastern traditional medicine, by guiding them to the best type for their situation. Dr. Marc S. Micozzi, founder and Director of the Policy Institute for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, does an excellent job of describing different strains of Asian traditional medicine in a manner that is educated, informed, and fair... Micozzi's book offers a valuable basis for comparison of Eastern medical practices. -- Foreword Reviews
The purpose of this co-authored book is to introduce traditional Chinese medicine and illustrate its influence on local medical traditions across the Greater China region... This book boasts valuable qualities such as clarity and brevity along with a rational and nonexalted approach to the subject, thus making it a reliable source of information about the healing practices "that really work". The authors have selected only "scientifically proven" therapies and methods as practised currently in Asia and as available in the West. The book should also be praised for how precisely it uses terms relevant to Chinese medicine and its local traditions... Overall, this book addresses the interests of a diverse public - readers who are interested in learning more about the concepts and practice
distinctive to Chinese medicine... the authors provide a helpful resource for scholars looking for a brief and professional introduction to the subject.
-- Ekaterina Zavidovskaya, Assistant Professor of Chinese Philology, St Petersburg State University * Bijiao: China in Comparative Perspective Book, CCCPBR Journal *
Table of ContentsGeneral Introduction, Section I: China. 1. The World of Chinese Medicine. 2. The Dynasties of Chinese Medicine. 3. The Concepts of Chinese Medicine. The Five Phases. Choices in Chinese Medical Concepts. 4. The Body of Chinese Medicine. 5. Diet, Foods and Herbal Medicines. Foods, Nutrition and Diet. 6. Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Auricular Acupuncture. 7. Manual Methods and Chinese Massage: Acupressure, Jin Shin Do, Reflexology & Tui Na. 8. Qi Gong and Tai Chi (Qi Manipulation). Section II: East Asia. 9. Korea and Japan. Tradition of Blind Practitioners. Kampo Medicine. 10. Macrobiotics. 11. Reiki. 12. Shiatsu. Section III: Southeast Asia. 13. The Shamanistic and the Celestial. 14. Traditional Medicines of Southeast Asia: Cultural & Natural Influences. 15. Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago. 16. Philippine Islands. 17. Mainland Vietnam, Burma and Thailand. Section IV: Chinese Medicine in the West and Worldwide. 18. Chinese Medicine in the 20th century and Today. 19. Chinese Medicine in Europe and North America. 20. Chinese Medicine Works. Appendix: Guide to Consumers. Appendix 1: Common Chinese Remedies. Appendix 2: Southeast Asian Remedies Widely Available and Used in the Western World Today. References. Index.
