Description
Book SynopsisThe human body is governed by the universal principles of the natural world. Ancient Chinese medicine embraces these natural principles to offer a unique ecological approach to understanding the body and its functions in the interest of encouraging balance and self-healing.
In this practical and easy-to-follow guide, acupuncturist Clive Witham addresses how and why illness in the body occurs according to Chinese medicine and what we can do to restore ourselves back to health from many common ailments and conditions. He explores basic principles from nature, such as yin and yang, the effects of our natural environment, blood circulation and obstruction, and universal patterns within all things, to explain the effects of change on our body systems. He explains how to assess your body’s signs and symptoms as well as how to recognize and understand patterns of illness through their ecological connections. With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, he shares self-care treatments for a number of common health disorders, from colds and high blood pressure to backache, nausea, menstrual pain, and depression. He details how to maintain wellbeing and initiate healing from within through the use of hands-on treatment modalities and techniques such as food and lifestyle changes and manual therapies like acupressure, massage, and Gua sha.
Enabling you to assess physical signs, understand illness patterns, and proactively support your own recovery, this guide allows you to take charge of your own healing process, alleviate symptoms quickly and effectively, and enhance your body’s resilience with simple self-care.
Trade Review“Enlisting nature for a better understanding of our body systems, Clive Witham encourages us to take charge of our body and our health.
Self-healing with Chinese Medicine provides us with a host of practical tools, techniques, and suggestions to promote strength and vitality as much as lead us on the path of healing and wholeness.” * Philip Carrgomm, psychotherapist, founder of the Institute of Sophrology and Sleep Clinic, and autho *
“Jam-packed with practical insights,
Self-Healing with Chinese Medicine provides a clear road map to restoring and maintaining your health and balance. This gem of a book distills beautifully and clearly the fundamentals of Chinese medicine and the world of nature and how we can apply them in our everyday life on our path to self-healing. Full of dietary recommendations, lifestyle advice, and detailed exercises and manual therapy that you can do at home, this will be one of those comprehensive and practical books that you will always refer back to.” * Rebecca Bond, L.Ac., MBAcC, classical acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council *
“In this extensive and practical book, Clive Witham shares with us a deep perspective of health and self-healing with the natural world at its core. I recommend it to everyone who wants to live according to nature’s patterns.” * Pere Garcia, L.Ac., N.P., naturopath and licensed acupuncturist *
“Why do I have this health problem? What can I do myself to contribute to a solution? And what are the things I can do to prevent more problems? If you ask yourself these questions, then
Self-Healing with Chinese Medicine is a must-read. It shows how our body and mind are interwoven with the nature that surrounds us and how you can empower yourself by following the eternal and fundamental principles of nature to lead a healthy and balanced life.” * Elmar Pestel, M.D., licensed internist and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, manual therapy, a *
“Clive Witham brings a profound knowledge of Chinese medicine to treating yourself for some of the most common conditions we see in modern-day society. This book contains a good amount of theory followed by lots of practical tips and is the perfect guide to self-help for all those who do not wish to consult the doctor with every minor ailment.” * Xavier Fricker, L.Ac., licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine *
“In-depth knowledge beautifully balanced with an engaging writing style,
Self-Healing with Chinese Medicine is different from other books about traditional Chinese medicine. Complex ideas are explained in a way that’s easy to grasp, and I feel like reading it from cover to cover and then going back into the chapters to dig in more. Ultimately, this is a book that you’ll return to time and again, rereading and checking things, as you maintain your health.” * Anette Selberg, certified phytotherapist and herbal and massage therapist *
"A complete manual of instruction that will prove indispensable for professional and aspiring practitioners of Chinese medicine seeking to address common illnesses and self-care treatments ranging from simply colds, to high blood pressure, to menstrual pain, to depression, and so much more. Impressively informative, exceptionally well organized, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation,
Self-Healing with Chinese Medicine: A Home Guide to Treating Common Ailments is unreservedly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Alternative Medicine and Chinese Medicine collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, professional practitioners, and non-specialist general readers that Self-Healing with Chinese Medicine is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.99)." * Midwest Book Review *
Table of ContentsIntroduction
How to Use This Book PART 1WHAT ALLOWS US TO THRIVE? When the Breath Is Moving
When the Natural Circulation Is Maximized
When the Qualities of Nature Are Balanced
When the Storage Systems Are Balanced Lung Storage System
Pancreas Storage System
Heart Storage System
Kidney Storage System
Liver Storage System
The
Fu Systems
When the River Systems Flow Freely
When the Climates Enhance Your Life
When Emotions Flow Smoothly
When Obstructions Are Minimized
When You Respect Your Digestion
When You Live According to Your PathPART 2
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF NOT THRIVING? Physical Characteristics to Look Out For
PART 3
HOW CAN YOU TREAT YOURSELF?
Food Therapy Foods That Cool Down the Body
Foods That Warm the Body
Manual TherapyAcupressure
Gua Sha
Use the Microsystems
Exercise Therapy
Lifestyle Therapy
PART 4
HOW DO YOU FIND WHICH AREAS TO TREAT? Treatment Regions on Your Body
Treat the River System
Treat the Caverns, Roots, Junctions, and
Treat the Areas, Zones, and Regions
Treat the Microsystems
PART 5
WHAT ARE THE MAIN PATTERNS AND HOW DO YOU TREAT THEM? The Main Pattern Groups
Patterns of Weakness General Weakness
Yang Weakness
Yin Weakness
Blood Circulation Weakness
Patterns of Overflow Stagnation
Damp/Phlegm
Heat
Cold
Wind PART 6
HOW DO YOU TREAT COMMON MEDICAL CONDITIONS? Head, Neck, and Shoulder Area Headaches
Dizziness
Sleeping Disorders
Anxiety
Depression Facial Pain
Nasal Allergies
Sinus Problems
Eye Disorders
Ear Disorders
Toothache Sore Throat
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Chest Area Colds and Flu
Cough
Asthma, Breathlessness, and Wheezing
Chest Pain
Palpitations and Irregular Heart Beat
Stomach and Abdominal Area Nausea
Feeling Bloated
Stomach/Abdominal Pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Painful Urination
Back Area Backache
Sciatica/Leg Pain
Upper Limbs Elbow Pain
Wrist Pain
Pain in Your Hand and Fingers
Lower Limbs Knee Pain
Ankle Pain
Foot and Toe Pain
Conditions Affecting Men
Prostate Disorders
Conditions Affecting Women Premenstrual Tension
Menstrual Flow Disorders
Period Pain
Menopausal Disorders
Conditions Affecting the Whole Blood Pressure Disorders
Painful or Aching Joints
Fatigue
Diabetes
Obesity and Losing Weight
Epilogue
Notes
Index
About the Author
