Principles of Chinese Medicine ─ What It Is, How It Works, and What It Can Do for You

In this second edition Hicks describes the differences between Chinese medicine and western medicine: the former treats the person, the latter the symptoms; thus, Chinese prescriptions are individualized and see the body and mind as connected, and uses observations, rather than tests. She emphasizes that the two disciplines can be used together and are present in Chinese hospitals today. She explains yin and yang, vital substances, what Qi is, and describes the five elements. She aims to clearly explicate Chinese medicine and its therapies, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui na, massage, Qigong exercises, and diet. There are nine chapters: the theory of Chinese medicine; how disease arises and the art of staying healthy; diagnosis jin Chinese medicine; acupuncture treatment; Chinese herbal medicine; Qigong exercises; Chinese massage (tui na); Chinese dietetics; and the right treatment for me. This interesting and very readable book is presented as an informative guide, not as a self-help book for treatment. There are helpful illustrations, author's note, references, further reading, and useful contacts. Distributed by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Angela Hicks qualified as an acupuncturist in 1976. She is co-founder and joint principal of the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, Reading, UK, where she teaches and is a clinical supervisor. Angela is also a practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine and regularly practices qigong. She is joint Chair of the Council of Heads for Acupuncture Courses (CHAC).