The Acupuncture Handbook: How Acupuncture Works and How It Can Help You

by Angela Hicks

Acupuncture is one of the most popular and widely accepted complementary therapies available to the general public. And yet many of us know little about it, what it can be used for, and how it works. The Acupuncture Handbook provides a comprehensive look at what it is, how it works, and what ailments it treats most successfully. Written for the layperson, this book covers everything you need to know from what it's like to have treatment to how to find the right practitioner. Case studies show how acupuncture can heal or successfully treat a variety of ailments, from panic attacks to hot flushes, asthma and joint pains. Find out which of the Five Elements you are—and how this relates to your health and behaviour. Traditional Chinese Medicine is explained in simple terms, and the book includes the latest treatment methods such as auricular acupuncture, specialist treatments for pregnant women and postnatal care, and acupuncture for addictions, children, and for animals.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2005

Reviews

[Akhil Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

My fav quotes (not a review):
-Page 17 |"One discovery was that acupuncture stimulates the secretion of substances called endorphins."
-Page 57 |"There are approximately 365 points on the body and each has an individual use."
-Page 63 |"There are 12 main channels on the body and each is connected to and named after one of six Yin and six Yang Organs."
-Page 122 "If you have a Liver imbalance you may have difficulty making plans."
-Page 155 "For example, people with a desire for salty food may have an imbalance in the Kidneys, while those who like a sour taste may have Liver problems. The taste connected with the Spleen is sweet. This is the subtle sweetness of carrots, rice or many fruits, rather than the strong sweetness of sugar."
-Page 201 "It may also be important to avoid sex during your period because the uterus is at its most fragile at this time and is more susceptible to Cold."
-Page 202 "The main symptoms of this condition are fluctuating moods, depression or anger before the period, tender or swollen breasts and a swollen abdomen. Women usually begin to feel premenstrual three to four days before their period begins. Sometimes pre-menstrual tension can start as early as two weeks before a period. In this case it is very debilitating. The main cause of pre-menstrual syndrome is stagnation of the Liver Qi, although deficiency of the Blood or Yin can also be involved."
-Page 210 "When I was in China in 1980 I saw two patients successfully having their thyroid removed and one having a heart operation using acupuncture as the sole anaesthetic. I still have photos of a patient waving to those of us watching while his operation was performed."

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth a read before or during a course of acupuncture treatment, but also just as reference / for interest. This is a very clear, easy to read book, covering some of the history of acupuncture, what treatment involves, how acupuncture works and what is is and how it helps to treat a range of conditions. It also looks at some patient case studies. I found it very interesting and was surprised by how much is involved in acupuncture.

[smilljns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I will need to re-read this book with a more open mind. This has been my first book ever on Chinese Medicine and I am not sure if some of the concepts seemed to me too woo-woo because of the way they were written. However, I really liked the very simple and direct writing style and the book is structured nicely making it easy to read, easy to find information on specific topics and quite enjoyable.

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel a bit robbed by this book. I thought it was a new(er) book by the same author I'd read previously - turns out that the first couple of chapters are new patients, but the bulk of the book is the same content as her previous book from 1997. Nothing to that effect in the intro or end matter. Boooo.

[Sally Lippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book as I have been receiving acupuncture for several weeks.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many tips on acupuncture

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy explanations and overview. Enjoyed the case studies too.

[Lisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally found one of my library books on acupuncture that taught me about the subject in an easy to understand sort of way - yae! If you're looking for a book that is a good overview about acupuncture this one qualifies. I read through it all in one sitting...a long sitting, but still it only took one night. I now have a better understanding of what happens and why when acupuncturists track your pulses and use the needles in different places. Glad I finally found an easy to understand book about acupuncture!

[Anita Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Summary of Acupuncture

This book is well-organized and while it doesn't go into too much detail, it is just enough to gain a basic understanding of what acupuncture is and the benefits one can obtain through receiving it. It also acts as a good reference as some sections may or may not apply to all readers. If you want a quick read to understand the practice of acupuncture better, this is the book.

[Reighnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty informative. There's a lot to process and the author could have explained a little more, but I understand the book is meant to be an overview and not a textbook.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure this would be an interesting read, but as the treatment I am having on my elbow is having no effect, I am no longer interested in knowing more about the subject.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot! Plan to try acupuncture !