What do you think?
Rate this book
A Manual of Acupuncture
Once in a great while an extraordinary book is published that sets an entirely new standard in its field. A Manual of Acupuncture, published by Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, is just such a book. Painstakingly researched over many years by Peter Deadman, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Chinese Medicine, and colleagues Mazin Al-Khafaji and Kevin Baker, this book has become the primary reference in the West for the study of acupuncture points and channels. With the subtle use of color to illustrate the acupuncture points and anatomical features, the new second edition of A Manual of Acupuncture is even more attractive and user-friendly than the first. Introductory chapters describe and illustrate the channels and collaterals, the various categories of points, and methods of selection, location, and needling. Ensuing chapters present each of the points of the 14 channels as well as the extra (miscellaneous) points, identified by their English and pinyin names, and Chinese characters. Each point is located in accordance with the most exacting anatomical standards to be found in any Western textbook. For each point there is a dedicated drawing, followed by regional body drawings. The quality of the 500 drawings is far superior to those in any other TCM text. There are also practical pointers for finding and needling the points, and cautionary information about what to avoid. In addition to point indexes by their English and pinyin names, there is an index identifying every part of the body reached by each of the channels, and separate indexes of point indications listed according to both TCM and biomedical symptoms.
670 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
54 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Peter Deadman
12 books8 followersPeter Deadman is the founder of Infinity Foods, a natural health food store in the 1970s. He studied acupuncture at The International College of Oriental Medicine in East Grinstead, England, graduating as a Bachelor of Acupuncture in 1978. Since 1979 he has lectured on Chinese medicine and acupuncture throughout the world. Peter Deadman is the founder, editor and publisher of “The Journal of Chinese Medicine” which has been published continuously since 1979.
The JCM has played a vital role in raising the standards of education and practice in Chinese medicine throughout the English-speaking world. In 1998, Peter co-authored “A Manual of Acupuncture”, a textbook that is a compulsory requirement for nearly all acupuncture schools in the English-speaking world.
He has lectured internationally on Chinese medicine and related topics for the last thirty years. Moreover, Peter has practised qigong for the last seventeen years. Peter’s interest in traditional health preservation practices is complemented by his study of more than fifteen years of modern lifestyle research.
The JCM has played a vital role in raising the standards of education and practice in Chinese medicine throughout the English-speaking world. In 1998, Peter co-authored “A Manual of Acupuncture”, a textbook that is a compulsory requirement for nearly all acupuncture schools in the English-speaking world.
He has lectured internationally on Chinese medicine and related topics for the last thirty years. Moreover, Peter has practised qigong for the last seventeen years. Peter’s interest in traditional health preservation practices is complemented by his study of more than fifteen years of modern lifestyle research.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 4, 2017
Great for point location. I would recommend just getting the app for this book on your phone instead of buying the book. Read Giovanni foundations for theory.
December 5, 2022
I bought the blue covered 1st edition over 20 years ago when I was a TCM student. It was the best book on the subject at the time, and probably still is. I've studied, re-read, and referred to this book many times per year since then. It often sits open on my desk, chair, floor, or other convenient location. It uses standard point abbreviations, shows the Chinese characters, Romanized pronunciations, and Chinese meanings for each point. The details on the usage, stand locations, energetics and point combinations are really excellent. For this alone, the book is valuable.
What makes the book even better are the following:
1. Spreadsheets of point overlaps, showing which points are on multiple meridians.
2. The diagrams showing key relates points on regions of the body. It doesn't show all, but the key ones.
3. The coverage of many extra points. The notation and coverage could have been better, but it really is better than most books.
As an acupuncturist and a pressure point martial artist, I have found no other book as valuable regarding points. I have used it numerous times, especially the charts, in my teaching-side to clarify details with students.
For as much as I like the book, I do find several things missing, and it doesn't replace books I've purchased before and after acquiring this book. Things that could be better:
1. The images are black and white drawings. These are both good and bad. I'm sure making them more colorful or detailed would increase the cost of this book and perhaps make it worse, as there are other graphical books that are much worse.
2. It would be nice to show the points relative to other modalities, such as Master Dong/Tung's style, Korean style, etc. The ear and scalp sections are way too limited.
3. Some points often have multiple locations depending on the usage, this book sticks primarily to the "official" location. This is very limited in both practice and in my martial arts.
4. The theory side should probably have been left out to save pages. It can't possibly cover the material in depth and I found the attempt to be not of great value.
I have compared the Blue and the Orange editions and do not see much change to justify the second purchase. However, I see that there is now a Kindle edition. This is definitely something worth considering to make the book portable and cost effective. I have other pdf and digital acupuncture books that were even more expensive that show details internal and external human structures that serve me well, but I'll consider getting "A Manual of Acupuncture" on Kindle in the future if I'm traveling.
What makes the book even better are the following:
1. Spreadsheets of point overlaps, showing which points are on multiple meridians.
2. The diagrams showing key relates points on regions of the body. It doesn't show all, but the key ones.
3. The coverage of many extra points. The notation and coverage could have been better, but it really is better than most books.
As an acupuncturist and a pressure point martial artist, I have found no other book as valuable regarding points. I have used it numerous times, especially the charts, in my teaching-side to clarify details with students.
For as much as I like the book, I do find several things missing, and it doesn't replace books I've purchased before and after acquiring this book. Things that could be better:
1. The images are black and white drawings. These are both good and bad. I'm sure making them more colorful or detailed would increase the cost of this book and perhaps make it worse, as there are other graphical books that are much worse.
2. It would be nice to show the points relative to other modalities, such as Master Dong/Tung's style, Korean style, etc. The ear and scalp sections are way too limited.
3. Some points often have multiple locations depending on the usage, this book sticks primarily to the "official" location. This is very limited in both practice and in my martial arts.
4. The theory side should probably have been left out to save pages. It can't possibly cover the material in depth and I found the attempt to be not of great value.
I have compared the Blue and the Orange editions and do not see much change to justify the second purchase. However, I see that there is now a Kindle edition. This is definitely something worth considering to make the book portable and cost effective. I have other pdf and digital acupuncture books that were even more expensive that show details internal and external human structures that serve me well, but I'll consider getting "A Manual of Acupuncture" on Kindle in the future if I'm traveling.
February 25, 2023
Ah, "A Manual of Acupuncture," the acupuncture student's bible! This hefty tome is packed with all the meridian charts, acupuncture point locations, and needling instructions you could ever need. And I mean, ever. It's basically the encyclopedia of acupuncture.
But don't let its size intimidate you - "A Manual of Acupuncture" is actually pretty user-friendly, with clear illustrations and detailed descriptions of each point's location, functions, and indications. It's like having an acupuncture teacher in book form.
Of course, with such a comprehensive guide, there are bound to be a few critiques. One issue some readers have is that the book is quite focused on the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) approach to acupuncture, so if you're more interested in the Western medical perspective, you may find yourself wanting more. But hey, that's what other books are for, right?
Overall, if you're serious about learning acupuncture, "A Manual of Acupuncture" is definitely worth the investment. Just be prepared for some serious heavy lifting (literally - this thing is a beast).
But don't let its size intimidate you - "A Manual of Acupuncture" is actually pretty user-friendly, with clear illustrations and detailed descriptions of each point's location, functions, and indications. It's like having an acupuncture teacher in book form.
Of course, with such a comprehensive guide, there are bound to be a few critiques. One issue some readers have is that the book is quite focused on the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) approach to acupuncture, so if you're more interested in the Western medical perspective, you may find yourself wanting more. But hey, that's what other books are for, right?
Overall, if you're serious about learning acupuncture, "A Manual of Acupuncture" is definitely worth the investment. Just be prepared for some serious heavy lifting (literally - this thing is a beast).
March 26, 2019
Solid. Forms the foundation for acupuncture study in the US.
August 8, 2019
Great book, still use it in my practice!
April 25, 2021
Essential text for all acupuncturists
Want to read
February 26, 2017Good
October 5, 2009
what's all the hype?!?!? it's big book with neat protocols and point locations... for many schools it's there bible (next to "foundations of chinese medicine" by maciocia). in all actuality it's nuisance. chinese medicine isn't a cookbook, and this book doesn't do any service for people who want to learn chinese medicine. nevertheless, i do like the contraindications as well as the chinese names, but that's the extent for the point locations is horrible and the internal pathways ain't so good either... it is what it is...
April 18, 2011
My main reference for acupuncture points in the clinic. I use this book daily. I especially love the commentaries in each of the individual point entries: they're always thought-provoking for me. I love the way the information is presented, the illustrations are clear and precise, and the introductory chapters have lots of valuable information on special point groupings (one of my favorite aspects of acupuncture point theory). One caveat: no information on moxibustion.
I *so* want the new edition, to sit side-by-side with my old one.
I *so* want the new edition, to sit side-by-side with my old one.
May 6, 2009
I've just started Chinese Medicine School and have focused most of my energy on school, but I also have discovered many books from the YA section at the library fit nicely into my free time right now.
April 30, 2007
The fundamental guidebook for point location. Between this and CAM you will find everything you need.
August 15, 2007
Extremely informative with great illustrations and a lot of high-falutin language talky. It will make a great coffee table book when I graduate.
February 26, 2008
a must if you're interested in Chinese medicine/acupuncture
April 25, 2008
kids- if you really want to know how i spend my time....
July 6, 2008
This my friends, is where I have been for the past three years. Aesthetically pleasing and thankfully straight-forward.
October 4, 2008
Buku wajib pegangan hidup buat terapis akupunture, bener2...membantu...
September 11, 2009
I will always have to read this manual. i learn something new every time I flip a page.
March 14, 2011
Recently I realized that I need to finish this manual of my job.
April 10, 2013
The bible for all acupuncturists, a must have book
August 13, 2013
procedures of doing acupuncture
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews