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Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
“Comprehensive, encyclopedic, and lucid, this book is a must for all practitioners of the healing arts who want to broaden their understanding. Readers interested in the role of herbs and foods in healing will also find much to learn here, as I have. . . . A fine work.”—Annemarie Colbin, author of Food and HealingThe promise and mystery of Chinese medicine has intrigued and fascinated Westerners ever since the “Bamboo Curtain” was lifted in the early 1970s. Now, in Between Heaven and Earth, two of the foremost American educators and healers in the Chinese medical profession demystify this centuries-old approach to health. Harriet Beinfeld and Efrem Korngold, pioneers in the practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine in the United States for over eighteen years, explain the philosophy behind Chinese medicine, how it works and what it can do.Combining Eastern traditions with Western sensibilities in a unique blend that is relevant today, Between Heaven and Earth addresses three vital areas of Chinese medicine—theory, therapy, and types—to present a comprehensive, yet understandable guide to this ancient system. Whether you are a patient with an aggravating complaint or a curious intellectual seeker, Between Heaven and Earth opens the door to a vast storehouse of knowledge that bridges the gap between mind and body, theory and practice, professional and self-care, East and West.“Groundbreaking . . . Here at last is a complete and readable guide to Chinese medicine.”—San Francisco Chronicle
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
666 people are currently reading
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February 27, 2013
This is a good read on the assumption behind Chinese medicine. Since I come from a Western scientific point of view, I cannot buy into the Chinese explanation of why Chinese medicine works although I can buy into the fact that it works for some people. Although on the surface Taoism and Buddhism look different, they both look towards balance as the key to solving problems.
I wonder if David Brooks is right about Asians and the fact that their culture makes them always focus on their relationship to others instead of focusing on their individual desires. Beinfield says that Western ideas tended to be more Eastern in their ideas before the Renaissance Humanist came into existence with its philosophy of empowering men to change as he saw fit.
Chinese medicine focuses on intertwining of individual with its environment whereas Western medicine focuses on identifying the disease and addressing it even though the "cure" may have unintended consequences (ie: side effects) depending on who is taking it. It is interesting how Chinese medicine focuses on the individual wholeness with almost mystical aspect to it. While Tao focuses on the wholeness of the universe, Qi is the energy that flows through out the universe through and between people. Since Chinese Medicine focuses on not on the disease process, it should be employed in preventive medicine and the so-called "disease of civilization". While Western medicine is still superior in acute setting, Chinese medicine is clearly superior in preventive medicine and can equivocally as effective in chronic disease in which a pill could cause as much problems as it solves.
While on the surface this might be a boon to the Democratic Party due to its insistence on taking collective action, there is opportunity for the Republican party in saying they want to respect Asian culture in not allowing the government to interfere with their culture as long as no laws are broken. But before they can make that case, they need to realize that they have to support comprehensive immigration reform.
I enjoyed their discussion on what the underlying cultural assumptions are in Western medicine. They start by saying that in Western medicine comes the Cartesian model of duality. In Western medicine, the need to label/diagnose a problem so a quick fix is possible. The idea of duality shattered the idea of unity. The Cartesian model led to Isaac Newton's idea of cause and effect which central to the scientific method. It furthers evolves to Louis Pasteur found that bacteria caused disease; thus giving rise to looking for the targeted cause for disease. Early 20th century medicine focused on scientific evidence-based funded by Rockafeller and Carnegie foundations; thus pushing out other forms of medicine that was not evidence-based via monetary and political pruning.
Whereas the philosophical idea behind Western medicine is based on the Cartesian model of duality, Eastern medicine is based on Taoism. Whereas the focus of Western medicine is on destruction of disease, Chinese medicine focuses on the whole patient. Since everything is cyclic, change is the only constant so achieving balance is the key to everything. There are no absolute, no good or bad just Yin and Yang with its only connection is one is relative to the other. They are right in comparing Tao&Qi with Quantum Physics in that both see energy and matter as interchangeable. One cannot create QI only HARNESS its force. Incidentally, the best way in understanding the concept of the Trinity as one God head is talking about the concept of Taoism&Qi. The Chinese idea that every one must conform to societal expectation comes from the idea societal harmony is dependent on all individuals be in harmonious balance with the dictates of society.
Chinese medicine treats conditions, whereas Western medicine treats causes. Chinese medicine really is more holistic in focusing on people's health rather than eradicating the disease. To the Chinese, illness is a failure to adapt to a wide variety of challenges. Illness comes when there is excess or deficiency that distorts the pattern of flow. The treatment for Chinese disease is to restore balance to the person. "Chinese medicine readjust balance, enhancing self-healing and helping chronic, long-term problems. Whereas the Chinese focuses on disruption of underlying relationships, western medicine look for a single cause to the disease in order to cure it.
No one entity can be absolute Yin nor Yang, it is interchangeable parts of a whole Tao. Whereas Yin represents solid substance, Ysng is the energy that is created from and acts upon Yin; thus it mirrors Einstein's equation of E=MC2. Everyday lives needs to be a balance between Yang in being productive and the yin in recharging the Qi within. The authors says it best, "Yang needs Yin for its foundation, and Yin needs Yang for its fruition....If Yin is deficient, Yang becomes deficient and vice versa. Not only do Yin&Yang balance each other, they mutually create each other."
Since Chinese medicine focuses on the practitioners subjective perception, one really needs to find a practitioners who understand the patient so he can be cured by the Chinese practitioner. One cannot really interchange one practitioner from another.
5 climates:
1) Cold = contraction thereby craving warmth
2) Wind = sudden shifting conditions that disrupts balance which leads to instability of emotions or shifting symptoms such as MS or Fibromyalgia.
3) Heat = accelerated metabolic activity and inflammation
4) Dampness = accumulate with abnormal build up of fluids which equals excess secretions which leads stagnation/obstructions feelings that are apathetic or sluggish predominate. Dampness usually accompanies cold, wind, heat.
5) Dryness = dehydration
5 emotions that predominate disposition:
1) Anger (bipolar disorder) - According to Chinese typology, a person who has anger as their predominant disposition is unpredictable and vacillates between riveted interest and subdued indifference. They lead a double life in which he has self-discipline in his work but when he relaxes, he explodes in rage or indulge in thoughtless, rash behavior such as spending a lot.
2) Joy (borderline personality disorder) - According to Chinese typology, the person with a joy disposition in excess needs attention of others to thrive without attention they feel empty. They burn the candle at both ends; thus dissipate their energy.
3) Rumination (anxious disposition) - they are overly pensive and contemplative. They get fixated on worrisome thoughts and ideas. They obsess on the details of a project that they can forget the big picture. They are prone to apathy and boredom and become stagnant. When at work they are dependent, reliable, sympathetic, and a good caretaker. They predominate as professionals.
4) Sorrow (OCD) - They do not like surprises and seek to be anhedonic to buffer from intense feelings. They seek to control everything in their environment in order to buffer life's inevitable ups and downs. They all tend to be emotionally unavailable.
5) Fear (Paranoid) - They are loners and do not trust anyone.
In their diagnosis, they look at the tongue to see if the disease acute or chronic and pulse in order to assess Qi and blood.
The internal physiology mirrors the phases of the external cosmos; thus the 5 phases theory is born:
5 phases via ones life cycle:
1) Wood corresponds to birth/toddlerhood
2) Water corresponds with growth being a pre-teen/teenager
3) Fire corresponds to being in ones prime in adulthood
4) Earth corresponds with reaching maturity in what one does; thus it represents balance
5) Metal corresponds with degeneration and old age
Acupuncturist use the 5 organ network which has its own essence. The organ network must retain balance. If one organ predominates or shrinks relative to the others then illness occurs. In a complex disease system, there is always one primary organ network that creates havoc in the other systems.
1) Liver stores blood and regulates the movement of Qi.
2) Heart propels the blood and is the seat of consciousness
3) Lung receives and disperses Qi
4) Kidney stores vital essence.
Organ Networks:
1)Wood: the Liver - exercise authority in collecting (Yin fxn) and directing (Yang fxn) Blood and thus regulates Qi distributing it to appropriate areas. This also the center of movement, emotional stability, and sex. A healthy gallbladder makes mental thinking clear.
A dissonant liver from a gallbladder creates action without thought or thought without action. A healthy liver network leads to healthy, judgement and decision making are sound, vision is clear, and action resolute. Strengthening the Liver develops drive and adaptability, enhancing our capacity to cope with the vicissitudes of life.
2)Fire: Heart - A healthy heart represents fulfillment: the total expression and integration of our being, the full extent of our expansion, maturation, and development. When the Heart Network fxns. properly a person has a tranquil mind, good memory, clear senses, restful sleep, and a robust complexion. It is the seat of the mind and communicating experience with establishing interconnectedness from our inner world to our outer world. It houses our Spirit which is the complete outward expression of our Qi in our personality. Extreme emotions disrupts the heart fxn. Deficient heart will lead to a roaming spirit. Change disrupts the flow of the heart.
3) Earth: Spleen - it supplies the nourishment via the nutritive essence that the body needs. Spleen regulates metabolism of nutritive essence into blood&Qi and distributes moisture. This network is responsible for incorporating ideas and information by the mind and is in charge of persistence. It is also the seat of consciousness of a sense of self. It can be disrupted by too much food or ideas.
4) Metal: Lung - The lung quiets and inhibits activity. It commands Qi and is in charge of the immune system. Large intestine gets rid of what is not needed and prioritizes what is needed to serve the self. It sets boundaries b/w self and non-self. "The Lung and Large intestines promotes the process of separation, distillation, individuation, and elimination, engendering a distinct sense of form and value. It lets go of unnecessary thoughts, feelings, attachment; thus allowing growth of self."
5) Water: Kidney - It consolidates and stores the Qi that initiates and keeps life growing its essential essence. It is like genetic info. in DNA, and the resultant creation of protein and hormones. It is responsible for progeny ("when kidney QI is abundant, sexual and reproductive life is vigorous and lasting). It represents the building blocks of both tissues as well as the creative potential of Qi.
Behind the cultural assumption of Chinese medicine:
The authors thought it was good to unlock the individual psychology behind the assumptions in Chinese medicine. Rather than individuality so pervasive in Western culture, Chinese culture are more obsessed with social order and balance of the individual in relation to family, neighborhood, and the state. "In China today, individual development and welfare remain secondary to the good of society as a whole." Therefore, "a healthy person is defined as a productive person, sufficiently adjusted so as not to threaten the status quo ( this obsession with stability means the Chinese can only steal their way toward innovation). A sound mind is assumed to be the natural outcome of a fit body and a correct relationship with family and society. This describes Republican tradition values to a T. Western civilization on the other hand, focus on individual self-fulfillment in order to be a good contributor to society.
5 phase archetypes (internal temperment)
1) Fire type - EN_P
2) Earth type - _SFJ
3) Metal type - ISTJ
4) Water type - INFP
5) Wood type - _NTJ
From a Chinese perspective, acupuncture opens or closes gates of Qi in order to balance the person. "Acupuncture is most effective when functional disturbances have not yet developed into organic or structural impairments". From a Western perspective, acupuncture alleviates pain and releases endorphins. While Westerner's focus on why acupuncture works, the Chinese focus on how and when to use it. While Westerners focus on specific uses for acupuncture, acupuncture treats the whole person so the disease goes away as a result of a return of balance to the person. The concept of Qi can be understood via neuro-electo physiology.
Perhaps Chinese medicine works better in 2nd prevention and certainly primary preventative medicine/palliative care for pain relief. Chinese herbal medicine are good for daily preventive care like "green tea".
In America, we think that we are what we eat whereas the Chinese take into account food as medicinal value. A person should eat certain foods if they want a certain outcome and balance them. The main criteria for food intake is eat only food that makes you feel good. Chinese food as medicine can fit under the US dietary guidelines of low GI/saturated fat.
The authors close with the reason why Chinese medicine is growing in the US as a result of people's rejection of Westerner's view of disconnected/compartmentalized view of Western civilization. They advocate an interdependence way of moving forward instead of a fragmented action. Similarly, they believe that total health should have a holistic buy in with all the stakeholders not only for the patient or the doctor.
I wonder if David Brooks is right about Asians and the fact that their culture makes them always focus on their relationship to others instead of focusing on their individual desires. Beinfield says that Western ideas tended to be more Eastern in their ideas before the Renaissance Humanist came into existence with its philosophy of empowering men to change as he saw fit.
Chinese medicine focuses on intertwining of individual with its environment whereas Western medicine focuses on identifying the disease and addressing it even though the "cure" may have unintended consequences (ie: side effects) depending on who is taking it. It is interesting how Chinese medicine focuses on the individual wholeness with almost mystical aspect to it. While Tao focuses on the wholeness of the universe, Qi is the energy that flows through out the universe through and between people. Since Chinese Medicine focuses on not on the disease process, it should be employed in preventive medicine and the so-called "disease of civilization". While Western medicine is still superior in acute setting, Chinese medicine is clearly superior in preventive medicine and can equivocally as effective in chronic disease in which a pill could cause as much problems as it solves.
While on the surface this might be a boon to the Democratic Party due to its insistence on taking collective action, there is opportunity for the Republican party in saying they want to respect Asian culture in not allowing the government to interfere with their culture as long as no laws are broken. But before they can make that case, they need to realize that they have to support comprehensive immigration reform.
I enjoyed their discussion on what the underlying cultural assumptions are in Western medicine. They start by saying that in Western medicine comes the Cartesian model of duality. In Western medicine, the need to label/diagnose a problem so a quick fix is possible. The idea of duality shattered the idea of unity. The Cartesian model led to Isaac Newton's idea of cause and effect which central to the scientific method. It furthers evolves to Louis Pasteur found that bacteria caused disease; thus giving rise to looking for the targeted cause for disease. Early 20th century medicine focused on scientific evidence-based funded by Rockafeller and Carnegie foundations; thus pushing out other forms of medicine that was not evidence-based via monetary and political pruning.
Whereas the philosophical idea behind Western medicine is based on the Cartesian model of duality, Eastern medicine is based on Taoism. Whereas the focus of Western medicine is on destruction of disease, Chinese medicine focuses on the whole patient. Since everything is cyclic, change is the only constant so achieving balance is the key to everything. There are no absolute, no good or bad just Yin and Yang with its only connection is one is relative to the other. They are right in comparing Tao&Qi with Quantum Physics in that both see energy and matter as interchangeable. One cannot create QI only HARNESS its force. Incidentally, the best way in understanding the concept of the Trinity as one God head is talking about the concept of Taoism&Qi. The Chinese idea that every one must conform to societal expectation comes from the idea societal harmony is dependent on all individuals be in harmonious balance with the dictates of society.
Chinese medicine treats conditions, whereas Western medicine treats causes. Chinese medicine really is more holistic in focusing on people's health rather than eradicating the disease. To the Chinese, illness is a failure to adapt to a wide variety of challenges. Illness comes when there is excess or deficiency that distorts the pattern of flow. The treatment for Chinese disease is to restore balance to the person. "Chinese medicine readjust balance, enhancing self-healing and helping chronic, long-term problems. Whereas the Chinese focuses on disruption of underlying relationships, western medicine look for a single cause to the disease in order to cure it.
No one entity can be absolute Yin nor Yang, it is interchangeable parts of a whole Tao. Whereas Yin represents solid substance, Ysng is the energy that is created from and acts upon Yin; thus it mirrors Einstein's equation of E=MC2. Everyday lives needs to be a balance between Yang in being productive and the yin in recharging the Qi within. The authors says it best, "Yang needs Yin for its foundation, and Yin needs Yang for its fruition....If Yin is deficient, Yang becomes deficient and vice versa. Not only do Yin&Yang balance each other, they mutually create each other."
Since Chinese medicine focuses on the practitioners subjective perception, one really needs to find a practitioners who understand the patient so he can be cured by the Chinese practitioner. One cannot really interchange one practitioner from another.
5 climates:
1) Cold = contraction thereby craving warmth
2) Wind = sudden shifting conditions that disrupts balance which leads to instability of emotions or shifting symptoms such as MS or Fibromyalgia.
3) Heat = accelerated metabolic activity and inflammation
4) Dampness = accumulate with abnormal build up of fluids which equals excess secretions which leads stagnation/obstructions feelings that are apathetic or sluggish predominate. Dampness usually accompanies cold, wind, heat.
5) Dryness = dehydration
5 emotions that predominate disposition:
1) Anger (bipolar disorder) - According to Chinese typology, a person who has anger as their predominant disposition is unpredictable and vacillates between riveted interest and subdued indifference. They lead a double life in which he has self-discipline in his work but when he relaxes, he explodes in rage or indulge in thoughtless, rash behavior such as spending a lot.
2) Joy (borderline personality disorder) - According to Chinese typology, the person with a joy disposition in excess needs attention of others to thrive without attention they feel empty. They burn the candle at both ends; thus dissipate their energy.
3) Rumination (anxious disposition) - they are overly pensive and contemplative. They get fixated on worrisome thoughts and ideas. They obsess on the details of a project that they can forget the big picture. They are prone to apathy and boredom and become stagnant. When at work they are dependent, reliable, sympathetic, and a good caretaker. They predominate as professionals.
4) Sorrow (OCD) - They do not like surprises and seek to be anhedonic to buffer from intense feelings. They seek to control everything in their environment in order to buffer life's inevitable ups and downs. They all tend to be emotionally unavailable.
5) Fear (Paranoid) - They are loners and do not trust anyone.
In their diagnosis, they look at the tongue to see if the disease acute or chronic and pulse in order to assess Qi and blood.
The internal physiology mirrors the phases of the external cosmos; thus the 5 phases theory is born:
5 phases via ones life cycle:
1) Wood corresponds to birth/toddlerhood
2) Water corresponds with growth being a pre-teen/teenager
3) Fire corresponds to being in ones prime in adulthood
4) Earth corresponds with reaching maturity in what one does; thus it represents balance
5) Metal corresponds with degeneration and old age
Acupuncturist use the 5 organ network which has its own essence. The organ network must retain balance. If one organ predominates or shrinks relative to the others then illness occurs. In a complex disease system, there is always one primary organ network that creates havoc in the other systems.
1) Liver stores blood and regulates the movement of Qi.
2) Heart propels the blood and is the seat of consciousness
3) Lung receives and disperses Qi
4) Kidney stores vital essence.
Organ Networks:
1)Wood: the Liver - exercise authority in collecting (Yin fxn) and directing (Yang fxn) Blood and thus regulates Qi distributing it to appropriate areas. This also the center of movement, emotional stability, and sex. A healthy gallbladder makes mental thinking clear.
A dissonant liver from a gallbladder creates action without thought or thought without action. A healthy liver network leads to healthy, judgement and decision making are sound, vision is clear, and action resolute. Strengthening the Liver develops drive and adaptability, enhancing our capacity to cope with the vicissitudes of life.
2)Fire: Heart - A healthy heart represents fulfillment: the total expression and integration of our being, the full extent of our expansion, maturation, and development. When the Heart Network fxns. properly a person has a tranquil mind, good memory, clear senses, restful sleep, and a robust complexion. It is the seat of the mind and communicating experience with establishing interconnectedness from our inner world to our outer world. It houses our Spirit which is the complete outward expression of our Qi in our personality. Extreme emotions disrupts the heart fxn. Deficient heart will lead to a roaming spirit. Change disrupts the flow of the heart.
3) Earth: Spleen - it supplies the nourishment via the nutritive essence that the body needs. Spleen regulates metabolism of nutritive essence into blood&Qi and distributes moisture. This network is responsible for incorporating ideas and information by the mind and is in charge of persistence. It is also the seat of consciousness of a sense of self. It can be disrupted by too much food or ideas.
4) Metal: Lung - The lung quiets and inhibits activity. It commands Qi and is in charge of the immune system. Large intestine gets rid of what is not needed and prioritizes what is needed to serve the self. It sets boundaries b/w self and non-self. "The Lung and Large intestines promotes the process of separation, distillation, individuation, and elimination, engendering a distinct sense of form and value. It lets go of unnecessary thoughts, feelings, attachment; thus allowing growth of self."
5) Water: Kidney - It consolidates and stores the Qi that initiates and keeps life growing its essential essence. It is like genetic info. in DNA, and the resultant creation of protein and hormones. It is responsible for progeny ("when kidney QI is abundant, sexual and reproductive life is vigorous and lasting). It represents the building blocks of both tissues as well as the creative potential of Qi.
Behind the cultural assumption of Chinese medicine:
The authors thought it was good to unlock the individual psychology behind the assumptions in Chinese medicine. Rather than individuality so pervasive in Western culture, Chinese culture are more obsessed with social order and balance of the individual in relation to family, neighborhood, and the state. "In China today, individual development and welfare remain secondary to the good of society as a whole." Therefore, "a healthy person is defined as a productive person, sufficiently adjusted so as not to threaten the status quo ( this obsession with stability means the Chinese can only steal their way toward innovation). A sound mind is assumed to be the natural outcome of a fit body and a correct relationship with family and society. This describes Republican tradition values to a T. Western civilization on the other hand, focus on individual self-fulfillment in order to be a good contributor to society.
5 phase archetypes (internal temperment)
1) Fire type - EN_P
2) Earth type - _SFJ
3) Metal type - ISTJ
4) Water type - INFP
5) Wood type - _NTJ
From a Chinese perspective, acupuncture opens or closes gates of Qi in order to balance the person. "Acupuncture is most effective when functional disturbances have not yet developed into organic or structural impairments". From a Western perspective, acupuncture alleviates pain and releases endorphins. While Westerner's focus on why acupuncture works, the Chinese focus on how and when to use it. While Westerners focus on specific uses for acupuncture, acupuncture treats the whole person so the disease goes away as a result of a return of balance to the person. The concept of Qi can be understood via neuro-electo physiology.
Perhaps Chinese medicine works better in 2nd prevention and certainly primary preventative medicine/palliative care for pain relief. Chinese herbal medicine are good for daily preventive care like "green tea".
In America, we think that we are what we eat whereas the Chinese take into account food as medicinal value. A person should eat certain foods if they want a certain outcome and balance them. The main criteria for food intake is eat only food that makes you feel good. Chinese food as medicine can fit under the US dietary guidelines of low GI/saturated fat.
The authors close with the reason why Chinese medicine is growing in the US as a result of people's rejection of Westerner's view of disconnected/compartmentalized view of Western civilization. They advocate an interdependence way of moving forward instead of a fragmented action. Similarly, they believe that total health should have a holistic buy in with all the stakeholders not only for the patient or the doctor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2016
Interesting subject poorly executed.
March 1, 2021
I don’t think I’m getting older just because I choose to read about alternative medicine and I don’t think I want to practice it to an extreme but I did started reading Between Heaven and Earth which is a chinese medicine book on the more alternative less science based stuff. Let me tell you, this book explains your body like no other I’ve read and I did read some med based books. Especially on anxiety/fear/panic attacks, so you know I’ve seen a bunch of brain scans and read through a lot of “how our brain work” pages.
However weird this may sound, I do believe that air, the sun, the mountains, nature, good and nourishing food, sleep, no screen time, reading, meditation, working out, yoga – are all factors on making your mind and body feel good, work at full potential and be healthy overall. The book presents types of the personality you carry, tests to figure out which personality you have, exemples of herbal medicine and therapy and even tips on how to cook. You can read it only if you are interested in alternative stuff or maybe history, otherwise I don’t think you will like it or find it interesting.
However weird this may sound, I do believe that air, the sun, the mountains, nature, good and nourishing food, sleep, no screen time, reading, meditation, working out, yoga – are all factors on making your mind and body feel good, work at full potential and be healthy overall. The book presents types of the personality you carry, tests to figure out which personality you have, exemples of herbal medicine and therapy and even tips on how to cook. You can read it only if you are interested in alternative stuff or maybe history, otherwise I don’t think you will like it or find it interesting.
April 19, 2015
The first half of this book explains traditional Chinese medicine in language those of us from the West understand. It's fascinating and helpful. The second half of the book deals primarily with herbs and foods used to restore balance. It was not easy to understand and was more than I wanted to know.
March 16, 2012
Clear concise introduction to Chinese Medicine.
March 25, 2017
This wonderful book was recommended to me by my acupuncturist. Unlike many books on Chinese medicine that I've skimmed over the years, this book helped me tremendously in making sense of TCM. The author explains a rather complex framework in a clear and practical way. What I learned from reading this book has helped me change some habits and significantly improve my health. While TCM is quite complex, I feel more engaged in discussing my health with my acupuncturist, now that I have a better basic understanding of TCM.
April 21, 2017
Very excellent overview of TCM. That being said, I don't think I am ready to understand TCM philosophy despite feeling eastern philosophy in general. I think both approaches have much to offer, but I have a hard time getting over things like diabetes being caused by insufficient water. That's not to say Allopathic medicine doesn't have its hang ups, I think both systems need some serious introspection/change.
February 19, 2013
Excellent for those who know little about Chinese Medicine and those who have been studying it for years! Helpful for practitioners to explain to their patients/clients as well. A very good read for anyone! I am always referencing this book!
January 26, 2012
This was a good general overview of traditional Oriental Medicine. I'd recommend it for someone starting out with very little to no knowledge. There are better books if you want more details.
April 21, 2021
Me ha parecido una lectura muy interesante. Con criterios que me han convencido. Ha sido mi primer acercamiento a la medicina china, a su forma de ver la vida y no lo dejaré aquí.
May 10, 2025
Wow wow wow! Read this as part of a teacher training course on Embodied Yin with Satu Tuomela. Loved the training, loved the book!
Great to get an introduction as well as to dive deeper into TCM. Beautiful explanations, anecdotes and practical approaches. Definitely a book that is valued on my shelf and will be revisited along the way :)
Great to get an introduction as well as to dive deeper into TCM. Beautiful explanations, anecdotes and practical approaches. Definitely a book that is valued on my shelf and will be revisited along the way :)
September 13, 2019
I'm not sure who this book is intended for. I came as a complete layman and yes I got an understanding of principles behind TCM and deep appreciation for its holistic approach to sustaining health rather than fixing problems. But the book was much more and most of it was over my head.
That said – the first part of the book about the main principles, the elements (Water, Metal, Fire etc.) and typology based on them was extremely interesting and shed light on some possible complications pertinent to my type. But the middle and the last part about acupuncture and herbal treatment wasn't a good fit for me.
First, I'm not a practicing acupuncturist and don't intend on becoming one. The stories of different patients, body points and methods of intervention were interesting at first but soon became too detailed. I skipped that part because I was reading about something I've never experienced and didn't understand. Maybe a bad one but a metaphor that comes to mind: it was like reading about a mechanic describing fixing a car when you yourself never owned a car.
The last part about herbs was also interesting at first but later I realised that information beyond the basic understanding about the herbs for my type (basic warming substances such as ginger) was lost on me. Maybe if I'm sick I would consult the book how to treat a specific condition but probably I would just try to Google it.
Overall, it is a good book written by two kind souls (and, I'm sure, excellent therapists) but it was just too much information for me.
That said – the first part of the book about the main principles, the elements (Water, Metal, Fire etc.) and typology based on them was extremely interesting and shed light on some possible complications pertinent to my type. But the middle and the last part about acupuncture and herbal treatment wasn't a good fit for me.
First, I'm not a practicing acupuncturist and don't intend on becoming one. The stories of different patients, body points and methods of intervention were interesting at first but soon became too detailed. I skipped that part because I was reading about something I've never experienced and didn't understand. Maybe a bad one but a metaphor that comes to mind: it was like reading about a mechanic describing fixing a car when you yourself never owned a car.
The last part about herbs was also interesting at first but later I realised that information beyond the basic understanding about the herbs for my type (basic warming substances such as ginger) was lost on me. Maybe if I'm sick I would consult the book how to treat a specific condition but probably I would just try to Google it.
Overall, it is a good book written by two kind souls (and, I'm sure, excellent therapists) but it was just too much information for me.
March 16, 2013
Between Heaven and Earth is a well-written, clear exploration of the Chinese Five Element theory as it is applied to the body's systems, to acupuncture, herbs and the overall balance and health of the body/mind/spirit.
Beinfield and Korngold write passionately about the energy systems of the body and how to understand the elements to keep your body in balance. They see stress and other energetic factors as the core cause of illness. As such, the better we are able to understand how our bodies respond to stress, the clearer our intentions for each day can be, creating an atmosphere of overall health.
The Five Element theory is applied to overall body types, with worksheets to give the reader opportunities to discover how her body works and what areas are most likely to become unbalanced. Though I still need to go through the information a few more times, I feel that Between Heaven and Earth is a reader-friendly guide to the main concepts of Chinese Medicine.
Beinfield and Korngold write passionately about the energy systems of the body and how to understand the elements to keep your body in balance. They see stress and other energetic factors as the core cause of illness. As such, the better we are able to understand how our bodies respond to stress, the clearer our intentions for each day can be, creating an atmosphere of overall health.
The Five Element theory is applied to overall body types, with worksheets to give the reader opportunities to discover how her body works and what areas are most likely to become unbalanced. Though I still need to go through the information a few more times, I feel that Between Heaven and Earth is a reader-friendly guide to the main concepts of Chinese Medicine.
Read
January 13, 2012Loving it so far. Makes fantastic sense: Western philosophy of medicine viewing the body as a machine/doctor as mechanic vs. Eastern philosophy of body as a garden/doctor as gardener (issuing more preventative care as opposed to reactionary solutions).
September 16, 2015
Using I-ching and elements with yin yang theory. It is an interesting and knowledgeable read.
I haven't yet fully read it myself, but I use it frequently for references when I look up information on herbs and remedies.
I haven't yet fully read it myself, but I use it frequently for references when I look up information on herbs and remedies.
November 26, 2021
A great read for the novice or beginner looking to gain a better understanding of Chinese medicine. I highlighted and book marked many sentences and sections for later review that helped reinforce my thinking and memory.
October 26, 2009
Amazing book on Acupuncture, also has a wonderful section on acupressure first aid!
February 21, 2016
Found this book very helpful due to all the allergies and things I tend to be allergic to. This provided me with an alternative view to my own health.
July 19, 2017
Loved the intro and all the theory, but the rest of the book got kinda confusing and muddy for me.
March 17, 2020
Very in depth on the five elements and herbology
February 25, 2023
"Between Heaven and Earth" by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold is a journey you won't soon forget. Part informative, part witty, and all-around engaging, this book takes readers on a tour of traditional Chinese medicine, exploring its fascinating history and providing practical tips for incorporating it into everyday life.
Beinfield and Korngold's writing style is approachable and entertaining, making even the most complex concepts easy to understand. Their personal anecdotes and humorous asides add a charming touch to the already engrossing narrative. Whether you're a longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine or a curious newcomer, "Between Heaven and Earth" is a must-read.
That said, one critique of the book is that it may not provide enough depth in certain areas, particularly for readers who are looking for a more comprehensive understanding of traditional Chinese medicine. Some topics may be oversimplified, leaving readers with unanswered questions or wanting more information. Nonetheless, "Between Heaven and Earth" remains an enjoyable and informative read that is sure to captivate and educate readers from all walks of life.
Beinfield and Korngold's writing style is approachable and entertaining, making even the most complex concepts easy to understand. Their personal anecdotes and humorous asides add a charming touch to the already engrossing narrative. Whether you're a longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine or a curious newcomer, "Between Heaven and Earth" is a must-read.
That said, one critique of the book is that it may not provide enough depth in certain areas, particularly for readers who are looking for a more comprehensive understanding of traditional Chinese medicine. Some topics may be oversimplified, leaving readers with unanswered questions or wanting more information. Nonetheless, "Between Heaven and Earth" remains an enjoyable and informative read that is sure to captivate and educate readers from all walks of life.
July 21, 2022
I was originally introduced to this book through my Complimentary Medicine degree in Uni. I found the personality profiling really fun, and to a T, made so much sense. I found a lot of value in understanding my personality and body type, and being shown ways that I can nurture myself back to optimal health - specific to my element type. I also completely resonate with Chinese Medicine's view of health with the comparison to a garden needing tending. Anyone interested in optimizing health / preventative self-care and learning about another whole medical system instead of just the western medical system, this book is for you!
March 1, 2024
This book is breathtaking in its scope, depth, and clarity. If you have any questions about Chinese medicine, you can find answers for them here. This is a classic for a reason, and I finished this having such an immense respect for the passion and intelligence that the authors (especially Harriet Beinfield) brought to this endeavor. Between Heaven and Earth is a gift that I am certain to reference and reread throughout my life. If you’re on the fence about reading it, you should definitely give it a go.
August 5, 2019
FYI, I am a student of Chinese Medicine. The beginning of this book is amazing. I lost interest when it started to go into the types, because it was confusing and really doesn't make sense to me to fit people into types. I can't even figure out where I would be pathologically or physiologically according to this model. For this reason I hesitate to recommend this book to friends unfamiliar with Chinese Medicine, but it's a struggle because the beginning part really is superb.
February 5, 2025
A very well thought out introduction to TCM let down by omission of a number of key facets (very few references to dantien, as an example) and confounded by a bizarre personality quiz in the middle of the book. I can see what and why, I just wish that the author's attempts to appeal to Western (read: American) interests didn't take away from the actual message. This is interesting, and worth reading, it's just also quite frustrating.
September 29, 2024
Comprehensive overview of TCM. This book helped me realise that TCM isn't really for me. That's not a fault of the book, but ultimately, I find it dry and ended up skipping multiple chapters to fight my way to the end.
January 29, 2025
3.5 stars. I really liked the recipes and introductory knowledge into Chinese medicine. However, a lot of the information about herbs and acupuncture, for example, were too technical to be useful for a beginner’s book, which this posits itself to be.
June 14, 2018
Great book for those wanting to learn more about TCM. Very understandable
Want to read
December 20, 2021Josie rec
April 13, 2022
I picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about how acupuncture works and for what ailments it is most successful. It's good, but I will continue my search for and even better book.
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