Encounters with Qi: Exploring Chinese Medicine

by David Eisenberg, Thomas Lee Wright

When Bill Moyers visited China to explore the mysteries, and the healing potential, of Chinese medicine for his acclaimed PBS series "Healing and the Mind," he sought out David Eisenberg as his guide. For every reader fascinated by the seemingly fantastical aspects of Chinese medicine, from acupuncture addiction to Qi Gong martial arts, this captivating book offers deeper and more detailed encounters with the physicians and patients, the mystics and the martial artists, who were featured on television.

Here is a sympathetic, yet objective appraisal of the concept of Qi (chee), the vital energy which is the unifying principle of Chinese medicine. Here are Chinese sages from the Yellow Emperor of 2700 B.C. to the very modern Dr. Fang, who remarks, "Acupuncture without Qi is only as effective as one man's sticking needles in another." And here are Chinese people from all walks of life as they seek relief, through a rebalancing of their Qi, their vital energy, for ailments from colds to cancer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine, China

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1985

Reviews

[Alana Cash]

Published in 1985, this is a very interesting book that gives a nice perspective on the difference between Chinese and Western thought about health and medicine, physical and psychological illness. The idea that acupuncture needles were inserted for inches is a bit disconcerting as in US they are inserted about 1/8."Acupuncture is now taught in some US medical schools. The study of Qi Gong is interesting and a bit dated, but still informative.

[Debbie]

This is a dated book based on the author's time in China from 1977 - 1985, but it gives a broad overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine. While attending Harvard Medical School, Eisenberg was selected as the first American medical exchange student to China in 1979. This book describes what he learned and highlights the vast differences between TCM and western medicine. Later he served as the principal adviser to the documentary series, Healing and the Mind with Bill Moyers on PBS.

[Edith Z]

About as good as possible of a report on Chinese medicine from a western doctor's pespective. We get an easy introduction to chinese medical thought, compared to the western. It's a good mix of openminded and skeptical, and ultimately points out that healthcare would benefit from each "side" understanding more of the other, and integrating the two philosophies.

[Anesce]

Highly recommended for both those who are and are not familiar with traditional Chinese medicine.

[Onsetsu Evan Cordes]

Good stuff about Western medicine investigating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

There's plenty of skepticism here, but it's not all from the author personally (he has a professional duty to consider, and his colleagues are skeptical, etc.).

It's a good introduction to TCM for someone who's skeptical but curious, I imagine.

[Terimorse]

Qi - pronounced "chee" with long e's means vital energy. Very interesting read, especially if you are interested in how acupuncture works, like I was. Makes you think about alternative medical therapies and if they work. Can the mind predictably alter the body in ways that change the course of health or illness.

[Courtney]

A little outdated, but a really interesting primer/introduction to TCM. I appreciated the MD view (and skepticism) of TCM principles, and there were some kick-ass tales of qi gong. That said, the author's insistence on "reproducible, objective results" and standardized double-blind placebo studies showed some of his ignorance or inability to fully grasp the principles on which TCM is founded.

[Surly Sue]

I have already read most of this book and it is pretty interesting. This is an American anthropologist who goes to China and writes on his experience with Chinese medicine. I love reading about his transformatation of thought from his Western training to Eastern philosophy.

[Liz]

To those interested in the scientific background of Qi this book is great! Eisenberg writes of his time spent in China in search of the scientific evidence of Qi.

[Katie]

thoroughly enjoyed this book. great anecdotes, lots of things to keep in mind about healthcare and the myriad of solutions available for taking care of your mind AND body

[Alan]

OK. The book is from 85 and seems dated now. Personal experiences of first western student at Beijing traditional medicine is interesting.

[Jeff]

Fascinating book.

[Daylynn Foster]

General overview of different aspects of Chinese medicine in the 1970's & 1980's, written in 1985. Easy to read. Learned quite a bit.

[Susanne Meyer-Fitzsimmons]

An older perspective, but still relevant in light of the incredulity of mainstream medicine, and interesting.