Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life

by Gail Reichstein, Robert Rex (Foreword), Jessica DePete MS LAc (Foreword)

The groundbreaking work exploring how ancient Chinese medicine can be an integral part of our lives today - now in a 20th anniversary edition.

Wood Becomes Water uses the five elements of Chinese cosmology -- wood, fire, earth, metal, and water -- to introduce readers to the connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual forces in their lives. Practical, accessible, and wise, the book shows how the centuries-old techniques and philosophies of Chinese medicine can be applied to everyday issues of health and well-being in the modern world.

Genres: Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nonfiction, Reference, Medicine, Nutrition

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Nikki Coffelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

fabulous book for the novice in this area. i simply wanted some basic building blocks to develop my nascent understanding of a nearly year-long descent into the healing world of acupuncture (unfortunately the docs don't normally tell you much about what they are observing/doing with the needles) and this book definitely fit the bill. i also have a piquing interest in qi gong, which was alluded to here and there and i appreciated that as well as recommendations to maximize feeling supported by your living space (feng shui) and some basic recipes to try. very holistic and accessible, though not comprehensive by any means. highly recommended for the layperson who wants some basics about chinese medicine.

[Stacy Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wood Becomes Water by Gail Reichstein is a delightful journey through the world of Chinese Medicine. Reichstein weaves personal anecdotes and in-depth knowledge of the principles of Chinese Medicine into a captivating narrative that makes this book hard to put down.

Through vivid descriptions of her own experiences with acupuncture and herbal medicine, Reichstein demystifies the sometimes intimidating world of Chinese Medicine and makes it accessible to readers from all walks of life. Her insights into the emotional and spiritual aspects of health and healing are particularly enlightening.

However, the book could benefit from a more systematic organization and a clearer structure. The anecdotes, while entertaining, can be somewhat distracting from the main ideas and principles of Chinese Medicine.

Overall, Wood Becomes Water is a great read for anyone interested in exploring the principles of Chinese Medicine in everyday life. While it could benefit from some structural improvements, Reichstein's engaging writing style and personal insights make it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the mind-body connection and the power of Chinese Medicine.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and useful guide to TCM according to the elements.

[Lauren Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent primer on the five elements that was fun to read timed with the appropriate seasons. While I could appreciate it enough, it isn't really practical for the layperson.

[Selene Colburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was good, though I have little to compare it to. It helped me understand certain things about chinese medicine and the elements (namely the concept of influence & some diagnostic principles) that I hadn't been able to grasp in other concepts. The hazy spirituality that crept in wasn't a great match for my taste, but I suspect other would love it.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 11 years receiving acupuncture in the Five Element style, I find this book enormously interesting and helpful. The profiles of each pattern of deficiency and excess are fascinating as are the diagrams of interrelating imbalances. Last but certainly not least, the sections on foods to support each element in season have been an invaluable resource.

[zeknir · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an introduction to chinese medicine, this was fantastic. it gave me great insight into the way it all works in alignment with the five element system, in relatable ways that allowed me to grasp the concepts. i feel much less intimidated by the vastness of chinese medicine. i’m very excited to delve deeper.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really helpful Chinese Medicine introduction, but maybe too simplistic at times? (In terms of its identification of "primary" imbalances and possible resulting patterns.) I love this book overall though. A good, quick reference guide.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Will be a good addition to my reference library. I feel that I need to read it again to absorb all the information. I think I need more background knowledge in Chinese Medicine first.

[Michelle Brimley]

I really need to get to this one, it's part of my course of study.

[Maria Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer.

[Shelly Caldeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes understanding the qualities of energy movement easy... not tooo esoteric!

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of 5 elements, not totally my style, but a good intro for me.