Understanding Acupuncture

"Understanding Acupuncture" – unter diesem Titel ist gerade ein hervorragendes Einführungsbuch von Stephen Birch und Robert Felt im Verlag Churchill Livingstone erschienen. Eine Inhaltsdarstellung finden Sie im folgenden:

The first chapter of the book describes the historical development of acupuncture before 1900 in the various countries in which it developed and to which it travelled, focussing on the sociocultural and philosophical influences during this period.

The second chapter continues the historical development to the present period, showing how sociocultural, political and economic influences in the various countries where acupuncture has been practiced this century have guided its development. These two chapters develop the major themes addressed in the remaining chapters and lay the groundwork for understanding the bewildering variety of styles and methods of practice in the field today.

The third chapter presents the broad theoretical basis from the historical literature, modern interpretations of that diverse literature and various models of practice associated with those interpretations, with examples from a number of major "traditions".

The fourth chapter asks the question "how does acupuncture work?" It presents a summary of scientific research with a broad critique of that work, exposing cultural biases, limitations to the work, and unasked questions.

The fifth chapter asks the question "what does acupuncture treat?" This introduces the clinical research of acupuncture, presenting a summary of current evidence, with critiques and recommendations for better methodologies in the investigation of effectiveness.

The sixth chapter examines the diagnostic methods and findings, showing how they bridge between the theoretical model of each system of acupuncture and their treatments, using examples from several major "traditions".

The seventh chapter examines the treatment methods and tools used by acupuncturists. Various traditions of practice are explored in terms of what they do, and with various cases illustrating major "traditions". The final chapter explores the possible futures of acupuncture, raising questions that are probably vital to its future direction and growth.

The appendices explore the major historical texts of acupuncture and list major resources in the field.

Stephen Birch, Robert Felt 1999
Understanding Acupuncture
Churchill Livingstone
Edinburgh, London, New York
ISBN 0-443-06179-3

Nächste Meldung: Akupunktur innerhalb der Fachgebietsgrenzen