Recommended Reading
"Food heals hunger; study heals ignorance."
"Gold is expensive; learning is priceless."
"Learning is like rowing upstream—advance or lose all."
—Chinese proverbs
The interest in Asian healing arts has blossomed since I began writing this book. In my estimation, the following books are the finest in the field. Some are perennial best sellers and others, though in print, may be hard to find.
Acupressure’s Potent Points, A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments
By Michael Reed Gach
Bantam Books
ISBN 0-553-34970-8
Potent Points is a concise manual for the practical application of
acupressure useful for the layman or professional. Each chapter covers a
specific ailment including helpful acupoints, stretches and routines for
alleviating problems varying from migraines to low back pain.
Basics Of Acupuncture, 4th Edition
By Gabriel Stux and Bruce Pomeranz
Springer-Verlag
ISBN 3-540-63235-2
This is the only book on acupuncture published by a medical publishing house.
It was written by medical educators for medical professionals. The scientist,
Dr. Pomeranz, wrote a chapter for those interested in understanding the
scientific basis of acupuncture, followed by a detailed account of the theory
and practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
Do-It-Yourself Shiatsu
By Wataru Ohashi, Vicki Lindner (Editor)
Viking Penguin Books
ISBN 0-14-019351-0
www.ohashi.com
Ohashi is a pioneer in bringing Shiatzu to America. This book has
served as required reading for my Shiatzu classes since its publication
in 1976. It has never gone out of print. Included is a detailed description of
over one hundred acupoints, and every chapter includes hints on how to
successfully improve health and relieve the symptoms of disease.
The Gift Of Pain originally titled Pain: the Gift Nobody Wants
By Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey
Zondervan Publishing House
ISBN 0-310-22144-7
I cannot say it better than C. Everett Koop who says Dr. Brand is "a
surgeon, scholar, investigator and philosopher gifted with rare insight."
This book does not advocate acupressure or other alternative means, but it is a
"must read" for those suffering from chronic pain who want to
understand and seek practical suggestions on dealing with pain.
Healing And The Mind
By Bill Moyers
Doubleday/Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
ISBN 0-385-46870-9
The acclaimed television journalist Bill Moyers authors this book based on
the ground-breaking video series which attempts to heal the rift between modern
and ancient ideas of body and mind.
The Ohashi Bodywork Book
By Wataru Ohashi
ISBN 1-56836-096-7
www.ohashi.com
Ohashi is a true master of Shiatsu who has taken Shiatsu beyond
tradition. He emphasizes mutual exchange of energy through bodywork that
enriches both the giver and receiver. He reveals the secrets of his style, which
have taken a lifetime to develop.
Spontaneous Healing
By Andrew Weil, M.D.
Borzoi Books
ISBN 0-679-43607-3
An inspirational book for those suffering from difficult health problems. Dr.
Weil is an original thinker whose message is needed today. Acupuncture is one of
many specific healing methods suggested in this book.
Thai Massage: A Traditional Medical Technique
By Richard Gold
Churchill Livingstone
ISBN 0-443-05935-7
This is the first book in English that I know of on Thai massage— another
example of the influence of Chinese medicine. Richard Gold is a doctor of
Oriental medicine and an educator who went to Thailand to study this unique
massage style. This book is a practical guide with excellent visual aids.
The Web That Has No Weaver, Understanding Chinese Medicine
By Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.
Congdon & Weed, Inc.
ISBN 0-8092-2933-1
This vital classic explores deep concepts of Chinese medicine presented
simply for the layman. Many acupuncture schools use this as a first year text.
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Of Medicine, The Essential Text of Chinese Health and Healing
By Maoshing Ni, Ph.D.
Shambhala
ISBN 1-57062-080-6
Of the many translations, I think this one is the best overall. The
translator is a doctor of Oriental medicine and a licensed acupuncturist born
into a family of medical practitioners that span many generations.
For additional books about Oriental medicine, acupuncture and acupressure:
BLUE POPPY PRESS
(800) 487-9296
3450 Penrose Place, Ste. 110
Boulder, CO 80301
www.bluepoppy.com
Ask about these Blue Poppy recommended titles: The Curing Series (On topics
including: PMS, fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia and more), Pediatric
Massage, The Tao Of Healthy Eating Blue Poppy publishes many excellent
translations of medical classics.
REDWING BOOKS
(800) 873-3946
44 Linden St.
Brookline, MA 02445
www.redwingbooks.com
Ask about these Redwing recommended titles: Wood Becomes Water, Who Can
Ride The Dragon?, Principles of Chinese Medicine, Principles of Acupuncture