Contemporary medical acupuncture: a systems approach

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture aims to bridge the gap between classical acupuncture therapy and contemporary medicine to achieve their ultimate integration. Based on updated reviews and systematic analyses, the meridians are actually systems of physiological and pathological reflexes in the body, and whole body reflex zones is proposed, which may efficiently inherit and clarify the meridian system. The systems methodology, together with the authors' clinical expertise of 40 years, is applied to raise the reproducibility of effectiveness in treating various indications of acupuncture, especially intractable cases. Outstanding features of the book are its incisive and concrete descriptions about theories and techniques of clinical acupuncture, a novel systems approach, and a great deal of case studies. It is an advanced, practical, and valuable resource for any acupuncture practitioner interested in sharpening clinical skills, as well as an essential and comprehensive text for medical doctors and other healthcare professionals who desire to learn the essence of medical acupuncture and integrate it into their general practice.

Challenges in advancing classical acupuncture.- Reflex arcs: basis of acupuncture.- Reflex zones: essence of the meridians.- Mechanisms of acupuncture functions.- Mechanisms of propagation of needling sensations.- Black box of the patient.- Gathering reflex information from the body surface.- Input of intervening information of acupuncture.- Feedback principle of treatment.- Factors influencing effectiveness of acupuncture.- Strategies to raise therapeutic effectiveness.- Advanced needling techniques.- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system.- Disorders of the nervous system.- Mental disorders.- Disorders of ophthalmology.- Disorders of otorinolaringology.- Dental disorders.- Disorders of circulatory system.- Disorders of respiratory system.- Disorders of digestive system.- Disorders of urogenital system.- Disorders of the skin.- Disorders of endocrine.- Other disorders.- Appendix A: The atlas of whole body reflex zones.- Appendix B: Index of acupoints and extraordinary points.- Appendix C: Frequently asked questions

This book aims to connect and integrate classical acupuncture therapy and contemporary medicine. Based on updated reviews and systematic analyses, the meridians are actually systems of physiological and pathological reflexes in the body, and acupuncture therapy is a type of reflexotherapy. The systems methodology, together with the authors clinical expertise of 40 years, is applied to raise the reproducibility of effectiveness in treating various indications of acupuncture, especially intractable cases. Incisive and concrete theory and technique descriptions, a novel systems approach, and many case studies are included. This book is an advanced, practical, and valuable resource for acupuncture practitioners interested in sharpening clinical skills. It also provides an essential and comprehensive text for health care professionals interested in integrating medical acupuncture into their practice.