Dao of Chinese medicine : understanding an ancient healing art / Donald E. Kendall.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kendall, Donald E.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Medicine, Chinese.

Tao.

Medicine, Chinese Traditional.

Physiology--history.

Blood Circulation.

Medical Subjects:

Medicine, Chinese Traditional.

Physiology--history.

Blood Circulation.

Physical Description:

xiii, 356 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2002.

Summary:

The ancient art of Chinese medicine is as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago when it was first developed. Early Chinese medical research was firmly rooted in physiological studies, including postmortem dissections, and led to such discoveries as blood circulation; the first description of immune system function; unique features of the internal organ system; information about the brain, spinal cord, and sensory function; neurovascular nodes of acupuncture; somatovisceral relationships; the organization of the musculoskeletal system; and a possible correlation with the endocrine glands. The Dao of Chinese Medicine takes a fresh look at an ancient system of physiological medicine, offering new and accurate interpretations of the Huangdi Neijing, with over 200 citations to more than 80 treatises that demonstrate the true genius of the ancient Chinese physicians. This is a fascinating, truly groundbreaking guide to the philosophy, practice, and dao -- or true way -- of Chinese medicine. The book is written with intelligence and insight, and backed by a wealth of experience, for the interested individual, for students and practitioners of Chinese medicine, and for Western medical professionals seeking a more meaningful grasp of this ancient healing art.

Contents:

1 In Search of the Dao 1

Early Western Exposure

Authenticity of Chinese Medicine

Toward Understanding

2 Ancient Beginnings 16

Out of the Stone Age

Emergence of the Zhou Dynasty

Early Medical Concepts

Medicine as a Rational System

Celebrated Texts

3 Early Understanding of Physiology 30

Postmortem Studies

Skeletal and Body Measurements

Function and Classification of Internal Organs

Anatomical Information on Internal Organs

Physiological Relationships

Nerves in Ancient Times

4 Qualities of Opposition 56

Classification of All Things

Anatomical Notation in the Yin-Yang System

View of Internal Organs

Dynamic Interplay between Yin and Yang

5 Need for Medicine 73

Cause and Treatment of Disease

Development of Therapeutic Approaches

Medicines for Internal and External Use

Needling Therapy (Acupuncture)

Heating Therapy

Physical Medicine

Prevention and Rehabilitation

6 Interaction of Sky and Earth 89

Dynamic Forces of Evolution

Interaction of Earth Phases

Products of the Soil

Flavors in Health and Disease

Herbal and Dietary Therapies

7 Spirit, Vitality, and Emotions 111

Role and Meaning of Spirit

Origin of the Spirit

Organ Vitalities and Emotions

Organ Vitalities and Endocrine Glands

8 Basic Substances and Metabolism 128

Vital Substances

Body Fluids

Role and Function of Blood

Key Metabolic Features

Overall Metabolic Processes

9 Vessels and Collaterals 144

Vessel Organization

Singular Distribution Vessels: Jimai

Communication Vessels: Shumai

Main Distribution Vessels: Jingmai

Collateral Vessels: Luomai

Fine Vessels: Sunmai

10 Blood Circulation 167

Role of the Heart in Circulation

Nutrient Circulation Cycles

Circulation of Defensive Substances

11 Distribution Vessels and Nodal Pathways 182

Anterior Vessel and Nodal Pathways

Vessels of Anterior Medial Hand: Lungs

Vessels of Anterior Lateral Hand: Large Intestine

Vessels of Anterior Lateral Foot: Stomach

Vessels of Anterior Medical Foot: Spleen

Posterior Vessel and Nodal Pathways

Vessels of Posterior Medial Hand: Heart

Vessels of Posterior Lateral Hand: Small Intestine

Vessels of Posterior Lateral Foot: Bladder

Vessels of Posterior Medial Foot: Kidneys

Medial and Lateral Vessel and Nodal Pathways

Vessels of Medial Hand: Pericardium

Vessels of Lateral Hand: Internal Membrane

Vessels of Lateral Foot: Gallbladder

Vessels of Medial Foot: Liver

Deep Singular Vessel Nodal Pathways

12 Muscle Distributions 214

Features of the Muscular System

Longitudinal Distribution of Muscles

Muscles of Posterior Lateral Foot: Bladder

Muscles of Lateral Foot: Gallbladder

Muscles of Anterior Lateral Foot: Stomach

Muscles of Anterior Medial Foot: Spleen

Muscles of Posterior Medial Foot: Kidneys

Muscles of Medial Foot: Liver

Muscles of Posterior Lateral Hand: Small Intestine

Muscles of Lateral Hand: Internal Membrane

Muscles of Anterior Lateral Hand: Large Intestine

Muscles of Anterior Medial Hand: Lungs

Muscles of Medial Hand: Pericardium

Muscles of Posterior Medial Hand: Heart

13 View of Health and Disease 239

Physiological Balance and Homeostasis

External and Internal Assault

Environmental Pathogenic Routes

Manifestations of Disease

Clinical Presentation

Differentiation of Syndromes

14 Mechanisms of Action 256

Tissue Response to Needling

Nociceptive Activation

Propriospinal Participation

Somatovisceral Relationships

Controlling Pathways

15 Treatment Approaches 286

Principles of Treatment

Primary and Secondary Manifestations

Therapeutic Methods

Needling Therapy

Use of Critical Nodes in Treatment Strategies

Frequency and Number of Treatments

Standards of Practice.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

0195921046

OCLC:

51336784