Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture

"Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture is a translation of Zhongguo Zhenjiuxue Gaiyao published in 1964 and re-edited recently. This book features a clear presentation of the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine so as to initiate readers to an understanding of traditional Chinese medicine in general and share its benefits in their clinical practice and study of acupuncture and moxibustion.

The theory of traditional Chinese medicine is totally different from that of modern medicine and has a unique system of its own. Some of the terms are rather difficult to express in other languages, nor is it easy to find an exact translation of the original. Some words that convey the concept of the Chinese terms convey it only in part. To present traditional Chinese medicine factually and faithfully, and as clearly as possible, we have observed the following points in our translation.

Some of the terms with extensive implications and basic meaning, such as yin, yang, xu, shi, zang-fu, qi, sanjiao, etc. are latinized and printed in italics. This is done in order not to distort the original expression and to preserve its traditional significance. The equivalent is given in brackets after the word when deemed necessary.

Such terms as blood, body fluid, phlegm, pericardium, heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney are translated literally though they carry a much broader meaning in the Chinese than in the context of modern medicine, and the reader should not limit them to their strict anatomical meaning. They may stand for the function of the tissue or organ concerned. Weakness of spleen, for instance, may mean a pathological condition of the digestive tract or an etiological factor of edema; over- activity of the liver may refer to functional disease, etc. There will be supplementary and comprehensive explanation in such cases.

Though care has been taken in translation and explanation, certain errors and mieconceptions are likely to occur, and we ask our readers to point out for us any weaknesses in our work."