Chinese Medicine : Clinical Experiences

Introduction

Clinical Experiences, the fourth volume in the series "Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology" joins with two others, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Formulae, in providing practical applications of Chinese medicine. As such, it will be most useful if the reader has a working knowledge of the theories and principles of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology as presented in the first volume of this series. An understanding of the physiology and pathology of the human body, disease etiology, diagnosis, and differentiation of symptom-complexes, including the theories of Yin-Yang, Five Elements, zang-fu, channels-collaterals, qi, blood, and body fluid, will enable one to make the most efficient use of the information contained here.

The contents of this volume are arranged according to the characteristics and therapeutic methods of treating common diseases, both internal and external. Each section begins with a brief description of the disease. This is followed by a discussion of the disease's Etiology and Pathogenesis. The next section includes two parts: (a) Syndrome Differentiation, which identifies the characteristics of the disease; and (b) Therapeutic Principles, which outlines the recommended therapies for the various syndromes.

The Classification and Treatment section which follows is most practical in that it includes detailed descriptions of the manifestations of each syndrome, the therapeutic principles involved, and the prescriptions recommended for treatment. These prescriptions list the Latin name for each component as well as the quantity required in the formula. In many cases, a Remarks section specifies slight alterations which can be made to the formula to make it more effective in treating a syndrome with unusual manifestations, and a section called Experiential Prescriptions lists additional formulae. The presentation of the material in this well-organized, step-by-step manner makes this volume especially useful for self-study.

Finally, Clinical Experiences is unique. It brings together for the first time the clinical experiences of ancient practitioners as well as those of the finest doctors practicing throughout China today. Use of this volume, with its practical applications, will enable readers and users of this material to join in the long tradition of Chinese medicine and pharmacology and thus help promote the development and dissemination of this ancient art and science.