By
Greg Bantik, L.Ac.
Published in Oriental Medicine (a Pacific College
of Oriental Medicine publication)
With
the publication of Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis we see
another example of the recent maturing process in our textbooks. Authors
John McDonald and Joel Penner have written a lengthy text on this important
aspect of differential diagnosis in Chinese medicine.
The first chapters give lists of
each organ and their major syndromes, along with the most common combined
syndromes. Each syndrome is discussed under the headings; etiology,
clinical manifestations, complications, associated Western conditions,
differential diagnosis, and treatment. These listings provide students
with a good foundation on how to recognize each syndrome, their common
points of origin, how to distinguish them from others that are similar,
what are the common directions through which they develop, and what
are some common Western medical diagnoses given for the syndrome. The
treatment section includes lists of the common acupuncture points and
their indications. Also included are the common herbal formula prescribed
for each syndrome.
The later part of the book includes
several very detailed indexes that contribute significantly to the book's
usefulness as a textbook and clinical reference tool. For example, the
herbal formulas listed earlier under the syndrome are further explained.
Details are given of doses and functions of each individual herb, and
how they act in combination, as well as the overall actions of the formula
and the syndromes for which the formula may be useful. Useful indexes
of the pin yin and English names of the formulas are included. Each
individual herb is indexed in the same way, and all of the formulas
in which it is included are listed.
An index of all of the points in
the text, their functions and the pages they are listed on follows.
The pulse and tongue qualities, and all the syndromes, in which they
occur, are also indexed. There is also a comprehensive symptom index,
showing all the syndrome's any given symptom may occur in. These indexes
provide a valuable research and study feature.
..
I use Zang Fu Syndromes as a classroom
text at Pacific College. Students appreciate it and find it very useful.
I have known John McDonald as a friend and colleague for many years,
and admire greatly his many contributions to our field. The book is
a very useful textbook for students learning how to make a differential
diagnosis and for practitioners to use as a clinic reference.
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