William
Morris
Academic
Dean, Emporer's College, Los Angeles, CA.
published in T.C.M. World
At
last, a complete clinical reference text on the differential diagnosis
and treatment of Zang Fu syndromes has emerged. Drs. John McDonald and
Joel Penner have elucidated the Zang Fu model in an easy to use, and
accessible format. Although there are other materials available on the
subject, "Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment" has
the distinct virtue of being comprehensive and well organized.
The
syndromes are presented according to the five elements. Each chapter
begins with diagrams that clearly lay out each of the Zang Fu patterns
within an element, concluding with flow charts that demonstrate the
interrelationships of the various related patterns. There is an in-depth
study of several syndromes, their etiology, clinical manifestations,
complications, associated Western conditions, differential diagnosis
and treatment principles. Treatment options presented include acupuncture,
with the functions of recommended points and comm only used herbal formulas.
Each formulae is cross-referenced, by page number, to an extensive section
on herbal formulas.
The
formula section allows the practitioner or student to match syndromes
with their appropriate formulas, and provides a detailed look at the
individual herbs within the formula, dosages, actions of the formula,
clinical manifestations, western associated diseases, contraindications
and modifications. Although it is clear that the authors were not attempting
to reproduce the materia medica, what they have done is provided a selective
amount of information that enables the practitioner or student to choose
an herbal formula with a competent understanding of its uses.
The
241-page index renders this book uniquely organized and useful. The
authors state in their introduction that the indexes were created in
order to make the volume "user friendly," it has accomplished just that.
This index includes: a Pin Yin formula index, a Latin individual herb
index, a pin yin individual herb index, a points index, a tongue and
pulse index and a very extensive symptom index.
Whether
used in the classroom as a learning tool or in the clinic as a reference
book, Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment provides
its readers with the foundation from which sound diagnostic and treatment
protocols may be derived and implemented. This book is a valuable tool
in the practice of Chinese Medicine, and an excellent tome on this fundamental
model of TCM practice.
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