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How do I Choose the Best Acupuncture Books?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four items to look for when choosing the best acupuncture books: author credentials, illustrations, quality of writing, and material arrangement. Acupuncture is the traditional health technique that uses small needles, placed in very specific locations to solve health problems and treat illness. Acupuncture is a recognized medical treatment in Asia and many parts of Europe.

In North American, acupuncture is very popular as an alternative medicine practice. However, there is no certification process for acupuncturist. As a result, the quality of the practitioner varies widely. This lack of authentication process means that virtually anyone can write a book about acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an alternative health care option that is increasing in popularity among Western physicians.
Acupuncture is an alternative health care option that is increasing in popularity among Western physicians.

When looking for the best acupuncture books, review the author's credentials with care. Most publishers take the time to include a detailed bibliography of the author on the book jacket. Research this information to determine if it is accurate and the significance of the information provided. For example, a biography can indicate training was completed at a specific college in Asia with a very impressive name. Take time to find out the entrance requirements, course curriculum, and quality of instructors.

The body has hundreds of acupuncture points that correspond to different organs or body parts.
The body has hundreds of acupuncture points that correspond to different organs or body parts.

Acupuncture is a very precise form of medical treatment. It is only effective if the needle is inserted in exactly the right location. High quality illustrations are essential to help you find the right spot. These illustrations are often detailed diagrams of key body systems. This information is essential to truly understand the implications of the recommended processes.

Acupuncture is a very precise form of medical treatment.
Acupuncture is a very precise form of medical treatment.

Review the quality of the writing before purchasing the acupuncture books. The text should be clear, relatively jargon-free, and have proper English grammar structure. Open the book to any page and start reading. You should be able to understand the general concept the writer is trying to convey, along with what information you do not know.

Read the introduction and then look at the table of contents. The material should be organized in a logical fashion, following the overall summary provided in the table of contents. Illustrations should be relevant to the text and have a caption underneath. Any photographs should be attributed, as should any illustrations.

The best acupuncture books provide sufficient detail so that you have a thorough understanding of the objective, method, and expected results of acupuncture. Avoid books that make unsubstantiated claims and extol the virtues of one particular acupuncturist or treatment center. Biased acupuncture books do not help anyone make the best choice for their health.

Discussion Comments

lonelygod

Books on acupuncture are really valuable in my opinion but learning specific techniques are much more complicated than they appear in the pages of a text. I have struggled with studying acupuncture for the last few years, and have only had some success with actually using acupuncture to help others.

My goal is to eventually work with facial rejuvenation acupuncture because I feel there are a lot of people out there willing to try new things to look younger. Right now, it seems to me that true acupuncture masters need to put in years of study to get really good at what they do. I don't think I will be making my own successful business anytime soon.

letshearit

For those that are looking to learn Chinese acupuncture, the right books and acupuncture supplies can be really helpful. Acupuncture therapy has done wonderful things for my health. I have a bad back and the acupuncture has really helped me overcome some of my physical limitations. Now, I am interested in studying acupuncture and helping others out.

There is a small natural medicine school in my city that teaches Chinese acupuncture and they actually helped us choose all the best acupuncture books for our course. I think that having someone knowledgeable with you is better than just choosing something by a famous author. This is especially true if you are looking for information on practical application, verses just theory.

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    • Acupuncture is an alternative health care option that is increasing in popularity among Western physicians.
      By: photok21
      Acupuncture is an alternative health care option that is increasing in popularity among Western physicians.
    • The body has hundreds of acupuncture points that correspond to different organs or body parts.
      By: Max Tactic
      The body has hundreds of acupuncture points that correspond to different organs or body parts.
    • Acupuncture is a very precise form of medical treatment.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      Acupuncture is a very precise form of medical treatment.