The Art of Acupuncture Techniques (ISBN 1556432305)

Amazon.com Review:
Acupuncture patients who want the nitty-gritty of such needling techniques as depth, placement, and needle type should read The Art of Acupuncture Techniques. It's unique historical perspective preserves theoretical concepts that haven't been taught in China since the Cultural Revolution. The book could stand a glossary, as the Chinese terms for ailments can be a bit confusing, but if you really want to know what's going on during treatment, whether you're seeking relief from a skin condition, angina, or infertility, it's right on target.

Please Re-Read Pericardium-6, "The Wild Card":
This is the clearest text I have found on Chinese Medicine. So many of the large volume texts require an experienced eye to sift through and discern what is clinically useful and what is merely interesting information of no clinical use. In Art of Acupuncture Techniques everything appears to be useful. Although the book is not large in size, it is large in the author's knowledge of medicine, reflected in its comprehensible use of language and succinct presentation, containing more clinically applicable concepts than many other books. After reading the comment from Robert Chu's student (see other reviews), I decided to reread the chapter on Neiguan, "the wild card". It seems that this was an off the cuff remark, clearly made by someone who heard the title, but had not read the chapter, and consequently the comment was not explored with an open mind by the student. The chapter begins by explaining how and why and the circumstances in which Neiguan may be referred to as a wild card. Then clearly explains the dynamic this point plays in acupuncture prescriptions. Clear-cut physiological links are mapped out, showing how and why adding this point can affect countless conditions. Also, the numerous relationships Neiguan has with other organs, meridians, and systems are included. Having a chapter dedicated to this point demonstrates its importance. The chapter ends with 58 prescriptions that include Neiguan. Intelligibly demonstrating a deep understanding of Neiguan's Physiologic Dynamic. I have tried many of these and have been amazed by my patients' feedback. The results continue to be remarkable. I recommend this book to anyone studying and/or practicing acupuncture. As for me, I keep coming back to it, discovering new ideas and deepening those I have already explored. Additionally, the writing style seems to induce a certain way of thinking that expands my understanding in all areas of Chinese medicine, but most importantly in the clinic when I'm standing over a patient about to insert a needle (when it really matters). Thank-You for this outstanding text!

Johns's deep understanding of medicine comes through pages:
Robert Johns has a knack for being able to boil complex concepts down into simple, understandable language without missing any pertitent information. This text is easy to follow and contains important information. All the information in this book comes from his own clinical practice, so it's only here because the perscriptions actually work for him today, not becasue he read it in some ancient text. Robert Johns's deep understanding of chinese medicine comes through as you read the pages of his book. And, if you're a student of acupuncture and will be taking the state board exam in california, note that this book is on the recommmended reading list.

simple book from a brilliant doctor:
I took johns' acupuncture techniques class in SF last year. Among all the teachers and doctors I have known, johns has the deepest knowledge of acupuncture, and more importantly, the greatest amount of skill hands down. Watching his technique makes you understand how little knowledge and skill has been passed on in the post-communist "traditional" chinese medicine era. Although its difficult to learn the correct technique through a book alone, the basic principles and guidelines are clearly depicted. Also, in regards to the robert chu comment about Neiguan being a wildcard - if you read the chapter, it is clear that johns has a thorough understanding of what the point can do. he only calls it a wildcard to stress its importance.

Not a self-help book:
Be forewarned--this book doesn't contain a single illustration! If you were looking to learn about acupressure points to relieve some of your own ailments, you'd probably prefer Acupressure's Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach. That's what I got instead after returning this book.

a must have:
This is one of the best written books on acupuncture I have come across to date...highly recommended!!!!