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Acupuncture in Black and White takes the reader back to the very foundation of all acupuncture theory to the core logic of complementary opposition (Yin-Yang) found in the Yijing. The author first distills the sophistication of acupuncture theory down to its fundamental premise that “Qi is everything and everything is Qi…all phenomena are perturbations and contrasts within in a single field of energy.” He then rebuilds the theory according to Yin-Yang logic using Yijing symbology.

The text organizes and examines the fundamental theories of acupuncture according to the different Yijing perspectives of The One, Two Poles, Four Signs, and Eight Trigrams. This provides a simple, yet logical, way for the reader to come to understand all of acupuncture theory as being an extension of Yin-Yang thinking. The author makes the case that Qi is a perfectly rational concept that may be readily observed and demonstrated in everyday life. Acupuncture in Black and White provides a rational explanation and understanding of some of acupuncture’s more “mysterious” concepts such as possession, chronological acupuncture, and the ties between people and their environment.

The author examines the theories of acupuncture from a viewpoint that creates a single logical mental construct accommodating all the wonder and mystery of the art . The first six chapters lay out a strong theoretical basis including an elaborate discussion of Qi, Yin-Yang, and the symbolic language of the Yijing. The remaining three chapters discuss diagnosis, treatment, and ways in which a practitioner may cultivate themselves according to these theories. The chapter on treatment provides several novel point combinations and point selection strategies that will provide the reader with new tools and strategies for tackling clinical situations. The book simultaneously reduces all of acupuncture theory to simple logic and expands it into new metaphysical heights. Acupuncture in Black and White is a good book for the first year student and the experienced practitioner alike.