Research on Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Acupuncture Anesthesia.

Research on Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Acupuncture Anesthesia The use of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of patients with various disorders is a time-honored tradition in China that often remains shrouded in mystery and uncertainty when analyzed by clinicians from Western cultures. This text represents one of the first efforts by Chinese scientists and clinicians to dispel some of the notions held by a selection of their Western counterparts, regarding the scientific bases underlying acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupuncture anesthesia.

The text contains articles from a national symposium held in Beijing, China, June 1 to 5, 1979. Over 100 scientists from abroad participated in the conference. Each of the 119 articles represents full publication of the presenter's material. Articles are divided into four sections: research on the mechanisms of acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupuncture anesthesia (53 articles, 568 pages, 3 parts); research on channel-collaterals and points (19 articles, 214 pages); clinical research on acupuncture and moxibustion (20 articles, 177 pages); and clinical research on acupuncture anesthesia (26 articles, 219 pages). About 100 of the papers are clinical reports on exceptionally large samples, ranging from 72 ("Acupuncture Anesthesia Using Yeping Point for Upper Extremity Operations") to 9,375 ("Thyroidectomy Under Acupuncture Anesthesia"). It is unclear why Part 1 of the text was divided into three sections. Perhaps the greatest deficit in this book is the absence of an index to help readers identify specific content more clearly. In addition, most references following each contribution are written in Chinese. Some of the article translations are obtuse, but for the most part the translators have done a remarkable job of expressing content clearly.

The strengths of the text considerably outweigh the weaknesses. Reviewing these materials allows the serious student or clinician who is interested in using acupuncture or understanding its mode of action to gain first-hand insights into Oriental thinking. I was surprised to find that the basic scientific application of electrophysiology, chemomanipulation, and ultrastructure to animal brains (primarily cat, rabbit, and rat) is reasonably sophisticated. Neurophysiological analyses are quantified and are related to specific acupuncture point test stimuli. When reading Part 4, which treats clinical research in an almost conversational manner, I was surprised to learn the specificity with which medications are used as an adjunct to acupuncture anesthesia.

I highly recommend this text as a reference resource for any clinician or student seriously interested in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of moxibustion or acupuncture from a totally Eastern perspective. Despite the fact that some findings stem work completed over eight years ago, the book's content will prove enlightening and educational.