Pursuing the Elixir of Life

Chinese Medicine for Health

Since time immemorial Man has pursued the elusive elixir of life. The wisdom of ancient Chinese medicine declared immortality unattainable, but offered the elixir of longevity through lifestyle, diet, the judicious use of herbal tonics and the practice of subtle but powerful exercises of qigong and taijiquan.

This concise volume explains in modern scientific language the principles of ancient Chinese methods of health and the practice of yangsheng 养生 or life cultivation. Natural holistic solutions to health issues and the intricacies of Chinese diagnosis and therapies are brilliantly exposed, complete with detailed descriptions of herbs, acupuncture and tuina.

Discover appetizing recipes for soups, porridges and teas that give you that healthy glow and nourish your body and soul. Based on a series of popular lectures by the authors, this book opens a new chapter in your pursuit of a long and fulfilling life. It is also excellent preparation for more advanced studies in Chinese medicine.

Contents:

• From Spirits to Natural Science:

  • The Origins of Chinese Medicine

• Why Chinese Medicine Matters:

  • Ten Distinguishing Characteristics of TCM

• The Precious Ingredients of Life:

  • Basic Substances in the Body

• The Inner Workings of the Human Body:

  • A Unique Narrative Drawn from Experience

• Why We Fall Ill:

  • Diagnosis and Principles of Therapy

• Hope Springs Eternal:

  • Ancient Wisdom on the Elixir of Life

• Nature's Goodness in a Humble Root:

  • The Nature and Flavour of Herbs

• Potions That Heal:

  • Herbs and Herbal Formulations

• Navigating the Body's Meridian Network:

  • Acupuncture and Tuina

• Attaining Longevity and Vitality:

  • The Art and Science of Cultivating Life

• Medicated Foods and Teas:

  • Healthy Recipes that Please the Gourmet

• Nip it in the Bud:

  • The Prevention and Management of Chronic illnesses

• A Brave New World:

  • Will TCM and Biomedicine Converge?

• Annex 1: Common Chinese Herbs

• Annex 2: Common Chinese Prescriptions

• Annex 3: Glossary of Common Names of Herbs

• References

• Additional Information on TCM

• Index

Readership: General readers interested in cultivating health; students and practitioners of medicine and healthcare who wish to gain a modern insight into the mysteries of Chinese medicine.