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Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sun
 
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Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sun [Hardcover]

Kiiko Matsumoto , Stephen Birch , Herb Rich
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Book Description

Point names, the traditional means of identifying acupoints, have meanings that are hard to grasp. This text promotes understanding of each point's use in acupuncture practice by considering the meaning, context and significance of each. The 363 points covered are listed according to the system currently in use in China.

From the Author

This is a quite unique book in the field. The title does not capture the breadth of information covered in this text. The authors not only compiled historical and modern uses of hara diagnosis (abdominal palpation) in the field of East Asian medicine, but also attempted a compilation of historical and modern literatures in an effort to explain how and why Japanese practitioners have placed such a strong emphasis on hara diagnosis. After introducing the historical literature, the text examines the several important concepts and models that are found in the early literature. In particular the internal pathways of the extraordinary vessels are discussed in detail. Mental and emotional correspondences and concepts in East Asian medicine are also discussed. The source theories of the Ling Shu and especially the Nan Jing are described in some detail. The concepts of the moving qi between the kidneys and the triple burner are described at great length, and in more detail than in most other books. Historical ideas about the anatomical basis of the triple burner and the channel systems, and speculations about the embryological development of these systems are also described. Modern anatomical correlates are postulated, examining the possible anatomical basis of the channel systems, extraordinary vessels, triple burner and moving qi between the kidneys, including detailed discussions about possible embryological correlations. Although speculative in nature, these discussions compile a wide and very interesting variety of theories that can extend our understanding of acupuncture.

The clinical chapters of the text describe basic methods of examining the hara, the various palpatory findings and their general interpretations. This is followed by a large chapter on abdominal shiatsu, and a compilation of traditional Japanese massage methods. The use of hara diagnosis in meridian therapy and especially in the work of Dr. Yoshio Manaka are detailed. The last two chapters extend Manaka's ideas compiling a variety of clinically useful ideas and methods including the system of open points. These chapters on the work of Manaka serve as a good introduction to the use of ion-pumping cords, and Manaka's general treatment approach.


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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Why can't a good textbook be beautiful? But it can!, Oct 5 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sun (Hardcover)
Do you believe textbooks can't show any personality? Are you convinced reference books can't be beautiful or poetic? WRONG!!! I studied with Kiiko for a little over three years, and this book has all her attributes. It is beautifully organized and arranged, elegantly researched and argued, wide-ranging in its interests and as beautiful as any Japanese Ikebana. Everything in this volume is carefully conceived and executed, from the layout and design (even the paper is special--handle it and you'll see what I mean) to the extraordinary, handsome illustrations, to the extensive and very helpful bibliographies. They all reflect Kiiko herself and her attitude that everything in life should be done with complete attention, total organization, creativity and a sense of whimsy. If you look carefully, with an open mind, you may also notice that, when carefully considered, some of the ancient theories--when graphed--actually yield an illustration that looks startlingly like certain Western scientfic representations! (I won't spoil your fun by naming them here.) And for those of you who'd like a general summary of the text, it covers the development of acupuncture theory in Japan, the Hara (stomach palpation) diagnosis of the title, general summaries of the work of Kiiko's major teachers (including the extraordinary Dr. Manaka), and even a section on So Tai Ho, the Japanese form closely akin to chiropractic that uses gentle movements coordinated with breathing exercise to achieve pain relief and sometimes a much deeper level of healing. To top it all off, the illustrations intended to help practitioners are clear, as are the instructions. All in all, a beautiful, instructive volume. I loved it, even when I had to use it as a text in acupuncture school--and that's saying something! Whoever heard of someone loving their textbook?!!
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Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Why can't a good textbook be beautiful? But it can!, Oct 5 1997
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sun (Hardcover)
Do you believe textbooks can't show any personality? Are you convinced reference books can't be beautiful or poetic? WRONG!!! I studied with Kiiko for a little over three years, and this book has all her attributes. It is beautifully organized and arranged, elegantly researched and argued, wide-ranging in its interests and as beautiful as any Japanese Ikebana. Everything in this volume is carefully conceived and executed, from the layout and design (even the paper is special--handle it and you'll see what I mean) to the extraordinary, handsome illustrations, to the extensive and very helpful bibliographies. They all reflect Kiiko herself and her attitude that everything in life should be done with complete attention, total organization, creativity and a sense of whimsy. If you look carefully, with an open mind, you may also notice that, when carefully considered, some of the ancient theories--when graphed--actually yield an illustration that looks startlingly like certain Western scientfic representations! (I won't spoil your fun by naming them here.) And for those of you who'd like a general summary of the text, it covers the development of acupuncture theory in Japan, the Hara (stomach palpation) diagnosis of the title, general summaries of the work of Kiiko's major teachers (including the extraordinary Dr. Manaka), and even a section on So Tai Ho, the Japanese form closely akin to chiropractic that uses gentle movements coordinated with breathing exercise to achieve pain relief and sometimes a much deeper level of healing. To top it all off, the illustrations intended to help practitioners are clear, as are the instructions. All in all, a beautiful, instructive volume. I loved it, even when I had to use it as a text in acupuncture school--and that's saying something! Whoever heard of someone loving their textbook?!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Mainstay in My Clinical Library, Oct 30 2010
By achdukleidustein "none" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sun (Hardcover)
I have been in practice since 1992; this book was a Godsend when it first came out, and continues to be a mainstay in my practice, i continue to learn from it and apply the information to my work.

It is also a lovely text on Shiatsu that would be very valuable to any Bodyworker or Massage Therapist that wants to take their work to the next level

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book, Jun 17 2010
By lausm03 - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sun (Hardcover)
Very exhaustive review of the belly diagnosis and treatment with the shiatsu therapy technique.
A reference for all practicers.
 Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  5.0 out of 5 stars 
 
 
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