P. Kofen – illustratör

In 1987, our first book Acupuncture: Textbook and Atlas received rave reviews (e.g., in New England Journal of Medicine). This prompted us to write this smaller, affordable version in order to reach a wider audience. The smaller format has been so successful that we are now into our fourth revised edition. This has given us the opportunity to update and improve the book. For example, nu­ merous new references to scientific advances have been added. Also the section on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was ad­ ded because it gives a more complete picture of the current prac­ tice of acupuncture. Acupuncture has come a long way since our first book in 1987. There has been a surge of interest in treating drug addictions by ear acupuncture in 450 centers world wide. The treatment of nau­ sea and vomiting has been so well tested (scientifically) that the FDA (USA) is considering making this the major indication for acupuncture in America. Research into its efficacy for neurologi­ cal and pulmonary diseases is also gaining credibility. No longer is chronic pain the only scientifically acceptable use for acupuncture (based on the endorphin mechanism).

We are very pleased that it has become necessary after such a short time to publish a new edition of this handy guide to acupuncture, which is intended to combine practicality with an affordable price. It, just like the first edition, is based on our larger Acupunclure­ Textbook and Atlas, but we have taken this opportunity to revise and update the text. For example, several scientific advances have been included in Chapter 2 (e. g. , findings of recent studies on drug addiction, antiemetic effects, and urogenital efficacy). In response to numerous requests we have added a detailed account of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Chapter 8. Although most practitioners in the West have been using "scien­ tific" acupuncture (e. g. , stimulating peripheral nerves to release endorphins), a growing number are now trying TCM approaches. The mechanism of action of TCM is unknown: the method is based on empirical phenomenology and pattern recognition rather than cause-and-effect logic. Nevertheless, double-blind, controlled scien­ tific trials are required to determine whether TCM is more effective than "scientific" acupuncture. Scientific assessment of TCM in con­ trolled clinical trials is possible even in the absence of a scientific explanation of its mechanism of action, i. e. , even if we do not know how it works. Many successful Western medical procedures are empirical; for instance, gaseous anesthetics are used widely al­ though we do not understand how they work.