Recommended Readings

We are happy to offer a list of recommended books on several topics within Chinese Medicine.
All of these books should be available at redwingbooks.com unless otherwise noted. They may also be available at local specialty bookstores.

All of these recommendations come from our personal experience. There are obviously many other excellent books out there; this is simply a list of books that we have found to be useful and would like to share. Feel free to contact us with any thoughts or questions on our recommendations.

The following recommendations are organized in alphabetical order by topic.

Classical Chinese Medicine

The following books by Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee are from the "Chinese Medicine from the Classics" series from Monkey Press. From the Monkey Press website:"The aim of this series is to help establish a basic familiarity with the original medical and philosophical texts which are the foundation of Chinese medicine. An understanding of these classical roots is essential for a deeper awareness and appreciation of the profound insights and potential applications of this ancient healing system."

The Eight Extraordinary Channels, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee

Essence, Spirit, Blood and Qi, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee

The Extraordinary Fu, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee

Organ Series, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee
Liver
Heart
Lungs
Spleen and Stomach
Kidneys
Heart Master and Triple Heater

Rooted in Spirit,The Heart of Chinese Medicine, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee.
Chapter 8 of the Ling Shu with translation, interpretation and commentary

The Secret Treatise of the Spiritual Orchid, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee
Chapter Eight of the Su Wen with translation, interpretation and commentary

The Seven Emotions, Psychology and Health in Ancient China, Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee

The Way of Heaven,Claude Larre, S.J.
Chapters 1 and 2 of the Su Wen with translation, interpretation and commentary

Other highly recommended texts on Classical Chinese Medicine:

Forgotten Traditions of Ancient Chinese Medicine, Xu Da Cun, Paul Unschuld translator

Medicine in China:Nan Ching, The Classic of Difficulties, Paul Unschuld translator

Clinical Texts (for Practitioners and Students)

These are reference books that we have found to be helpful and that we regularly use in our clinic.

Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, John Chen and Tina Chen
A very good materia medica that we use daily. We heartily recommend this for practitioners.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 3rd Edition, Dan Bensky, Steven Clavey, Erich Stoger
This 3rd edition is far superior to the 2nd edition. It has been expanded to more than twice the size of the last edition with a much more useful format. Students should find this materia medica particularly helpful.

Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Formulas Handbook, Hong Yen Hsu
A formula reference book oriented to traditional formulas from Brion Herb Corp.

Notes from South Mountain, A Guide to Concentrated Granules, Andrew Ellis
A formula reference book oriented to traditional formulas from KPC, with suggested modifications, etc.

Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine, Giovanni Maciocia

Treatment of Disease in TCM, Phillipe Sionneau and Lu Gang
An excellent seven volume series.

General Interest Chinese Medicine

A Brief History of Qi, by Zhang Yu Huan and Ken Rose
This is a good introduction to the concept of qi, with sections on qi in Chinese philosphy, literature, art, self-cultivation, medicine, martial arts and modern Chinese culture.

Four Paws Five Directions, Cheryl Schwartz, DVM
This is an accessible introduction to the use of Chinese medicine with cats and dogs.

Medicine in China: A History of Ideas, Paul Unschuld
This is an in-depth look at the history of Chinese medicine by a highly regarded scholar. This is part of the excellent "Medicine in China" series, all of which are recommended.

The Web That Has No Weaver, Ted Kaptchuk
This is one of the best substantial introductions to fundamental theories of Chinese medicine.

Language

Chinese Characters, Their origin, etymology, history, classification and signification, Dr. L. Weiger, S.J.
This is an excellent book for exploring Chinese characters in depth, within a traditional and historical context. It is available at barnesandnoble.com

Matthews' Chinese English Dictionary
This Chinese English dictionary is one of the best available. Although it uses Wade rather than pinyin romanization, it offers a much more complete, traditional view of the language than post-cultural revolution dictionaries. It is available at barnesandnoble.com

Philosophy

Chuang Tzu, Burton Watson translator
This is probably the best english language version of Chuang Tzu. Much of the philosophy of Chinese medicine comes from classics such as this.

Tao Teh Ching, John Wu translator
This is a good translation of the most fundamental Daoist text. It includes the chinese text on the page opposite the english translation.

The Secret and Sublime, Taoist Mysteries and Magic, John Blofeld
This book has well written and entertaining sections on popular Daoism, philosophical Daoism, Daoist yoga (qigong) and mystical Daoism. From the back cover: "Most of the book relates to the author's personal experiences as the guest of Taoist recluses practicing the Taoist art of 'doing by not doing' - i.e. action that is ego-free."

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