Part 1, “Foundational Theories in Chinese Medicine,” introduces the theoretical underpinnings of all Chinese medical science and philosophy. While not as detailed as a medical textbook, it is fairly extensive for two reasons. It provides the intellectual core necessary for understanding and accomplishment, and it thoroughly acquaints the Western reader with a different way of looking at the world, from a Chinese perspective. The concepts and practices taught throughout this book grow out of that cultural perspective, and if we are to learn to apply those practices in our daily life, some effort must be made to drop our own cultural preconceptions and see things with fresh eyes. The detail in Part 1 is intended to facilitate that perceptual shift. The majority of Part 2, “Holistic Self-Care with Chinese Medicine,” carefully teaches the practical basics of Chinese holistic self-care methods using principles learned in Part 1 and provides plenty of room to grow as you become more adept in each. Doing the practices regularly is most important and ultimately leads to mastery, giving you simple yet valuable and effective options for taking control of your health in a variety of natural and holistic ways. These are methods that you can use forever and that will greatly reduce the likelihood of needing to visit any physician, whether Chinese or Western. There are times when an integrated natural healing approach might include professional medical help. The insights into Chinese medicine from Part 1 will prepare you well if you decide to seek such help. Part 2 opens with things you can expect when visiting a Chinese physician, beyond what many Westerners know, and introduces you to the diagnostics and treatments of Chinese medicine. This will help you have a more informed dialogue with your Chinese physician and establish realistic expectations and goals, making it most productive for you both. Keep in mind that just as illness rarely happens overnight, healing won’t happen overnight either. Daily practice is required to make healing changes in your life. Readers who want to jump right into the practices in Part 2 can safely do so, but realize that by better understanding any practice, including its basic theory and the ways in which it works within a holistic system, you will have more freedom and flexibility when selecting practices that match your specific needs and health goals.
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Introduction