Chasing the Dragon's Tail: The Theory and Practice of Acupuncture in the Work of Yoshio Manaka - Softcover

Manaka, Yoshio

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0912111321 ISBN 13: 9780912111322

Publisher: Paradigm Publishers, 1995

Synopsis

Yoshio Manaka was a poet, artist, scholar, physician, and healer. He lived for and was inspired by ideas and invention. At the pinnacle of his life he reached a level of healing skill that only those who have invested many years of practice, research, and study can achieve. Yet he sought not accolades, but hopeless and puzzling modeling cases. He was not content with fame but sought bright young idealists to challenge and inspire.
His transformation of East Asian traditional medical theory into a rational scientific model established the foundation for a new explanation of acupuncture, the X-signal system. It explains and explores both traditional and modern theories without trivializing either. He based every aspect of his model on clinical tests, observations, and years of successful clinical practice, both his own and that of a network of skillful and dedicated healers.
Chasing the Dragon's Tail assembles the elements of that model, beginning with a clear exploration of the observational evidence. It organizes and presents Manaka's experimental and clinical findings, explaining each of many levels. The system of theoretical explanation and clinical practice he evolved is detailed step-by-step with illustrations and instructions. Manaka's system is proven and practical, and is based on tests and observations every practitioner may confirm for themselves. It is an invitation not only to a new and dynamic understanding of acupuncture but to new levels of clinical skill.

About this title

From the Author

This is the definitive text by Manaka about his treatment approach, his research in and understanding of acupuncture. Manaka was probably one of the most famous acupuncturists of this century. His name will likely appear as an important historical figure in future times. Typical of the Japanese tradition of clinical investigation of historical ideas, the first half of this densely packed book describes a variety of methods that Manaka used to investigate basic theories of acupuncture: channel pathways, directions of flow and yin-yang subsets, basic yin-yang theory and five phase theory, properties of special points such as the five phase points, meeting points, etc. In this book, the findings of the clinical investigations provide the basis of the rich and diverse clinical practice Manaka described, and the basic theory he used to guide both diagnosis and treatment. Key among the theories is his use of the octahedral model to understand the extraordinary vessels, channels and yin yang theory. His general model of the x-signal system provides a very useful bridge to a modern understanding of traditional ideas and methods. His overview of the theoretical basis of acupuncture is very rich and insightful.

The clinical diagnosis features palpation, especially of the abdominal region. The treatment methods are described in a systematic four step approach with typical, alternate and a variety of back up treatment methods and strategies for each step. Uses of the ion pumping cords are described in great detail, as are a variety of other methods, such as open points, needling, moxa, intradermal needles, light, sound etc. The methods covered in this book describe an extremely flexible and adaptable treatment approach that extends treatment to a wider variety of patients than are usually helped by standard acupuncture approaches. Manaka had a considerable clinical experience accumulated over 45 years of practice. His methods and cases provide a rare insight into how a senior clinician handles such a busy practice. The detail he provides is rarely matched in other books on acupuncture.

In addition there are a number of fascinating appendices exploring a wide range of research topics and other ideas. This book is a must for anyone wishing to open their perspectives as they attempt to deepen their understanding of acupuncture. It is also packed with very useful clinical and technical details.

Review

"...never before has this reviewer found, in one text, so much information that can be incorporated in both a TCM and a Meridian Therapy framework. All through the book we are encouraged to test and confirm everything that is presented, which is altogether refreshing approach. We are inspired not just to 'Chase the Dragon's Tail,' but to ride the Dragon home." -- Pacific Journal of Oriental Medicine

"Once in a while a book comes along that attempts to transcend the known boundaries of knowledge and forge a new paradigm. Chasing the Dragon's Tail is indeed one of these books. Manaka was a forward-thinking and innovative acupuncture practitioner who attempted to integrate traditional Chinese energy concepts with the new sciences. [This is accomplished] in a language that is applicable not only to acupuncturists, but to the clinicians of the future." -- Christopher Zaslawaski, Meeting Point

Edition details

• Publisher: Paradigm Publishers
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0912111321
• ISBN 13: 9780912111322
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 453