New, too, is the theory of multiple sclerosis (MS), but this is mostly based on the pathology and
symptomatology of Atrophy Syndrome.
The chapter on "Tiredness" is based on the old symptom of "xu-lao" which means "exhaustion",
but I have departed from the traditional approach in so far as I have included the Excess causes
of tiredness, something which is not done in the Chinese discussion of xu-lao.
A table of cross references after the table of contents lists the patterns found in each disease. For
those who work mostly from patterns rather than diseases, another table lists the diseases in
which a particular pattern appears.
Although Chinese medicine treats each individual as a whole rather than treating the "diseases"
from which that patient is suffering, and explores the patterns of disharmony, life-style,
environment, family situation, emotional life, diet, sexual habits, work routine and exercise, it is
still important to discuss the treatment of individual diseases since treatment techniques vary
enormously; for example, the treatment of Wind-stroke calls for specific techniques and
approaches which are quite different from those used for, say, insomnia. The use of these
techniques is not in contradiction with whatever other approach or philosophy a particular
practitioner may follow and I therefore hope that this textbook can be of use to practitioners of
many different orientations.
Another important reason for discussing individual diseases is their particular and specific xxvi
pathology and aetiology: it is only by understanding the distinctive pathology and aetiology that
we can advise the patient on life-style, work, emotional life, sexual habits, diet and exercise.
Educating the patient in these areas is as important as the treatment imparted, as it gives the
patient responsibility for his or her own health and so can prevent recurrence of the problem.
The acupuncture points indicated for each pattern are not formulae but only the possible points
from which the practitioner can choose when determining an acupuncture treatment. There are a
few exceptions and these are indicated as "general prescription" or "ancient prescription". The
principles of combination of acupuncture points are discussed in Appendix I and the reader is
strongly advised to read this as it discusses how to formulate a harmonious point combination by
balancing Yin-Yang, Front-Back, Top-Bottom, and Left Right. Just as a beautiful painting must
have vibrant colours, expert technique and balanced composition, a good acupuncture treatment
must be based on a deft needle technique, a skilful choice of points according to their action, and
a balanced and harmonious combination of such points. This last aspect is discussed in Appendix
I.
The herbal treatment of each disease is based on several modern Chinese textbooks and
integrated with the treatment found in ancient classics (see Bibliography). The main modern
textbook followed was that used in all colleges of Chinese Medicine in China, i.e. "Chinese
Internal Medicine" (Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue) by Zhang Bo Yu (1986).