alternative therapy

It pains me to see this book described as representative of Chinese nutritional therapy. Pitchford borrows haphazardly from macrobiotics, Western nutrition, Chinese energetics, Ayurveda, and probably other systems. This eclectic approach demonstrates a shallow grasp of the theories that drive authentic Chinese nutritional therapy, and frequently leads Pitchford to conclusions that are at odds with traditional practices. It is definitely "Oriental," in the sense Edward Said uses the term in his analysis of the Western romanticism of Eastern cultures. The material may well prove beneficial to someone, but it should come with a warning label: this book is not about Chinese medicine.

6/14/02 Update: I understand that many people have experienced improvements in their health based on Pitchford's advice. Please allow me to clarify why my original review was unfavorable. I routinely have long and arduous discussions with student interns over something they read in Pitchford and whether it is appropriate advice for their patients, *from the point of view of Chinese medicine,* which this book supposedly represents, and which is what they are supposed to be practicing in clinic. Experience has shown that in many cases, Pitchford's view is not congruent with traditional Chinese nutritional therapy, and in fact, much confusion arises from its application in the classroom of a Chinese medicine college. A book's content should ordinarily agree with what the book itself advertises itself to contain.

This is possibly the best instructional book of any I have ever read. Pritchford conveys the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), modern nutrition, biology and spitituality in this primer for healing arts.

This book teaches the symptoms and causes of illness and makes clear recommendations about foods and herbs that should be used to lessen the impacts of toxicity and bring the sick back to health. I have used it extensively and have bought several copies for others, the latest for someone who is responsible for cooking for adolescents in a halfway house for substance abusers. About 1/4 of the book is recipes. Book is extremely well indexed for relationships between disease and herbs/foods that minimize impact of disease.

I have used this book to learn basic - but very solid - understanding of energetic balances between diet, psyche and spirit. Well footnoted with current research. It is a must have.

This book is great for anyone who is open minded and wants to take control over their health. Chinese medicine has been around for ages and doesnt need a lab to know it works. This book is awesome.