First published in 1987 and now in its fourth edition, Dr Ruth Lever Kidson's book has been extolled by acupuncturists as the most concise and useful book to explain to prospective and established patients the theory, practice and benefits of acupuncture..

Readers will find information on:

• the history of the therapy from its earliest development over 2000 years ago to the modern day
• the concept of the life force or qi, and how an imbalance causes illness
• the course and properties of the meridians on which the acupuncture points are located
• the difference between the Five Elements system and the Eight Principles system of treatment
• how an acupuncturist makes a diagnosis and how this will differ from a Western diagnosis
• the different types of needle and how they are used, as well as acupressure, moxa and cupping
• how over 20 common illnesses are said arise and how they might be treated
• attempts by Western scientists to find a 'scientific' theory of acupuncture
• what to expect when visiting an acupuncturist
• how to find a therapist and, for those who want to take it further, how to find a training course