Physical Therapy in Sport xxx (2017) 1
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Physical Therapy in Sport
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/ptsp
Medical Acupuncture: A Western Scientific Approach
Jacquenline, Filshie. Adrian, White. Mike, Cummings. Medical
Acupuncture: A Western Scientific Approach. 2nd ed. ISBN 978-
0-7020-4307-9.
This book provides a handy reference text with clinical applica-
tions in a multiple of clinical fields. The editors have pulled on the
knowledge of several authors to provide clinical expertise in their
fields for the reader to use in a suitably sized text. Many acupunc-
ture texts can provide a great deal of information about clinical ap-
plications such as point location and needling however this text not
only delivers appropriate information about points but provides
more detail into the application of acupuncture as a treatment
technique.
For the musculoskeletal physiotherapist with an interest in
acupuncture it provides information on the use of western
acupuncture techniques and additional techniques such as perios-
teal acupuncture, superficial acupuncture and electroacupuncture.
All sections cover a variety of aspects aside from clinical applica-
tion, for example the use of self-acupuncture and the legal aspects
of the approach and patient training.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.04.007
1466-853X
Outside of musculoskeletal applications the book also covers the
use of acupuncture for gastro intestinal conditions, mental health,
respiratory problems, obstetrics and palliative care. Each section
provides clinical application notes and is excellently referenced
throughout providing support for the use of acupuncture as a com-
plementary therapy in these areas. The initial chapters detailing the
peripheral and central effects of acupuncture were of particular in-
terest, commentating on the neurophysiology of pain and the sci-
entific basis of the method of action of acupuncture techniques.
The book is ideally suited to the experienced acupuncturist who
is looking to extend their depth of knowledge in acupuncture or
who is expanding their scope of practice. In summary, the book is
well referenced and well written by the authors. The use of high-
lighted ‘clinical points’ allows the reader to have quick reference
‘take homes’ in each section. As a reference text it would be a
fantastic addition to an acupuncturist, providing a collection of sup-
porting evidence for the application of acupuncture as a technique
for a variety of health presentations.
Stuart Elwell, Physiotherapist
Birmingham, United Kingdom
E-mail address: stuart_elwell@hotmail.com.