Introduction

Clinical Experiences, the fifth volume in the series "Practical Tradi-

tional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology" joins with two others,

Medicifnal Herbs and Herbal Formulae, in providing practical applica-

tions of Chinese medicine. As such, it will be most useful if the reader

has a working knowledge of the theories and principles of traditional

Chinese medicine and pharmcalogy as presented in the first volume of

this series. An understanding of the physiology and pathology of

the human body, disease etiology, diagnosis, and differentiation of

symptom-complexes, including the theories of Yin-Yang, Five Ele-

ments, zang-ju, channels-collaterals, qi, blood, and body fluid, will

enable one to make the most efficient use of the information contained

here.

The contents of this volume are arranged according to the charac-

teristics and therapeutic methods of treating common diseases, both

internal and external. Each section begins with a brief description of

the disease. This is followed by a discussion of the disease's Etiology

and Pathogenesis. The next section includes two parts: (a) Syndrome

Differentiation, which identifies the characteristics of the disease; and

(b) Therapeutic Principles, which outlines the recommended therapies

for the various syndromes.

The Classification and Treatment section which follows is most

practical in that it includes detailed descriptions of the manifestations

of each syndrome, the therapeutic principles involved, and the prescrip-

tions recommended for treatment. These prescriptions list the Latin

name for each component as well as the quantity required in the

formula. In many cases, a Remarks section specifies slight alterations

which can be made to the formula to make it more effective in treating

a syndrome with unusual manifestations, and a section called Experien-

tial Prescriptions lists additional formulae. The presentation of the

material in this well-organized, step-by-step manner makes this volume

especially useful for self-study.

Finally, Clinical Experiences is unique. It brings together for the first

time the clinical experiences of ancient practitioners as well as those of

the finest doctors practicing throughout China today. Use of this

volume, with its practical applications, will enable readers and users of

this material to join in the long tradition of Chinese medicine and

pharmacology and thus help promote the development and dissemina-

tion of this ancient art and science.