There are four items to look for when choosing the best acupuncture books: author credentials, illustrations, quality of writing, and material arrangement. Acupuncture is the traditional health technique that uses small needles, placed in very specific locations to solve health problems and treat illness. Acupuncture is a recognized medical treatment in Asia and many parts of Europe.
In North American, acupuncture is very popular as an alternative medicine practice. However, there is no certification process for acupuncturist. As a result, the quality of the practitioner varies widely. This lack of authentication process means that virtually anyone can write a book about acupuncture.
When looking for the best acupuncture books, review the author's credentials with care. Most publishers take the time to include a detailed bibliography of the author on the book jacket. Research this information to determine if it is accurate and the significance of the information provided. For example, a biography can indicate training was completed at a specific college in Asia with a very impressive name. Take time to find out the entrance requirements, course curriculum, and quality of instructors.
Acupuncture is a very precise form of medical treatment. It is only effective if the needle is inserted in exactly the right location. High quality illustrations are essential to help you find the right spot. These illustrations are often detailed diagrams of key body systems. This information is essential to truly understand the implications of the recommended processes.
Review the quality of the writing before purchasing the acupuncture books. The text should be clear, relatively jargon-free, and have proper English grammar structure. Open the book to any page and start reading. You should be able to understand the general concept the writer is trying to convey, along with what information you do not know.
Read the introduction and then look at the table of contents. The material should be organized in a logical fashion, following the overall summary provided in the table of contents. Illustrations should be relevant to the text and have a caption underneath. Any photographs should be attributed, as should any illustrations.
The best acupuncture books provide sufficient detail so that you have a thorough understanding of the objective, method, and expected results of acupuncture. Avoid books that make unsubstantiated claims and extol the virtues of one particular acupuncturist or treatment center. Biased acupuncture books do not help anyone make the best choice for their health.