The Complete Book of Chinese Health & HealingGuarding the Three Treasures

by Daniel Reid

Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1995, $17.00

Paperback

This latest book by the author of Chinese Herbal Medicine and The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity may not be what you expect. Many of the chapters may disorient, shock, surprise, or perhaps even fascinate.

As a food professional, interested in health and healing with Chinese food and herbs, I found too much non-culinary material. And even for those interested in other aspects of the Taoist philosophy, there may be too many unrelated topics. I'm always wary of books proclaiming to be complete. A lot of text doesn't mean that it is complete; such may be the case here.

In the preface, Reid, who write from Thailand, admits that all programmes (sic) and practices recommended in the text are based on his own personal experience. This largely subjective approach leaves me wondering how much of the material is credible. To his credit, the research was done on primary sources and translations from the Chinese are his own interpretation.

The most approachable chapters cover the key concepts of Chinese medical theory - the Tao of Health - and my favorite, therapeutic food recipes and herbal tonics. But even here Mr. Reid brings in such Western digestive remedies as Benedictine, Fernet Branca and Angostura bitters, which surely the Taoist did not know about. Although, according to Reid, other herbal supplements highly favored by Taoists including garlic, burdock, scullcap, liquorice, wormwood, and dandelion, are commonly used in Western folk medicine. For an in-depth look at specific herbs and practices of herbal medicine, I learned more and do prefer his Chinese Herbal Medicine (Shambala, 1987), which limited healing to strictly Chinese traditions.

In this volume, most useful, from a food and healing perspective, are the discussions of Chinese patent medicines and herbal formulas, both those imported from China and those manufactured domestically. Note: the formulations from American companies may offer a higher assurance of safety and quality.

Taoist studies of health and longevity go back 5,000 years, states Reid; and the Three Treasures are essence (jing), energy (qi) and spirit {shen). Most of the text discusses different aspects of this theory. However, to my Western mind, phrases such as: "...that the lower Elixir Field is filling...energy is ready to enter (and) ...in the Microcosmic Orbit..." become almost comical, and I spare you the "Gurgling Abdomen." Presumably it sounds better in Chinese? Let me advise that for those who enjoy this style, the book could be a treasure.

Nootropic drugs, GH-3, KH-3, astrology, electromagnetic therapy, and alternative treatments for AIDS and cancer just seem out of place in this book. And, although drawings of how to practice Qi and the skill of energy control, may be relevant, I draw the line at those depicting ovary and testicle massage.

Allow me to call your attention the excellent charts on yin and yang foods, and on acid/alkali foods, and yes, there are the wanted recipes such as: Pearl Barley and Brown Rice Porridge (skip the raw eggs) and Wolfberry Stew and Ginseng Chicken.