There's nothing like the challenge of decoding an ancient system of healing. While there are many books written about Chinese Medicine, only a handful have successfully translated its complex theories and practices into a language that is easily understood. Between Heaven and Earth - A Guide to Chinese Medicine is one of the few that does so with grace and ease.

Written by acupuncturists Harriet Beinfield, L.Ac. and Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D., who were among the first Americans to be trained at England's College of Traditional Acupuncture Between Heaven and Earth is the Cliffs Notes to Chinese Medicine. Korngold studied herbal medicine at the Kunming Research Institute in China and at Shanghai College of Medicine and he and Beinfeld currently run a private practice in San Francisco. This melding of east and west has given the couple the ability to explain the tenets of Chinese Medicine to an American sensibility.

Of the book's 15 chapters, the second and third introduce the reader to the stark differences between eastern and western medicine. Chapter Two, Philosophy in the West: The Doctor as Mechanic, opens with "Science: The New Religion of the West," while Chapter Three, Philosophy in the East: The Doctor as Gardener, opens with "The Motive Force: Qi."

Beinfeld and Korngold walk readers through the fundamental theories of Chinese Medicine like the opposition of Yin and Yang as well as the five archetypes of the healing practice (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). But the "Therapy" section is my favorite area of the book. Here the authors delve into the practice of acupuncture with an FAQ-like exactitude and clarity-

"How Does Acupuncture Work, Anyway?" Readers will learn what to expect in an acupuncture session and how to administer acupressure massage. The chapter on Chinese herbs is equally as informative. Beinfeld and Korngold explain how Chinese herbs are classified, the healing effects of many herbs, how they are formulated into prescriptions, and even how to prepare the medicinal herbal tea.

Between Heaven and Earth concludes with a unique chapter on the role of food in Chinese medicine. The authors compare food ideologies in the east and west and provide a variety of healing recipes including several for balancing Qi or life force energy.

Between Heaven and Earth

Cost: $10.37

Where to Buy:Amazon.com