Best Acupuncture Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

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Acupuncture books are a valuable resource for those who are interested in learning more about this ancient healing practice. These books cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of acupuncture to more advanced techniques and theories. They offer detailed explanations of acupuncture points and meridians, as well as information on how to diagnose and treat various health conditions. Some acupuncture books also include practical advice on how to integrate acupuncture into a modern healthcare practice. Whether you are a student, practitioner, or simply curious about acupuncture, there is sure to be a book that can help deepen your understanding of this fascinating field.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient's Guide to the Locations and Functions of over 400 Acupuncture Points (Natural Medicine) Cover #TOP 1
Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient's Guide to the Locations and Functions of over 400 Acupuncture Points (Natural Medicine)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
A Manual of Acupuncture Cover #TOP 2
A Manual of Acupuncture
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Materia Medica of Western Herbs Cover #TOP 3
Materia Medica of Western Herbs
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Acupuncture Books

Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient's Guide to the Locations and Functions of over 400 Acupuncture Points (Natural Medicine)

Bleecker, Deborah
Draycott Publishing, LLC
Mar 26, 2017
Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient's Guide to the Locations and Functions of over 400 Acupuncture Points (Natural Medicine) Cover
Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient's Guide to the Locations and Functions of over 400 Acupuncture Points (Natural Medicine)

The Acupuncture Points Handbook is a comprehensive guide that reveals the mystery behind acupuncture. It explains in plain English the unique functions of over 400 acupuncture points. The book also includes a new guide to acupressure that teaches readers how to effectively treat themselves. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in natural medicine and alternative therapies.

A Manual of Acupuncture

Peter Deadman
Mazin Al-Khafaji
Kevin Baker
Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications
Jun 25, 2007
A Manual of Acupuncture Cover
A Manual of Acupuncture

A Manual of Acupuncture, published by Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, is a comprehensive reference book in the field of acupuncture points and channels. It includes detailed descriptions and illustrations of channels, collaterals, categories of points, and methods of selection, location, and needling. The book's 500 high-quality drawings are a standout feature, with each point located in accordance with the most exacting anatomical standards. The book also includes practical pointers for finding and needling the points, and cautionary information about what to avoid. Overall, A Manual of Acupuncture is an extraordinary book that sets a new standard in its field and is a primary reference for the study of acupuncture points and channels in the West.

#TOP 3

Materia Medica of Western Herbs

Fisher, Carole
Aeon Books
Jun 6, 2018
Materia Medica of Western Herbs Cover
Materia Medica of Western Herbs

Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carole Fisher is a comprehensive reference book for 180 commonly used medicinal herbs. The book contains detailed monographs of each herb, including their plant name, parts used, actions, pharmacy, interaction with drugs, and much more. The author, Carole Fisher, is an experienced medical herbalist with a background in biochemistry. The book is not only valuable for students and practitioners of herbal medicine but also for any health provider who wants to know more about the safety and efficacy of herbs. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in herbal remedies.

Cardiac Drugs Made Ridiculously Simple

Chizner M.D., Michael A.
Chizner D.O., Ryan E.
MedMaster
Jul 15, 2019
Cardiac Drugs Made Ridiculously Simple Cover
Cardiac Drugs Made Ridiculously Simple

Cardiac Drugs Made Ridiculously Simple is a practical guide to the complex world of cardiovascular drug therapy. It provides concise and clear information on the latest pharmacologic treatment recommendations to help practitioners make informed decisions. Written by Michael A. Chizner, a renowned cardiologist and professor of medicine, and Ryan E. Chizner, a practicing clinical and interventional cardiologist, the book distills basic clinical concepts to a minimum, making it a valuable resource for both students and professionals. The book's unique approach to simplifying cardiac drugs makes it a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of cardiovascular therapeutics.

#TOP 5

Muscles and Meridians: The Manipulation of Shape

Beach, Phillip
Churchill Livingstone
Nov 23, 2010
Muscles and Meridians: The Manipulation of Shape Cover
Muscles and Meridians: The Manipulation of Shape

Muscles and Meridians: The Manipulation of Shape is a groundbreaking book that explores the connection between evolutionary biology and Chinese meridians. The book offers a unique system for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders that will be of interest to both manual therapists and acupuncturists. Phillip Beach's ideas on movement, embryology, and acupuncture are presented in a systemic perspective that reflects his extensive education, profound explorations, and years of practical experience. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human body's behavior and how it can be manipulated to treat injuries and disorders.

#TOP 6

Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture

Oleson PhD, Terry
Churchill Livingstone
Nov 4, 2013
Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture Cover
Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture

Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture is an impressive guide for both Chinese and Western ear acupuncture systems. The book incorporates 3-D technology to present images of the auricle that indicate ear acupoint positions. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the theoretical and clinical underpinnings of auriculotherapy, describing and illustrating over 200 ear acupuncture points and more than 200 auriculotherapy treatment protocols for clinical discorders ranging from chronic pain to substance abuse to visceral and neurological disorders. The book is concise and clear enough for students yet provides sophisticated clinical approaches to allow the experienced practitioner to enhance and co...

#TOP 7

The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

Elsevier Ltd
Churchill Livingstone
Jul 9, 2021
The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Cover
The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

The Practice of Chinese Medicine, 3rd Edition provides a practical approach to the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in diagnosing and treating common diseases with both acupuncture and Chinese herbs. The book covers 48 common conditions, providing an in-depth discussion of aetiology, pathology, and differential diagnoses according to TCM for each disease. The book also includes clinical trials, modern Chinese literature, and practical appendices. The updated edition features new clinical tips, red flags, full-color photos, and additional appendices. The Practice of Chinese Medicine is an excellent resource for practitioners seeking to apply TCM theory in Western medical practice.

#TOP 8

Biomedicine Review: A Review Manual, Test Prep and Study Guide for Acupuncturists and East Asian Medicine Practitioners

Follis DC, Catherine
Terinese Press
Aug 17, 2014
Biomedicine Review: A Review Manual, Test Prep and Study Guide for Acupuncturists and East Asian Medicine Practitioners Cover
Biomedicine Review: A Review Manual, Test Prep and Study Guide for Acupuncturists and East Asian Medicine Practitioners

The Biomedicine Review: A Review Manual, Test Prep and Study Guide for Acupuncturists and East Asian Medicine Practitioners, second edition, is a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, physiology, common diseases, and safety practices in the clinical setting. It is an excellent study guide for students preparing for the Biomedicine portion of their NCCAOM Certification Exam or state licensing exams. The book includes over 350 practice test questions, making it an ideal tool for self-assessment. The clear and concise writing style makes it easy to understand and retain the information. Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone in the field of acupuncture and East Asian medicine.

#TOP 9

Psycho-Emotional Pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels

Farrell, Yvonne R.
Singing Dragon
Jul 21, 2016
Psycho-Emotional Pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels Cover
Psycho-Emotional Pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels

This book explores the relationship between psycho-emotional pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, providing a practical guide for creating an effective treatment plan. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient's suffering and resistance to change, which can hinder the healing process. The book includes case studies that demonstrate the clinical use of the vessels and how to apply them. The reviewer praises the author's nuanced and insightful approach to demystifying the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and preserving their intent to support the spiritual journey. The book is a welcome addition to the literature on the subject and recommended for anyone interested in acupuncture and acupressure.

#TOP 10

Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine Wang Ju-Yi's Lectures on Channel Therapeutics

Wang Ju-Yi
Jason Robertson
Eastland Press
Apr 14, 2008
Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine Wang Ju-Yi's Lectures on Channel Therapeutics Cover
Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine Wang Ju-Yi's Lectures on Channel Therapeutics

Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine by Wang Ju-Yi and Jason Robertson is an insightful book that delves into the relationship between organ and channel theory in traditional Chinese medicine. The authors demonstrate how a deeper understanding of this interrelationship can lead to more precise diagnoses and better clinical results. The book also features a unique and highly readable format, which preserves the intimacy of dialogue between the apprentice and teacher. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and innovate from a place of theoretical integrity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you teach yourself acupuncture?

The short answer is “Yes.” If you are talented enough to have earned a graduate education degree in a licensed healthcare field, you can learn likely the rudiments of clinical acupuncture in fairly short order and dry needling in even less time.

2. What are the basics of acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

3. Is acupuncture scientifically proven to work?

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following: Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy. Dental pain after surgery.

4. Is acupuncture hard to learn?

Becoming an acupuncturist requires intensive higher education and practical experience. For most schools, you can expect to spend about three years studying to earn your acupuncture accreditation.

Editor's Notes

During our acupuncture book research, we found 418 acupuncture book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,714 customer reviews through our big data system to write the acupuncture books list. We found that most customers choose acupuncture books with an average price of $35.23.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.