Getting to Know You

"Getting to Know You" eases readers into a broad understanding of acupuncture, clearly identifying what sorts of problems best and most reliably respond to acupuncture treatment. Dr. Helms answers the proverbial questions every reader has but is afraid to ask: which qualities represent constitutional characteristics and which are early warning signs of health conditions, as well as how medical acupuncture identifies "types" in patients and in what ways these types influence and inform a reader's health and wellness.The book presents relevant patient cases and promotes applied learning throughout, inviting the reader to identify traits and symptoms that she sees in herself. To this end, Dr. Helms provides a list of questions to clarify the reader's dominant type. For each type guidelines are presented with common-sense changes that promote optimal health. The voice and language of the book make it a real exception in its field: the writing rings from a voice that is real, vibrant, lively and captivating. Because it's thoroughly grounded in real life experience of real people dealing with real problems, big and little, the book makes a trustworthy companion in the intimate and important field of health-related literature.Dr. Helms, the founder of medical acupuncture in the U.S., presents a great deal of complex medical information in simple, readable terms, including elusive classical acupuncture models such as the circulation of energy and the five phases of treatment. The appendix is also useful to clarify the qualities of each type or to explore acupuncture's benefits.