In this extremely thorough book, acupuncture is shown to be the avenue to feeling younger and living longer. Acupuncture releases a natural energy that can alleviate even longstanding health conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, drug or alcohol abuse, gastritis, headaches, hypertension or strokes. Dr. Xu continues the narrative with a discussion of how acupuncture works, what illnesses and conditions are most responsive to it and which treatments are approved or recommended by physicians and health organisations. The book contains research on acupuncture and advice from both authors on selecting an acupuncturist, chapters on the theories that make up Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the yin/yang theory, the five elements theory and the Meridians. Also included are case histories of people whose conditions have been cured or greatly alleviated. There are detailed tables and photos of acupuncture points for every one of the conditions discussed and case histories, also, include tips for the reader that can include acupressure points corresponding to the demonstrated acupuncture points in this chapter. In the back of the book, there are tips for practitioners listed by chapters, a glossary of terms and a reference section. This valuable, information-packed guide elaborates on how Dr. Xu administers the most effective acupuncture techniques to obtain maximum benefits. Anyone who is either thinking of commencing acupuncture or is actually undergoing treatment will find it well worth the time to peruse MAGIC NEEDLES.