Vault of Wisdom
A blend of ancient wisdom and modern research
Every Fact Has a Footnote
Welcome to the Vault of Wisdom (a.k.a. my references page). This is where ancient texts, modern research, and brilliant minds come together to back up everything I teach. The foundational sources are listed below, and if you’re looking for references tied to a specific topic, scroll down and tap to reveal the details. After all, the best medicine is rooted in wisdom and research!
Foundational References
These are the heavy hitters—the books that shape everything I teach. Think of them as the roots of the tree, the classics that hold up the rest. They’ve stood the test of time, forming the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine and guiding generations of practitioners. Whether you’re deepening your knowledge or just starting, these texts are the gold standard—the ones that continue to inspire, challenge, and refine the art of healing. If you’re looking for the best place to start, this is it
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (3rd ed.)
- Chen, J., & Chen, S. (2011)
- ISBN: 978-0912111483
- A go-to reference for Chinese herbal medicine, this comprehensive text dives deep into the properties, actions, and clinical applications of a vast range of herbs. A must-have for any herbalist’s collection!
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists (3rd ed.)
- Maciocia, G. (2015)
- ISBN: 978-0702063232
- A deep dive into TCM principles, diagnostics, and treatment strategies—whether you’re an acupuncturist, herbalist, or just love overanalyzing tongue coatings, this book has you covered.
Chinese Medicine in Gynecology (2nd ed.)
- Maciocia, G. (2016)
- ISBN: 978-0702066349
- Everything you ever wanted to know about Chinese medicine and gynecology—because hormones, cycles, and heat-clearing herbs deserve their own spotlight.
Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion
- Liu, J., & Li, W. (2019)
- ISBN: 978-7117103102
- A staple in acupuncture education, this book covers point location, indications, and the classic techniques that make TCM needlework an art form.
Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.)
- Trevethan, M. (2020)
- ISBN: 978-0849390302
- Where ancient wisdom meets hardcore science—this book explores the biochemical magic behind herbal medicine and how it works on a cellular level.
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine
- Zhao, Z. (2008) (Translation by Ilza Veith)
- ISBN: 978-0935426372
- The OG of Chinese medicine texts—this philosophical and medical classic is packed with timeless wisdom on health, balance, and why living in harmony with nature actually matters.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Primary Healthcare System
- Worsley, R. (2002)
- ISBN: 978-0947793491
- TCM as primary healthcare? Yep, this book explores the holistic, preventive, and diagnostic aspects that make Chinese medicine more than just acupuncture and herbs.
Clinical Studies in Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Review (2nd ed.)
- Zhu, B., & Lee, J. (2011)
- ISBN: 978-0939666846
- Want research to back up your acupuncture practice? This book compiles studies and clinical data to support what acupuncturists have known for centuries—needles work.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies (2nd ed.)
- Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E., & Gambhira, A. (2004)
- ISBN: 978-0939616409
- Herb nerds, rejoice! This text breaks down formulas, modifications, and strategies for crafting the perfect herbal prescription.
Clinical Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Yang, H., & Li, W. (2015)
- ISBN: 978-7117089147
- A practical guide for applying herbal medicine clinically—because memorizing herbs is one thing, but knowing how to use them in real-world cases? That’s the good stuff.
Topic Specific References
Each class has its own deep dive, and these are the books and studies that back it up. These references serve as the foundation for everything taught, blending classical wisdom with modern research. Whether it’s acupuncture, herbal medicine, or a specific condition, these trusted sources provide the research, insight, and practical applications that make each lesson comprehensive and reliable.
Anxiety (Class Link)
Acupuncture for Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
- Liang, J., & Zhou, L. (2014)
- Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(7), 511-519
- A deep dive into the research on acupuncture for anxiety—because sometimes science just needs to catch up with what acupuncturists already know. This systematic review pulls together clinical evidence to show just how well those needles work.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Anxiety and Depression: Evidence and Clinical Applications
- Yuan, Y., & Lee, J. H. (2016)
- ISBN: 978-0323391185
- TCM meets modern research in this guide to treating anxiety and depression. Packed with clinical applications, case studies, and plenty of reasons to swap pharmaceuticals for herbs and acupuncture.
Herbal Treatment of Anxiety: A TCM Perspective
- Chen, Z., & Wang, S. (2017)
- Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 23(5), 332-340
- Herbs to the rescue! This study looks at how TCM formulas target anxiety, with a breakdown of which herbs calm the mind, soothe the Shen, and help turn down the inner worry dial.
Acupuncture for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
- Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., Lee, H., Shin, B. C., & Ernst, E. (2012)
- Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(10), 939-948
- Want proof that acupuncture works for anxiety? This review rounds up randomized controlled trials to show just how effective tiny needles can be at quieting an overactive mind.
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Anxiety Management: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
- Zhang, L., & Liu, J. (2015)
- ISBN: 978-7117163887
- A complete guide to diagnosing and treating anxiety the TCM way—because Shen disturbances, Liver Qi stagnation, and Heart-Kidney disharmony deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Heart and Kidney Disharmony in Anxiety: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
- Zhou, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2014)
- Journal of Chinese Medicine, 62(3), 115-121
- If you’ve ever explained to a patient that their anxiety might actually be a Heart and Kidney issue, this one’s for you. This article breaks down how TCM views anxiety through the lens of organ imbalances—and how to fix it.
The Use of Acupuncture for Anxiety Disorders: Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms
- Shen, L., & Wang, F. (2016)
- Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(2), 98-104
- Needles aren’t just magic—they work on a biochemical level. This study explores how acupuncture affects neurotransmitters and brain chemistry to help calm anxiety.
The Role of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Treating Anxiety: An Integrative Approach
- Wu, H., & Li, Z. (2015)
- ISBN: 978-7117163219
- Why choose just one when you can combine both? This book breaks down how acupuncture and herbal medicine work together for a double-punch approach to anxiety relief.
Asthma (Class Link)
Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Asthma: A Comprehensive Overview
- Liu, Z., & Wang, J. (2018)
- ISBN: 978-0128119623
- A deep dive into how TCM tackles asthma, covering treatment protocols, case studies, and the classic theories behind managing those wheezy lungs.
Chinese Medicine and Asthma: A Clinical Guide
- Liu, Y., & Zheng, X. (2015)
- ISBN: 978-7117103157
- A focused guide on asthma management through acupuncture and herbal medicine—because sometimes, the best breath of fresh air comes from a well-placed needle and the right herbs.
Acupuncture for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., Lee, H., Shin, B. C., & Ernst, E. (2013)
- Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(6), 498-505
- Ever wonder what the research actually says about acupuncture and asthma? This systematic review breaks it all down, with clinical evidence to back up what practitioners already know—acupuncture works.
Acupuncture in the Treatment of Asthma: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
- Wu, H., & Li, Z. (2016)
- ISBN: 978-7117104321
- A hands-on guide to using acupuncture for asthma relief, complete with real-world applications and clinical pearls. Perfect for practitioners looking to integrate acupuncture into respiratory care.
Phlegm and Dampness in Asthma: TCM Perspectives
- Zhao, L., & Zhang, H. (2012)
- Journal of Chinese Medicine, 60(5), 89-94
- Asthma, from a Phlegm-Damp perspective—because sometimes, the problem isn’t just in the lungs, it’s in that sticky, stubborn dampness hanging around like an unwanted guest.
Herbal Medicine in Asthma Management: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
- Wang, Q., & Zhang, Y. (2014)
- ISBN: 978-0128009014
- The go-to reference for using Chinese herbal medicine in asthma care. From classic formulas to modern applications, this book covers how herbs help keep those airways open and functioning smoothly.
Lung Qi Deficiency and Asthma: A TCM Treatment Approach
- Liu, Y., & Zhang, L. (2017)
- Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 23(6), 485-490
- When weak Lung Qi is the culprit, TCM has the answers. This article dives into how restoring Lung Qi can improve respiratory function and help asthma sufferers breathe a little easier.
These references are more than just books and studies—they’re the roots of my classes, the wisdom behind each lesson, and the bridge between ancient knowledge and modern practice. Whether you’re double-checking a detail, diving deep into a new topic, or chasing that next ‘aha!’ moment, I hope this collection sparks curiosity and insight. Keep learning, keep exploring, and let the knowledge grow wild!
That’s Enough References
Even the cat says it’s time to knock this off.
Go find a CEU that’s actually fun.
Interested in Reading some of our Traditional Chinese Medicine references?
Browse PubMed for studies on acupuncture, herbs, and more—trusted references for evidence-based practice.
Looking for classic TCM texts?
Explore the World Digital Library for historical manuscripts and foundational references in Traditional Chinese Medicine.