A New American Acupuncture : Acupuncture Osteopathy : The Myofascial Release of the Bodymind's

"I don't want to insult Mark Seem, as I might want to study with him in the future. The book's title may be the publisher's choice, and not Seem's, I don't know; if you are expecting a grand union of osteopathy, acupuncture, and myofascial tensegrity, this isn't it. But if you can recognize and value a few real jewels of useful acupuncture therapy, it's a very good book. Perhaps Dr. Seem suffers a little bit from the common disease of many who have years of experience; I'm refering to his statement that his mentor, Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, was "wrong" about the yin and yang of principal channels and tendinomuscular channels. I suggest that Dr. Seem put on his "beginner's mind" again and look deeper. He tries to show that he has invented something new, when all he is doing is applying Dr. Van Nghi's "tendinomuscular protocol" to the six great channels (taiyang, shaoyang, yangming, etc). He acts as though he was the first person to ever have this idea, which just isn't true. Dr. Seem may be a great acupuncturist, a great teacher, and get great results with neuro-musculo-skeletal issues, yet there comes a point when innovation loses its root, and just puts on a show. The book is worth a read, and will give many TCM practitioners a real "aha!" experience. But for students of Nguyen Van Nghi, Seem's book will probably be ho-hum."
~ Written on 2007-12-29

"I trained in acupuncture some 25 years ago: at a time when contemporary chinese rigidity was just beginning to creep in and edge traditional practices on to the sidelines. Unfortunately, it has since come to dominate, negating the art and skill of the practitioner to the point where he or she is effectively redundant and software can diagnose and prescribe. Some people may enjoy being treated by a computer. I'm not one of them.

Any book that pushes both experienced and would-be therapists into thinking differently has to be good! You don't have to believe every theory or strategy, but it is healthy to contemplate alternative possibilities and even try them.

By the way, is it my imagination or do the negative reviews appear to be written by the same none too literate reviewer?"
~ Written on 2006-02-02

"I have every one of Dr. Seem's books. As a registered nurse with 30 years of experience and a Zen Shiatsu therapist to boot, I can recommend his books without hesitation. Every though Dr. Seem is an acupuncturist, he (whether he knows it or not) is also a master bodyworker. All his work has been proven to be beneficial not only by Dr. Seem but by others in the field."
~ Written on 2004-02-14

"Mark Seem's book is a comprehensive guide to using acupuncture in the treatment of myofascial pain. Being an acupuncturist and TCM practitioner (having done part of my training in China) I agree with Dr Seem's views on the herbalisation of acupuncture completely. Jane Austin's review I find frankly silly, and would not be surprised if it was simply a plant from a rival author intent on bringing down this books averages. This is a definite 5 star book and a must read for any acupuncturist who wants to help their patients get out of pain as quickly and efficiently as possible."
~ Written on 2000-04-06

"In response to the previous critique of Mark Seem by "Jane Austen," I would like to mention that Dr. Seem is an outstanding practitioner with well over 20 years of clinical experience in treating patients with acupuncture. I have used a similar approach of combining modern trigger point techniques with classical acupuncture and have had tremendous success. I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and have received additional training in China. I find Dr. Seem's critique of the TCM acupuncture is highly accurate. For those who are used to only the TCM methods of acupuncture, I recommend any of Mark Seems books. If you want something that is immediately useful in the clinic, start with this book. "Jane Austen's" critique of Mark Seem betrays her own clinical ignorance. His protocols are safe and effective. I highly recommend this book."
~ Written on 2000-04-02