Nourishing Destiny: The Inner Tradition of Chinese Medicine

Description

By Lonny Jarrett
ISBN: 9780966991604
Published: 1st May 1999 (Spirit Path Press)
Number of pages: 492

Fifteen years in creation, this work examines the spiritual traditions of Chinese medicine. Much of this discussion occurs within the context of Five-Element constitutional medicine. Lonny Jarrett’s work examines the tradition of Chinese medicine whose primary therapeutic focus lies in aiding the fulfilment of the patient’s personal destiny. His methodology has been to examine the lineage of thought regarding destiny that is present throughout the writings of many authors in the related disciplines of Chinese medicine, philosophy, alchemy, and religion. It is Jarrett’s hope that his work will provide a window for the inquisitive mind to follow more deeply into the universe that is Chinese medicine.

Nourishing Destiny has become a classic text in the field of Chinese Medicine. It examines Chinese medicine as a science pertaining to the evolution of consciousness. Equating health with open awareness and illness with habitual functioning, Lonny Jarett examines the Chinese notion of destiny as it applies to the practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine. The text is grounded in the Classics and extends their view into the treatment room today.

Reviews

‘Lonny Jarrett has revived the spirit of Chinese medicine that is so often lacking in contemporary studies of this cultivational art. Integrating philosophy, cosmology, and mythology back into the evolution of Chinese medicine, Lonny has offered an initiation to practitioners, students, and client alike to expand their unfolding to this intricate art of healing. ‘Nourishing Destiny’ offers the profundity of Chinese medical concepts, elemental archetypes, acupuncture points, and more importantly, the healing process. Lastly, the text inspires us to reawaken our inner selves to reconnect with the roots of Chinese medicine – which in itself is an act of healing!’
– Jeffrey Yuen, Acupuncture Program and School of Oriental Studies, Swedish Institute

‘It is high time someone address the relationship between Chinese medicine and an understanding of life’s purpose. ‘Nourishing Destiny’ presents many novel and intriguing thoughts on this matter, ultimately based on the classics. Like Worsley before him, Jarrett has synthesized material from a wealth of different traditions. His work is the first in English that seriously attempts to integrate in a clinical context the essential teachings of philosophical Daoism, Daoist alchemy, traditional acupuncture in its various incarnations, and Chinese herbal medicine. It is really a work in progress, and though it may be difficult to fathom all that is offered, there is much here to inspire both the lay reader and the practitioner. I hope this work reaches the wide audience who might benefit from its wisdom.’
– Peter Eckman