As a Shonishin practitioner and instructor, I have been eagerly awaiting the publication of this 257 page book, published by Thieme (an international medical and scientific publisher) and written by Stephen Birch Ph.D. (acupuncture researcher and author of several well known books on acupuncture). It is the definitive english language professional textbook on the subject of Shonishin (Japanese Pediatric Acupuncture).
As is to be expected from any book written by Stephen Birch, this book is carefully researched and thorough in its presentation.
The book has five sections: section 1 is Overview and History; section 2 is on Treatment Principles and Tools of Treatment; section 3 is on Root Treatment Approaches and Techniques; section 4 is on Symptomatic Treatment Approaches and Techniques; Section 5 is on Treatment of Specific Problems/Diseases.
Illustrative case studies relating to various pathologies is included and a DVD demonstrating various techniques accompanies the text.
Shonishin is a remarkably effective treatment strategy for infants and children and Stephen Birch's contribution will bring this approach to a much wider professional audience.