Merlin Young

Published by Godiva Books, 2012
Paperback, 376pp Price £28.00

(Reviewed by Ilkay Chirali, EJOM Vol. 7 No. 5)

Moxibustion, like cupping, is the backbone of any acupuncture practice. I can’t think of any acupuncture clinic practising without applying moxa or cupping during a session. They both do what acupuncture needles can’t!  They are both an integral part of the acupuncture practice. Just the aroma/smell of moxa is enough to give an authenticity to the clinic!
This book has five parts in which Merlin Young takes us from the very early beginnings of the magical weed mugwort, to the present up to date research and the application protocols in a contemporary acupuncture clinic.
 
I am as pragmatic as it gets, therefore I found Part One (the Roots) and Part Two (the Stalk) to be extremely informative but lacking in practical information. Both parts offer invaluable and intimate information for someone who might be more interested in the origins of moxa.

I found the pages explaining the ‘Direct- Indirect moxa’ and ‘Tonification-Dispersion techniques’ to be extremely innovative, informative and above all practical information that we all need in order to improve our treatment protocol and offer that ‘bit extra’ to our patients.

The strength of the book is at the very end, where extensive treatment formulas are listed under ‘Clinical Treatments’ and ‘Treatments for Specific Conditions’. Like a master chef, Merlin serves out the best dish at the very end!  
In this book, Merlin Young expands on the potential use of the herb Artemisia vulgaris latiflora (Mugwort) and offers the most up-to-date treatment protocols with explanations for many common ailments. ‘The Moon Over Matsushima’ will make a quick reference book even for the most experienced practitioner.

Ilkay Chirali
Ilkay Chirali qualified as an acupuncture practitioner in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia. On return to the UK in 1987 he opened his Acupuncture, Herbal and Cupping Therapy Clinic in Eltham, and later in Bexleyheath, Kent. Further studies included paediatric acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the UK, China and Taiwan. In the last 25 years he has taught cupping therapy through workshops and seminars around the world and published the first Traditional Chinese Medicine-Cupping Therapy book.