The human body is governed by the universal principles of the natural world. Ancient Chinese medicine embraces these natural principles to offer a unique ecological approach to understanding the body and its functions in the interest of encouraging balance and self-healing.In this practical and easy-to-follow guide, acupuncturist Clive Witham addresses how and why illness in the body occurs according to Chinese medicine and what we can do to restore ourselves back to health from many common ailments and conditions. He explores basic principles from nature, such as yin and yang, the effects of our natural environment, blood circulation and obstruction, and universal patterns within all things, to explain the effects of change on our body systems. He explains how to assess your body's signs and symptoms as well as how to recognize and understand patterns of illness through their ecological connections. With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, he shares self-care treatments for a number of common health disorders, from colds and high blood pressure to backache, nausea, menstrual pain, and depression. He details how to maintain wellbeing and initiate healing from within through the use of hands-on treatment modalities and techniques such as food and lifestyle changes and manual therapies like acupressure, massage, and Gua sha.Enabling you to assess physical signs, understand illness patterns, and proactively support your own recovery, this guide allows you to take charge of your own healing process, alleviate symptoms quickly and effectively, and enhance your body's resilience with simple self-care.