TCM is an incredibly complex system of diagnosing, preventing and treating illness – it’s not something you learn in a weekend workshop and dabble in on the side. It can be quite difficult to wrap ones head around the whole concept, and I’ll be the first to admit that I struggled with understanding and grasping it all in our acupressure class at Bancroft. But Amy and Nancy explain TCM, Yin/Yang, Zang Fu, etc. really, really well, and after reading this book, I feel like I finally “get it”. I found myself nodding and thinking “oh, ok, now I understand” often while reading it.

The authors also cover some of the history behind the origins and development of TCM, which is both interesting and helpful when learning. I always find that knowing why something is done a certain way (rather than just being told “it’s the way it is”) really helps me both remember and understand it.

The book opens with an intro about the origins of dogs and how they developed into the animals we know them as today, and then goes into several chapters about TCM, breaking it down into smaller components, explaining what each is and how it works, all with helpful examples of how a TCM practitioner would look at a particular imbalance to determine what the problem is and how best to treat it.

Topics covered include universal law, law of integrity, chi, disharmony, Yin/Yang, five-element theory (with a very helpful chart of which element corresponds to what), Zang Fu, meridians, and how to use “cun” measurements to find the correct points on your dog.

Chapter seven is a big chapter, covering the Zang-Fu organ systems and the meridians in detail. Each meridian has an intro, a detailed list of its functions, health and emotional issues connected to it, and an explanation of its location. And for each, there is an illustration of the meridian and important points outlined on a dog. Some also have a photo of a dog with the meridian outlined, which I thought was particularly helpful, because for me at least, it is not always easy to locate them on your own dog.

Chapter eight talks about the assessment tools, i.e. TCM diagnostic methods – The four examinations, the eight principles, and the patterns of disharmony. The authors explain why each assessment is done and what the findings can tell a practitioner (with helpful examples). The chapter ends with a great list of TCM concepts that give you a quick overview/reminder of each, which is hugely helpful.

Chapter nine takes you through an acupressure session from start (finding a good spot, asking your dog for permission, etc.) to finish (what to look for in your dog after a session), covering things like opening, finger techniques, how to use the Association points to assess the organ system, the Alarm points to figure out how deep an imbalance goes, how to work on Source points, closing the session, and what to feel for all along the way.

Chapter ten lists many different common conditions from emotional (grief, fear, etc.) to physical (arthritis, diarrhea, hip dysplasia, conjunctivitis, etc.) to some more general in nature (aging, strengthening the immune system) and outlines which points to work for each. The book ends with a glossary of both anatomical and TCM terms and a bibliography.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in learning about TCM in general, and acupressure for dogs in particular. And if you’re planning to take one of Tallgrass’ introductory acupressure workshops, I’d say read this beforehand and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.

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Karen is the founder of The Crystal Tiger in Mississauga, Ontario and a long-time crystal healing therapist. She is also a Reiki master, Radionics Therapist, and Spiritual Aromatherapist, and teaches Reiki and crystal healing courses. This is her third book – she has previously written “How to Use Your Pyramid” and “Spiritual Aromatherapy: The Subtle Effects of Essential Oils on the Human Spirit”.

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While I’m personally not thrilled with the “idiot’s guide” as a title (I may not know a lot about a subject, but that doesn’t make me an idiot), I do like the way these books are set up, and “Crystals” is no exception. The mostly short paragraphs, frequent itemized lists and framed “side notes” on almost every page really help to break up the text and make learning easier.

This is a great book, packed with so much information that you can’t read it in one sitting. Karen not only tells you how and why to use crystals for healing, there is also tons of scientific data and interesting facts. And I love Karen’s style of writing; it’s direct, down to earth and witty. After the first few read-throughs, I use this book as an encyclopedia, going back to it again and again to look things up.

The book is divided up into five parts:

1. All About Crystals
2. Starting your Crystal Collection
3. Healing properties of Crystals
4. Crystal Healing Techniques
5. Personal Development

Each part is divided up into several chapters, and each chapter is divided into clearly defined sections. The chapters end with a short re-cap highlighting the most important facts in that chapter, so you can make sure you didn’t miss anything essential.

The parts break down as follows:

Part 1 – An overview of, and the history and science behind, healing stones and crystals, Crystals and healing, Buying crystals

In part 1, All About Crystals, Karen talks about

• the history of crystals and crystal healing
• real vs. man-made crystals
• famous gemstones (the Hope diamond, etc.)
• the structure and energetic properties of crystals
• the difference between rocks, minerals, gemstones and crystals
• the scientific properties of healing crystals and what they mean (for example, the term “Broadcast” means the ability to send out energy patterns to be received by others, which is useful in distance healing)
• the energy and vibration of crystals
• the Buddhist classes of illness
• a quick overview and how to of meditation
• the importance of intent
• what crystal healing is and why it works
• what crystal energy healing is
• easy ways to use crystals in jewelry to heal yourself
• using crystals with Reiki and symbols
• the importance of crystals in Ayurvedic healing (and which gemstones correspond to which astrological signs)
• how and where to buy healing crystals (there is more to it than one might think)

Interesting tidbit from Part 1: There is a company called LifeGem that creates diamonds from the carbon in a lock of hair or the cremated ashes of people and pets!

Part 2 – Energy, Chakras and Crystals, Crystal healing wands, 6 essential healing crystals, Healing crystal jewelry, Feng Shui and crystals

In part two, you learn about

• meridians, chakras, chi and auras
• the importance of chakra crystal healing (and which crystals to choose)
• using chakra essential oils
• how to use crystal wands and pyramids for healing
• how to clean and charge your crystals
• the six most important healing crystals and how to use them
• how to connect with your crystals
• the many different ways to use crystals around the house
• how to wear crystal healing jewelry
• how to use crystals with Feng Shui

Interesting tidbit from Part 2: Using crystals with appliances promotes a longer life and fewer breakdowns (must try it with my computer!)

Part 3 – Selecting crystals for healing, The five “Master Healers”, Specific health conditions and crystal healing properties, Crystals and animals, Pendulums, Gem essences and Crystal water

Part three covers

• how to select and use crystals for physical, emotional and spiritual healing (there’s a whole chapter on each)
• lists of which crystal to use for a variety of health issues (chronic pain, headaches, fertility, grief, negativity, etc.), and also which body part and condition they relate to
• the five most useful healing crystals, what they do and how to use them
• which crystals to use specifically for men, women, teens, and children
• how to use crystals (and which to use for specific conditions) with animals
• using pendulums
• Devas, angels and past lives
• crystal water, gem essences, power packs and blessing salts

Interesting tidbit from Part 3: If you are drawn to a particular crystal, there is usually a reason for it. For example, Malachite helps the liver and heart, and if you find yourself attracted to it, it may be time to get your heart or liver checked.

Part 4 – Energy clearing techniques, Crystal healing layouts, Performing your first healing session

In part 4, we learn

• several different crystal healing techniques
• how to balance your chakras
• how to clean auras
• about patterns – how to arrange your crystals for different healing situations
• how to energetically clear spaces
• how to store your crystals
• how to do a crystal healing session (includes a handy worksheet)

Interesting tidbit from Part 4: Kyanite crystals are always charged and never have to be cleansed

Part 5 – Different forms of meditation and techniques, Incorporating healing crystals and gemstones in your everyday life, Crystal healing training

The last part of the book talks about

• different ways to meditate – an important part of crystal healing (and your health)
• getting to know your crystals
• using crystals every day in different ways
• how and where to learn more about crystal healing (classes, certification, etc.)
• what you can expect as you progress as a healer

Interesting tidbit from Part 5: Listening to Gregorian chants has been found to increase endorphins and ease pain

At the end of the book, there is an alphabetical list of healing crystals, outlining what each does and how to use them, a glossary, and recommended books.

Regardless of whether you are curious about the healing power of crystals and want to give it a try on your own, or just want to be able to select the right bracelet or pendant to wear on any given day, I highly recommend this book. There truly is something for everyone in it, and I guarantee you will learn at least one or two (but probably many) new things.

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Here are my favorite resources for keeping up with the latest studies and new products:

Whole Dog Journal
My absolute favorite. This monthly magazine is filled with invaluable advice and tips for those of us who are interested in positive training and alternative pet health. They also do dog food comparisons and publish annual wet and dry dog food reviews.

I always learn something new from each issue. Have you ever heard of Willard Water? Or did you know that giving a dog with strong body odor a little bit of coconut oil every day can help reduce the smell or even get rid of it completely?

Animal Wellness
Bi-monthly magazine with lots of advice on holistic lifestyle choices for pets including nutrition, exercise, training, health and a variety of other “alternative” subjects.

Articles in past issues have included: Herbal medicine for animals”, “A guide to animal friendly lawn care”, “Discover the benefits of Gemmotherapy”, and “Feng Shui creates harmony for animals too”.

Your Dog
Published 10 times/year by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, this newsletter has lots of good information on news and research in western (allopathic) veterinary medicine.

I know this blog is about alternative options, but I think it’s important to know what’s going on in all areas. Sometimes you need traditional medicine as well, and when you do, it’s good to be well informed.

Dog Watch
Very similar to Your Dog, this monthly newsletter comes from the Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine. And don’t be intimidated by the fact that these last two newsletters are published by veterinary schools – they are not filled with scientific babble and terms you have to look up. There are a lot of good articles where you can learn more about behavior, certain diseases, parasites, etc.

I’d love to hear if there are others out there that I have missed. Which are your favorites?

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