alcohol and sterility/reply about posting

[Guest guest]

On another note, I would like Todd to clarify what topics are actually

"on subject" and which are not. Obviously, Chinese language, Translation

of the classics, and several other subjects are. I was under the impression

that although this is an Herb list, subjects other than herbs are discussed.

Please clarify.

Howard

 

No problem Howard. I am glad you asked. I was just about

to give up.

Acupuncture as an isolated topic is outside the scope of this list

because it could easily come to dominate the conversation, as it currently

is. I have no particular interest in running an acupuncture discussion

group and there are many members on this list who are exclusively herbalists

and who were invited or asked to join this herbology-only list. The

topics of history, education, terminology, etc. are very germane to the

practice and understanding of Chinese herbal medicine. But in my opinion,

the issue of needle sterilization, for example, has nothing to do with

herbology at all.

In addition, Acupuncture and herbology developed as unique disciplines

with vast bodies of literature and very few practitioners in ancient times,

except for a few masters, practiced both arts. Chinese Herbal Medicine

respects these unique heritages, so we have chosen to limit discussion

here to herbology because we consider this topic vast enough for one lifetime.

Finally, the foremost reason for the founding of Chinese Herbal Medicine

is the disproportionate emphasis on Acupuncture training and practice in

american TCM and we hope this serves as a counterweight to that imbalance.

So everyone, please respect the guidelines of this group. If you

find the topic guidelines too narrow, please feel free to create an Acupuncture

group. I would be happy to promote the existence of such a group.