Customer Reviews:
 A Taoist Interpretation of Macrobiotics. October 12, 2004
Brian A. Glennon (South Boston, Massachusetts)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
Containing common sense advice on preventive medicine plus some very dubious diagnosis, the book: NATURAL HEALING THROUGH MACROBIOTICS (c. 1978) by Michio Kushi, is actually a very good introduction to the concept of the macrobiotic dietary approach to health emphasizing a diet of whole grains and boiled vegetables as staple foods, merged with the Taoist practice of internal alchemy to achieve immortality.
Offering the focused view that "only with the biological reconstruction of humanity on an individual basis through the basic means of daily life and diet, could world peace be established" (p. 19) coupled with the questionable belief that "Almost every modern degenerative illness, inlcuding cancer, heart-disease, and multiple sclerosis, results from the habitual excessive intake of foods which are either too yang, too yin, or both" (p. 29), author Michio Kushi then goes on for several chapters categorizing and identifyinig all the foods, diseases, and internal organs as to their yin or yang properties to apply that biological reconstruction of humanity.
Oversimplistic, or possibly even dangerous, views towards illness permeate this work, such as "Polio is a yin condition, and is caused by the excessive consumption of foods like fruit juice, ice cream and sugar" (p. 50) and recommended treatment for serious diseases by either varying the diet according to the principles of yin & yang; the administration of plasters (i.e. "For the treatment of pnuemonia use a Carp plaster" p. 99); or the application of accupunction. The book also suggested the technique of adjusting the body's pH level by consuming various foods measured by their yin & yang value, which conforms to the practice of internal alchemy by practicing Taoists.
The major value of NATURAL HEALING THROUGH MACROBIOTICS by Michio Kushi, is for the students of Taoist tradition and folklore, rather than for any pragmatic cure for debilitating diseases, mental health, or physical injuries. To help further understand the basis and reasoning of NATURAL HEALING THROUGH MACROBIOTICS, please read: A TAOIST COOKBOOK (c. 1994) by Michael R. Saso; and SEVEN TAOIST MASTERS (c. 1990) by Eva Wong, to help put macrobiotics and Taoist alchemy and diet into historical perspective.
 Natural Healing Through Macrobiotics December 9, 1999
17 out of 20 found this review helpful
Offers a clear, concise, explanation of how whole foods and oriental diet/natural medicine can reverse health conditions and prevent illness. Love this book. Puts you on a healthy-minded approach to body - mind.
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