Nephyr's Books
That moment when the book you've been working on for a very long time arrives and it's finally a real book (p.s. that’s Captain Picard; he was a street cat in Thailand who we adopted when we lived there. He came home with us and now lives in Oregon)
I have had the great pleasure of writing two books on traditional Thai medicine that I am happy to share with you. They are linked here to Powells and Amazon. I am a great lover of independent brick and mortar local bookstores though, and I sometimes feel sad seeing them disappear, so if it is possible for you to order my books through a lovely local bookstore I encourage you to do so. ~ naj
June 2024 update: These books are currently out of print. My publisher says they will be available again in the next few months. As soon as I have an availability date I will post it here.
Seven Peppercorns: Traditional Thai Medical Theory for Bodyworkers
Seven Peppercorns covers the vast scope of traditional Thai medicine practices including: Thai element theory, physical therapies, medical Buddhism, herbal medicine for massage, divinatory practices, and spirit medicine; all held within the context of a Thai bodyworker’s instructional manual. This is not another step by step Thai massage photographic sequence book, but rather an in-depth training in the theory behind the steps, with instruction in a wide range of esoteric Thai physical therapies designed to bring practical understanding of Thai bodywork as it is practiced by traditional doctors in Thailand.
Order from Powells (local to Portland, ships all over the place)
Order from Bookshop (supports brick and mortar bookstores)
Order from Better World Books (online site supporting many charities)
Thai Herbal Medicine: Recipes for Health and Harmony
This book is co-written with the great Pierce Salguero, PhD, professor of Asian History and Religious Studies.
Thai herbs are part of a vibrant culture of healing that has been practiced and preserved over the centuries in traditional medicine schools, Buddhist monasteries, and village homes all over Thailand. Many quite ancient herbal traditions continue to be practiced throughout Thailand to this day, and some of these have now been recognized by the Ministry of Public Health as an important facet of the country’s national healthcare system. This revised and updated edition provides an overview of traditional Thai medicine—including both the theory and the practical application of Thai cuisine, bodywork, and herbal medicine. Of interest to herbalist, massage therapists, and practitioners of other alternative healthcare systems, the book introduces the basic principles of Thai herbal healing in simple and clear terms, and it includes a detailed compendium of individual herbs. Best of all, this book is fun, offering easy recipes for home remedies, healthcare products, and cuisine that will make the world of Thai tradition come alive in your home
