Most acupuncture practitioners will be familiar with the notion of painful, or Ashi, points. Such points are fundamental to a good treatment protocol and often offer better options than points indicated strictly by Chinese Medicine (CM) theory. In his book, The Active Points Test, Marcelli expands on this idea, suggesting that such points should be sought for routinely, and, in addition, that patients should be actively engaged in the search. The author opines that this can: (1) enhance results; (3) minimize needle numbers; and, perhaps most importantly, (3) empower patients by involving them in their treatment programs. I could not agree more. Chapter 1 defines the test and compares it to other interactional feedback systems, such as applied kinesiology, electroacupuncture according to Voll, and Akabane’s test. Specifically, the test involves pinching and rolling the skin to detect tenderness and seeing if such stimulation relieves the symptoms before the needle is inserted. Marcelli refers to the technique as an example of ex adiuvantibus (indicating a diagnosis supported by disease remission in response to a given treatment). ‘‘Nice phrase,’’ I thought, while looking up the meaning. However it was only one of several such descriptive words and aphorisms, including pince roule (pinching and rolling), ubi major minus cessat (big pain cures little pain), sekundenphanomen (instant relief of pain with neural therapy), sensitive cybernetic organism (organisms can respond to stimulation), and nappage, (multiple small volume subcutaneous injections in mesotherapy). Chapter 2 explores the precise details of the test, with pinching and rolling being the main technique. Where the skin is too taut, the author suggests a glass stick, pen-nib, or even an acu-needle. Symptoms are systematically classified as: induced, kinetic, positional, and palpatory; while responses are classified as: strongly positive, positive, negative, strongly negative, or indifferent. He gives several examples, such as the use of ST 38 (Tiaokou) for shoulder pain or SI 3 (Houxi) for a stiff neck. In Chapter 3, he divides point choices into rational (or anatomical) and non-rational (or reasoned). Rational points are local (in the area of pain) or regional, such as paravertebral points or spondyloid points (GV). Reasoned points are those chosen by CM theory. Chapter 4 explores various theoretical explanations for why the test works, from the conventional Gate Control Theory to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Qi explanation of Fullness and Emptiness in channels. There is an interesting discussion about placebo/nocebo effects and the power of suggestion, which touches on the appropriate or inappropriate use of the power differential between doctor and patient. Chapter 5 describes the author’s preferred treatment techniques. Using the analogy of the four Sishencong points around GV 20 (Baihui), he suggests using a central needle and surrounding it with four needles in the Sishencong pattern, angling the needles toward the central point. If dry needling does not work, he adds 0.1–2 cc. of a solution made by mixing 1 cc each of 2% procaine and clorproetazine (not generally available) or vitamin B12. If that does not work, he moves on to other techniques, such as auriculotherapy, neural therapy, mesotherapy, and/or nappage. Chapter 6 discusses using the test to shed light on more difficult symptoms, such as iron deficiency anemia, depression, or allergies. Here, he asks a patient to reflect intuitively (concentrate) on whether he or she feels stronger or