The following are some books that explain the intricacies of Chinese medicine in understandable terms, or have related information:
The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine, by Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D., Congdon & Weed, Inc., Publishers
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, by Harriet Beinfield, L.Ac., and Efram Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D., Ballantine Books (a 5-Element approach)
Healing With Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition, Revised Edition, by Paul Pitchford, North Atlantic Books