Basic Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The basic theories of traditional Chinese medical science is the basis for Chinese medical prophylaxis and Chinese clinical medical science. It includes the philosophical base, the understanding of the healthy human body, and understanding of diseases, the principles of staying healthy and of treating diseases. Diseases are explained in terms of energy, Qi, Spirit, Yin and Yang, five elements, internal organs, blood circulations, jingluo - passages through which vital energy circulates, regulating bodily functions. 

Some of the ancient medical classics on which much of TCM is based are Acupuncture of Yellow Emperor, Sunv Maijue (Medical classics of Sunv Pulse), Shennong Compendium of Materia Medica. Medical classics before Han Dynasty had mostly been lost.  Most of the surviving medical classics are based on the Shennong Compendium of Materia Medica, Acupuncture of Yellow Emperor, Nan Medical Classics and Shanghan zabinglun. These publications are considered to be the most outstanding works in Chinese medical science.