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The History

The History of Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine, known as TCM, has a history dating back more than 5,000 years. Emperor Shen Nung (c. 3000 BC) was recognized as the first person who tasted the "poison plants." He accidentally discovered the apparent medicinal properties of various plants when introducing agriculture to his people. Most of his findings were handed down verbally because written language did not exist then. He was recognized as the father of Chinese herbal medicine.

Other important Chinese doctors include The Yellow Emperor (2696 to 2598 BC), who took immense interest in medical science and discovered more medicinal plants. He was so pleased with his findings that he invented writing to record them. His book, Nei Jing, The Yellow Emperor's Classics of Internal Medicine 黃帝內經, was documented around 200 to 100 BC in the written language that can be understood today. It is the first Chinese medical textbook and has remained the basis of Chinese medicine ever since. The theories of yin and yang, the five elements and preventive care were his invention. His work was further developed and established as a sophisticated practice during the Han dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD). However it wasn’t until 700 AD that the first school of medicine was established and the system of formal study and examinations for doctors began.

Hua Tuo, a famous doctor who was born in 110 AD, emphasized the importance of exercise to health and invented the movements of tai chi.

Li Shi Zheng (1518 to 1593 AD) is the greatest naturalist in Chinese history. He developed the most important reference book in Chinese herbal medicine called the General Catalogue of Herbs, which includes 52 volumes and 1,160 illustrations.

Chinese medical theory is strongly influenced by Taoist beliefs and the ancient philosophers' view of the cosmic law and structure, the universal order, the mystery of life and man's place within that structure. This theory has become the philosophy that governs how people should live their life. It is about discipline, responsibility, values and the best ways to live in harmony with the universe and has not changed since ancient times. It has been most practical and effective in guiding the huge Chinese population to take care of their health.

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Last updated on 03/21/2005