History

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered as one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, originated out of the need for treating ailing patients. Compared to western medicines or many other alternatives TCM has many unique features such as its based on abstract ideas, it is complete and rational that follows prognosis and prevention. Traditional Chinese medicine can be used to treat all types of illnesses people can encounter. At the beginning of the traditional Chinese medicine system the knowledge was transferred verbally to the disciples or the family members, but as the time progressed the knowledge was systematically summarized and handed down in the form of medical treaties. The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Medicine being first of these treaties which dates back to 800 B.C., a textbook that is still referred my many traditional Chinese practitioners. Traditional Chinese medicine has been developing since it started and still it is one of the important healthcare systems for the people of China. This review article provides an overview over the history of traditional Chinese medicine, as it has evolved over the last 5000 years.