PrefaceThe concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) might seem both familiar and strange to some. Our familiarity lies in our frequent use of TCM ingredients in daily life, such as ginger, curry, fennel, bunge prickly ash, cassia and other dressings in cooking, and perilla frutescens crispa and mint used to make side dishes. If we visit a community TCM clinic, we can experience TCM therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and cupping. There is a plethora of literature on TCM for our viewing in libraries and on the internet. What makes TCM feel somewhat strange is our lack of familiarity with its distinctive theoretical system and theories. We need some basic knowledge of traditional Chinese culture and its principles to become more comfortable with it. You may have many questions, like what is the theory of the TCM treatment? What is the difference between TCM and Western medicine? Is TCM a recognized and respected discipline? Many of us lack knowledge of this discipline. We may possess fundamental misconceptions concerning it.There are three major traditional medicines: TCM, the Indian Medicine and Arabic Medicine. Prior to the emergence of the modern medicine, people around the world relied entirely on traditional medicines to cure illness and prolong lives. Ancient civilizations such as Egyptian, Indian, Mayan and Babylonian, all included complete traditional medical systems. With the emergence of modern medicine, many traditional medicines have fallen from mainstream use or even disappeared. A notable exception is traditional Chinese medicine. Undergoing vicissitudes in history, it has stayed strong till now.Since its inception, TCM has been a bulwark against diseases and plagues maintaining the health of the Chinese people. An important part of the Chinese culture, TCM influences modern medical practices in Asia, and the healthcare standard for people across the world, thanks to the overseas Chinese who had brought TCM to other lands.In addition to being a holistic theoretical system, TCM boasts measurable therapeutic effects as it integrates traditional natural practice with proven results. The studies of TCM contain profound philosophical wisdom of health regimen in both theories and practice of the Chinese nation accumulated over thousands of years. It is the gem of the ancient Chinese science and key to the treasure house of the Chinese civilization.More than a thousand years ago, when smallpox raged across China, Ge Hong (283-363), the famous doctor in the Jin Dynasty (265-420), offered the therapy of fighting poison with poison. The methods he invented for preventing and curing smallpox were recorded in The Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies. This book enlightened the modern Chinese Nobel laureate Tu Youyou, who successfully extracted Artemisinin out of the herbal medicineartemisia apiaceae. During the outbreaks of SARS in 2003 and the novel coronavirus in the spring of 2020, the TCM doctors, applied TCM to save many lives suffering severe COVID symptoms. TCM is responsible for helping control of the spread of the viruses.TCM has spread to over 200 countries and regions with a dozen of TCM centers established in these countries. More and more foreigners prefer TCM treatment. TCM belongs to China and to the world as well.To better promote TCM culture, this author researched and summarized studies detailing the progress of teaching, science and clinical practices of both Chinese and Western medicines over the years. The author introduced in simplified terms TCMs historical origin, basic concepts, theoretical essence, and key techniques. Moreover, the document introduced readers to a mysterious and magical TCM world in easy to understand language, with case studies and images.It is my hope that the book can be published overseas to help more learn about the efficacy and benefits of TCM. We wish everyone may enjoy the insights and experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.