Traditional Chinese medicine is an indispensable part of the glorious culture of the Chinese nation. Totally different from the principle of western medicine, theories of tradition Chinese medicine are concerned with an emphasis on balance throughout the whole body. The methods not only aim to cure the symptom of disease, but also to cure their cause. In the process of a treatment, the diagnose procedure involves four steps: observing, listening, and smelling, inquiring, and palpating. Among them, palpating is seen as the most important. The special methods of treatment also include acupuncture and moxibustion, breathing therapy and medical massage. With its unique theoretical frame work, diagnostic methods and abundance of historical literary materials, traditional Chinese medicine claims its place as an integral part of the medical sciences of the world.

Whereas western medicine uses modern drugs to treat diseases, traditional Chinese medicine uses herbal medicines to cure illness. Hundreds of ancient herbal medicines, including iron for anemia, mercury for syphilis, arsenic for skin disease, and opium, are still used in traditional Chinese medicine. Throughout ages, people seeking healing have often turned to herbal medicine that include the use of plants and plant products. Before the advent of industrial prepared medicines, herbal remedies were commonly prescribed and their effectiveness is now being rediscovered by many practitioners.

The Chinese pharmacy is a large chest of drawers, mostly wooden, containing hundreds of herbs. The Chinese physician uses a scale to weigh out the amount of herbs for each dosage. The herbs are then boiled in an earthenware pot.

Usually, the patient will take only the broth, as most herbs are difficult to digest. Most herbal broths are bitter and children normally find it hard to swallow them. But Chinese physicians claim that hard to swallow them. But Chinese physicians claim that herbal medicines do not have side effects and can be used as dietary supplement.

Nowadays, traditional Chinese medicine is regaining its former importance, both in China and abroad. Both western medical care and traditional Chinese style care exist in China, although the western medicine system seems dominant. Large public hospitals in cities across the country offer both traditional Chinese and Western approaches to medical treatment. Those whose medical condition is less serious or urgent, are more likely to seek a doctor who practices traditional methods, and who can better restore long-term harmony to their body.