Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Interprets the basic concept and principles of TCM, such as yin-yang, the five elements, qi (vital energy), blood and body fluids, pathogenesis, pathology, the four diagnostic techniques, the eight guiding principles, differentiation of syndromes and general rules of prevention and treatment.

Title: Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (English Translation)
By Yin Huihe, Shuai Xuezhong
Foreign Language Press, Beijing, 1995
Hardcover, 300 pages
ISBN 711901398X

My book is mainly written for two groups of readers. The first one is the domestic professionals, to help them teach TCM in English, as well as to provide a framework for international scientific exchange that is necessary to further development and optimal use of historical health research.
-- Shuai Xuezhong, the author and translator, Professor and Director of the English TCM Teaching and Research Section at the Hunan College of TCM.

This book outlines the fundamental theories of TCM. It systematically explains the basic concept and principles of TCM, such as yin-yang, the five elements, qi (vital energy), blood and body fluids, pathogenesis, pathology, the four diagnostic techniques, the eight guiding principles, differentiation of syndromes and general rules of prevention and treatment.

This book is useful for professionals who teach TCM in English, as well as for those who are interested in TCM and want a comprehensive approach.

h5>A Short Table of Contents

1. General Introduction
   Formation and development of the theoretical system of TCM - The materialistic and dialectical outlook in the theoretical system of TCM - Chief features of TCM
2. Yin and Yang, Five Elements (Phases)
   The yin-yang theory - The five-element theory
3. Visceral Symptoms
   The five yin viscera - The six yang viscera - Unusual organs - Relation between yin and yang viscera
4. Qi ( Vital Energy), Xue (Blood) and Jin-Ye (Body Fluids)
   Qi - Blood - Body fluids - Interrelation of qi, blood and body fluids
5. Meridians and Their Collaterals
   The concept of the meridian and the formation of its system - Twelve regular meridians - Eight extra meridians - Branches of the twelve meridians, large collateral meridians, musculofascia (or musculotendinous) meridians and cutaneous areas of meridians - Physiology of meridians and application of the meridian theory
6. The Cause of Disease
   The cause of disease - The principles of occurrence and change of disease
7. Pathogenesis
   Flourishing and decline of anti-pathogenic and pathogenic factors - Disharmony between yin and yang - Abnormality of qi and blood - Abnormal body fluid metabolism - "Five endogenous pathogens" - Pathogenesis of meridians - Pathogenesis of zang-fu (viscera)
8. Four Techniques of Diagnosis
   Inspection - Auscultation-olfaction - Inquiry - Palpation
9. Eight Guiding Principles
   Exterior and interior - Cold and heat - Deficiency and excess - Yin and yang
10. Identification of Syndromes According to Zang-Fu
    Identification of syndromes according to etiology - Identification of syndromes according to qi, blood and body fluids - Identification of syndromes according to zang-fu (viscera) - Identification of syndromes with the names of the six meridians - Identification of syndromes according to the principle of ying (nutrition), wei (defence), qi (vital energy) and xue (blood) phases
11. General Rules of Prevention and Treatment: Prevention - General Rules of Treatment