Introductory Chapter

The long-term clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) confirms its importance and essential role in the health care system in China, especially in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases [1]. TCM is not only looked upon as a bright pearl, but also a treasure house in Chinese ancient culture. TCM has made great contribution to the health of Chinese people for thousands of years, and it became an independent medical system in world medical field with its special clinical effect, rational theory system and rich practice experience [2]. TCM is the holistic medicine under the guidance of system theory, emphasizing harmony between human and nature, focusing on equilibrium and balance, and focusing on state of functional system and normal function of the human organism viewing it as the integral entity. TCM is based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin-Yang and Five Elements. The oldest classic of TCM is Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Huangdi or the Yellow Emperor’s Medicine Classic), which was written around 2300 years ago. The basic theory of TCM includes five-zang organs and six-fu organs, qi (vital energy), blood, and meridians. TCM is based on the holistic principles and emphasizes harmony with the universe. It categorizes the causes of diseases into two groups: external causes and internal causes. It differentiates syndromes according to the eight principles (yin, yang, exterior, interior, cold, heat, deficiency (xu) and excess (shi)). Besides, the theory of TCM property is also one of the basic theories of the science of TCM. It is the connection between the TCM theory and the clinic. The interpreting of the scientific meaning of TCM property is one of the critical problems for the modernization process of TCM. It mainly includes four properties, five flavors, toxicity, and raising, lowering, floating, and sinking. Although, TCM at present is based on the phytochemistry and the pharmacology research, this study provides an example for the modernization of TCM with certain research ideas. In fact, it has followed the study of Western medicine research method [3]. Nowadays, though a large number of young researchers are engaged in the study of TCM, some are deviating from unique characteristics of Chinese medicine. With the developing of their research work, people come to realize the importance of TCM characteristics, and begin to lay more emphasis on its special clinical effect, rational theory system and rich practice experience. Otherwise, the essential character of the role of TCM cannot be fully and correctly explained. It is essential to clarify the role of TCM theory, principles of TCM and material basis. In a manner of speaking, this is an effective way to develop TCM industry in the direction of TCM theory with the idea of modern scientific technology. This leads us to