Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a history spanning thousands of years. It is the culmination of the Chinese people's extensive experience in combating illness over the ages and forms an important part of China’s cultural heritage. TCM is a traditional medical science with a unique theoretical system, encompassing the understanding of human physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, health preservation, and rehabilitation. It is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese materialist and dialectical thought, rich in traditional cultural meaning, and fully reflects the background and characteristics of Chinese civilization.

The theoretical framework of TCM consists of its fundamental concepts, core knowledge, and essential principles, all organized through its own logical structure. Its philosophical foundations lie in ancient Chinese materialism and dialectics—particularly the theory of Qi as the fundamental element, and the doctrines of Yin-Yang and the Five Phases. It is guided by a holistic worldview, centered on the physiological and pathological understanding of the zang-fu organs and meridians, and characterized by the diagnostic and treatment approach known as "pattern differentiation and treatment determination" (辨证论治).

TCM views astronomy, geography, and human affairs as parts of an integrated whole—heaven and humanity as one, body and spirit as one. It understands life, health, and disease through the relationships among human beings, nature, and society, and places importance on the influences of natural, social, and psychological factors. This forms a comprehensive medical model that integrates the individual with nature and society. TCM emphasizes that a true physician must be knowledgeable in astronomy above, geography below, and human affairs within—reflecting the unified and holistic worldview of traditional Chinese culture.

TCM also upholds a strong ethical principle centered on the sanctity of human life: "Among all things that heaven covers and earth supports, none is more precious than man." The value of human life is considered both the starting point and ultimate goal of medicine. Protecting and preserving the life and health of patients is seen as a sacred duty of the physician and a reflection of the traditional Chinese values of human harmony and ethical responsibility.

中国医药学具有数千年悠久的历史，是中国人民长期同疾病作斗争的极为丰富的经验的总结，是中国文化遗产的一个重要组成部分。中医学是中国关于人体生理、病历、疾病的诊断与防治，以及摄生康复的、具有独特理论体系的一门传统医学科学，她深根于中国古代唯物论和辩证法思想，蕴含着中国传统文化的丰富内涵，充分体现出中国文明的背景和特点。

中医学理论体系是由中医学的基本概念，基本知识，基本原理，以及按照中医学逻辑演绎程序组织而成的，是以中国古代的唯物论和辩证法思想，即以气一元论和阴阳五行学说为哲学基础，以整体观念为指导思想，以脏腑经络的生理病理为核心，以辨证论治为诊疗特点的医学理论体系。

中医学认为，天文、地理、人事是一个有机整体。天人合一，形神一体。中医学从人与自然、社会的关系去认识生命、健康和疾病问题，重视自然、社会和心理因素的作用，形成了人-自然-社会的整体医学模式，强调上知天文，下知地理，中知人事，方可为医。这是中国传统文化的大一统的整体观念的体现。

中医强调人命至重以人为本的医德观。“天覆地载，万物悉备，莫贵于人”，把人的生命价值视为医学的出发点和归宿。维护和保障病人的生命和健康是医生的神圣职责，是中国传统文化关于人伦和谐价值观的体现。