Although Chinese medicine is conceived as alternative medicine outside of the Far East it is still considered the primary medical system in China, and has been for thousands of years. Because Chinese medicine relies on natural healing rather than synthetically produced drugs, more and more people in the Western world are turning to this branch of medicine.

The history of Chinese medicine is far from well defined, but it is believed to have been practised for 5,000 years. Hung-Di Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine) is thought to be the first written document concerning Chinese medicine. It is considered 2,000 years old and was supposedly commissioned by the Yellow Emperor.

The primary methods of Chinese medicine, and the ones people are most familiar with, are herbal medicine and acupuncture with massage, qi gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. Restoring harmony and regaining balance to the system rather than treat the disease or illness is the main aim of Chinese medicine.

A lack of harmony is seen as the main cause of any illness. Whereas modern medicine treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use of antibiotics or vaccines, Chinese medicine has a holistic view and targets the imbalance with the philosophy that well-balanced human bodies can resist most everyday illness and disease.

The relationship between Chinese medicine and Western medicine is still problematic. Even though more and more medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine in their programmes Chinese medicine is more likely to be viewed with distrust by older Western doctors.

Even though, the techniques are now valued in the west. Alternative medicine has been recognised by drug companies and the value it can give to the world of modern medicine and are employing scientists to gather information from around the world from traditional Chinese medical practitioners. Inpatient and health programme classes of hospitals and clinics are now including T'ai Chi Ch'uan or qigong.

Over three quarters of the world's population consider Chinese medicine has their primary medical system lauding its merits in the areas of prevention and administering to physical and emotional illness. For centuries it has been regarded as form of non-intrusive, remedial, risk free treatment.

Attitudes towards modern medicine and its reliance on synthetic drugs have influenced many to seek support in alternative medicine and Chinese medicine in particular. Chinese medicine is now an initiatory option for an increasing number of people who want to maintain good health and is increasing in popularity in the Western world.