Traditional Chinese medicine theory is based on several transcendent structures including the Theory of Yin-yang, the Five Elements, the human body Meridian system, and Zang Fu organ theory, implying everything has a place and a structure in order to help with healing. Holistic health in an individual is attained by these natural approaches and one of the principles that Chinese medicine uses in relation to this is herbal remedy. By combining a variety of elements, there is the ability for the herbs to help in healing everything.

Herbal remedy theory is based on a combination of a series of herbs in order to bring about the desired result. Usually, a formula of four herbs is used in union with each other in order to treat any secondary illnesses that may have been affected by the primary illness. It also helps to balance and strengthen the body while it is healing.

Chinese medicine divides the various herbal remedies according to a hierarchy and at the top of this hierarchy is the 'emperor' herb used to cure the primary illness that is taking place. Underneath this are the 'ministers' of the herbal remedy used to treat any secondary illnesses that may be prevalent followed by the herbal 'assistants' which are used to support the other two herbs. The final group of herbs will be the 'messenger' herbs, which will tell the primary and secondary herbs where to go and how much of an effect to take on the body.

Similar to all other parts of Chinese medicine, the herbal remedies that are placed together will first be found through the five elements and how they relate to the body They are then divided by the specific symptoms that are being seen. For example, some herbs will be spicy in order to relate to areas of the body that needs this extra element to begin better flow of Qi.

Finally, the Qi that is in a person is diagnosed and examined to determine the type of energy that is needed by a person. The last part of herbal medicine from ancient Chinese remedies is a specific mixture of these four hierarchies which are mixed in order to help change the energy flow that is in someone.

One can begin to benefit from the use of Chinese medicine and herbs in order to fight off an illness or block of energy in their system by examining the Qi and finding respective remedies through herbs. By this route one is able to find the best solutions using a holistic method.