Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the idea that no part can be understood unless it is understood in relation to the whole and according to traditional Chinese philosophy this "whole" can be described in terms of the "Yin and Yang" theory. In early China the "Five Elements" or "Phases" system was also used to describe and identify the relationships between phenomena.
Traditional Chinese medicine has as its underlying basis these theories and the theory of internal energy and "Qi", with the traditional Chinese medical practitioner seeking to balance the Yin and Yang energies so that the internal energy and Qi can flow correctly.
The Five Elements or Phases theory also permeates Chinese medical theory in that the five elements or phases 
are used to describe causes and patterns of harmony and disharmony.
The Pulses and Meridians "Chong - Mai - Lo" theory, the Five Elements "Wu - Shing" theory and the Yin and Yang theory therefore constitute the underlying basis of the modalities of Chinese medicine in diagnosis and treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine includes the modalities of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tui Na and De Da Sun Sang, Traditional Chinese Herbs and Pharmacology, Taiji and Qi Gong, Daoist meditation and practice. These modalities are applied according to the theory and principles contained in the ancient Chinese philosophy texts in particular the "Huang Di Neiching" (Internal Classics of the Yellow Emperor) and according to the practice known as "From the philosophy break through to practicality".
