本书科学系统地介绍了中国传统医学的理论基础、临床应用及中西医结合治疗的优势。本书具有如下特点：1、中医理论部分。本书在介绍中医理论及文化背景的同时，也关注与相应时期西方(古希腊)医学理论及文化背景的比较分析，以此使西方读者对中医的理解更加清楚到位。2、中医基本知识部分。突出介绍中医一些独特的方法，及与西医的互补性。3、临床治疗部分。在病种的选择方面，本书没有简单地选择西医没有办法而中医有疗效的常见病种进行介绍，或简单地选取一些病例予以佐证，而是严格根据西方医学最为看重的“循证医学”原则(RCCT，即：Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)进行病种的遴选和病例分析。

Chapter I Cultural Backgrounds of Chinese Medicine

 Ancient Chinese Philosophy

I. Confucianism

II. Daoism

 Ancient Chinese Language

 China's Scientific Tradition

Chapter II Basic Theories of Chinese Medicine

 Theory of Essential Qi

I. Basic Concept of Qi

II. Components of Essential Qi

III. Comparison between Qi, Pneuma and Atom

 Theory of Yin-Yang

I. Opposition of Yin and Yang

II. Interdependence of Yin and Yang

III. Inter-Consuming-Supporting Relationship of Yin and Yang(Waxing-Waning of Yin and Yang)

IV. Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang

V. Infinite Divisibility of Yin and Yang

 Theory of Five Elements

I. Major Contents of Five-element Theory in Chinese Medicine

II. Comparison between Five-element Theory in Chinese Medicine and Four-element Theory in Greek Medicine

 Theory of Visceral Manifestations

I. Anatomical, Physiological and Pathological Basis of Visceral Manifestations

II. Ancient "Black-box" Method

III. The Five Zang-Organs

IV. The Six Fu-Organs

V. The Extraordinary Organs

VI. Relations between Zang- and Zang-Organs

VII. Relations between Zang- and Fu-Organs

VIII. Relations of Zang-Organs with Other Tissues and Activities

IX. Ontology of Zang-Organs According to Modern Research

 Theory of Meridians and Collaterals

I. Historical Development of the Concept of Meridian System

II. Evidence Indicating the Existence of Meridians in Modern Studies

III. Composition of the Meridian System

IV. Functions of the Meridians

 Cause of Disease

I. Development of Etiology of Chinese Medicine

II. Causal Factors of External Contraction

TTI. Causal Factors of Internal Damage

IV. Pathogenesis in Chinese Medicine

Chapter III Diagnostics

 Symptom, Disease and Syndrome Pattern

 Four Examinations

I. Inspection

II. Listening and Smelling

III. Inquiry

IV. Palpation

 Syndrome Differentiation (Pattern Identification)

I. Eight-Principle Syndrome Differentiation

II. Disease Cause Syndrome Differentiation

III. Qi-Blood and Body Fluid Syndrome Differentiation

IV. Visceral Syndrome Differentiation

V. Other Schemes of Syndrome Differentiation

Chapter IV Therapeutics

 Principles of Treatment

I. Treating the Disease before it Arises

II. Treating the Root vs. Treating the Tip

III. Applying Treatment with Regard to Time, Place and Individual

IV. Consistent Treatment vs. Paradoxical Treatment

 Basic Knowledge about Chinese Medicines

I. The Four Natures of Medicinals

II. The Five Tastes (Flavors) of Medicinals

III. Meridian Tropism of Medicinals

IV. Principles of Composing a Compound Formula

V. Medicinal Pairing

VI. Toxicity

VII. Processing of Medicinals

 Methods of Treatment

I. Diaphoresis

II. Emesis

III. Purgation

IV. Harmonizing Method

V. Warming Method

VI. (Heat-)Clearing Method

VII. Dispersion (or Resolution)

VIII. Tonification

IX. Others

Chapter V Common Diseases

 Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis

Urticaria

Bronchial Asthma

 Cardiovascular Diseases

Essential Hypertension

Coronary Heart Disease

 Chronic Gastro-lntestinal Diseases

Gastro-Esophageal Reflux and Esophagitis

Functional Dyspepsia

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Chornic Gastritis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 Metabolic Disorders

Diabetes Mellitus

Metabolic Syndrome

 Cancers

 Arthritides

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gouty Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Index

Acknowledgement