Traditional Chinese medicine has a long & complex history, yet the basic principles at the heart of practice have remained the same for hundreds of years. Without a solid understanding of these fundamental theories, effective practice is impossible, & this book provides a complete introduction to everything that students & practitioners, both new & experienced, need to know. The book describes & explains all of the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including yin/yang, the five elements, the 'zang & fu' organs, Zang Xiang, Qi, & the meridians & collaterals of the body. Explaining not only the principles upon which these elements work, but also how they interrelate, the book describes how they can be used in practice to identify, treat & prevent ill-health & disease. This thorough & accessible textbook, compiled by the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center (CBIATC), under the editorial directorship of leading Chinese clinicians Zhu Bing & Wang Hongcai, is essential reading for students of traditional Chinese medicine, & is also a useful basic reference for TCM practitioners.