TCM Chronology Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has undergone a long course of development; it encompasses a complete array of medical

theories, practical experiences and unique therapeutic techniques. Its original foundation was established over two thousand years ago, but was shaped by accumulative and consolidated knowledge gathered from accomplished medical practitioners of different medical approaches who had the foresight to document their findings in medical literature. Additionally, the developmental process of TCM was also influenced by various medical and cultural practices of different geographic locations and medical philosophies, which sometimes did not agree with one another. To sum it up, the modern practice of TCM is largely shaped by the annotation of authors on classic texts, which are considered the foundation of TCM practice. In time, it has become integrated with Western medicine practice in The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) has been China. Understanding translated into English and French. TCM's stages of development enables us to better realize its contributions as well as limitations in health maintenance. The chronological timeline is divided into the following stages:

I. Orgin of Chinese Medicine

II. The Early Medical Activities III. The Rise and Development of the Theoretical Chinese Medicine System IV. All-round Development in Mediciine V. Great Innovation and Achievement in Medicine VI. Further Development in the Medical Theory & Practice VII. Revolutions in the Recent Hundred-year I. Origin of Chinese Medicine Antiquity - ( ~ 2000 BC ): Important People / Authors Yellow Emperor & Shen-nong Texts / Events Ancient Chinese gradually discovered medicinal herbs when collecting food. During the period of clan commune, discovery of fire gradually led to the invention of hot compresses and moxibustion. The practice of medicine was very much intermixed with witchcraft to cure illness. They are said to be the founders of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TOP II.The Early Medical Activities Shang (1700-1100 BC): Important People / Authors Texts / Events Inscriptions on oracle bones describe the use of wine and hot water as medicine and the use of needles and bronze knives as surgical instruments. The oracles also talked about a number of diseases and illnesses. He was credited with improving decoction methods and extending their applications. TOP III. The Rise and Development of the Theoretical Chinese Medicine System Zhou Dynasty (1100 - 221 BC): Important People / Authors Texts / Events According to the book Rites of Zhou, this period had an organized medical system in which court officials of the emperor had different specialties such as dietitians, disease and surgical doctors and veterinarians. The book also recorded seasonal epidemics and relevant treatment drugs.

Yi Yin

Yi He Bian Que

He used the imbalance of six factors (yin, yang, wind, rain, night and day) to explain the cause of various diseases. The first recorded physician who established Chinese medicine diagnostic procedures. It was around this time period that the yin/yang and the five element philosophies were applied to Chinese Medicine. Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) Significance The book is comprised of two parts: the Suwen (The Book of Plain Questions) & the Lingshu (The Spiritual Pivot). The book summarizes previous medical experiences and deals with the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It lays the foundation for TCM.

Qin & Han Dynasties (221 BC - 220 AD): Important People / Authors Texts / Events An influx of philosophical thinking in the practice of Chinese medicine was due to a vast adoption of different beliefs. Wushier Bingfang (The Fifty-two Prescriptions) Significance It is the earliest written reference of Chinese pharmacology. The book documents herbal combinations which were applied at the time. Apprenticeships were a common means of educating new physicians during this time. Examinations to recruit qualified physicians were introduced. Shennong Bencaojing (Shen Nong's Classic of Herbal Medicine) Significance This is the earliest completed Chinese pharmacopoeia reference. The book lists a total of 365 Chinese medicines and outlines some principles of herbal combinations (prescriptions.) Hua Tuo He pioneered the use of an anesthetic drug and devised gymnastic exercises known as "the play of the five animals" to help Chinese keep fit and healthy. Shanghan Zabinglun (Treatise on Cold-induced and

Zhang Zhongjing

Miscellaneous Diseases) Significance This book establishes diagnosis based on overall analysis of signs and symptoms. Its 269 prescriptions make up the basis for modern clinical practice. It was rewritten and divided into two parts called Shanghanlun (Treatise on Coldinduced Diseases) and Jinkui Yaolue (Synopsis of the Golden Chamber). TOP IV. All-round Development in Medicine The Chinese Middle Ages ( 220 - 581 AD ): Important People / Authors Wang Shuhe Texts / Events Maijing (Pulse Classic) Significance This is a compilation of all the knowledge on pulse diagnosis up to this point in history. It establishes the standard for pulse diagnosis and is the earliest text for pulse study. Huang Fumi Zhenjiu Jiayijing (Systemic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Significance This text is considered to be the earliest complete reference guide to acupuncture and moxibustion. It summarizes information on the meridians, acupuncture points, needle manipulation and their contraindications. It lists a total number of 349 acu-points and discusses the therapeutic properties of each point. Ge Hong Zhouhou Jiuzufang (Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies) Significance This first clinical emergency guide contains information about common diseases, emergency cases and abstracts on related therapies. Lei Xiao Leigong Paozhilun (Lei's Treatise on Medicinal Processing) Significance This is the first treatise on preparation and processing of drugs; it became the practice of the time. Gong Qingxuan Liuquanzi Guiyifang (Liu's Remedies Bequeathed by a GImportant People / Authors) Significance

The earliest known treatise on Chinese surgery. Tao Honjing Bencaojing Jizhu (Annotations to the Classic of Materia Medica) Significance The number of listed herbal medicines in this reference book has increased to 730. It furthered information about herbs by adding herbs' nature, location, and time of harvesting. This book dominated the pharmaceutical literature until the middle of the 7th century.

Sui & Tang Dynasties ( 618-907 AD ): Time Important People / Authors Chao Yuanfang Texts / Events Zhubing Yuanhoulun (Treatise on Causes and Symptoms of Diseases) Significance The earliest record in China that categorizes the causes, symptoms and pathology of 1739 kinds of disease in a systematic manner. 624 Tang government Imperial Medical Academy was established, which set up institutions for education in various fields of medicine. Meanwhile some local medical schools were established. Xinxiu Bencao (Newly Revised Materia Medica) Significance The first official pharmacopoeia in China and in the world, which listed 844 kinds of Chinese medicine. It was the first to include diagrams and illustrations of the herbs in the text. 581-682 Sun Simiao Qianjin Yaofang (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies) & Qianjin Yifang (Supplement to the Precious Prescriptions) Significance The first medical encyclopedia in China was comprised of 30 volumes and 5,300 prescriptions. These books dealt with acupuncture, moxibustion, dietary therapy as well as disease prevention and health preservation. It was an outstanding reference for treatment of deficiency diseases.

659

Su Jing

621-714 Meng Xin

Shiliao Bencao (Herbal Diet Therapy) Significance A pharmacopoeia with both medicinal and dietary references.

713-741 Chen Cangqi

Bencao Shiyi (Supplement to Materia Medica) Significance This pharmacopoeia becomes a practical guide for clinical diagnosis and drug application. It contributed greatly in the development of prescriptions.

752

Wang Tao

Waitai Miyao (Essential Secrets from the Imperial Library) Significance A master's compendium of prescriptions available before the Tang dynasty. It covers a lot of ancient references, prescriptions and medical development.

841-846 Master Taoist Lin

Lishang Xuduan Mifang (Secret Methods of Treating Traumas and Fractures) Significance The earliest treatise on bone and traumatic surgery.

847 - 859 Zan Yin

Jingxiao Chanbao (Tested Treasure in Obstetrics) Significance The first Chinese work on gynecology and obstetrics.

974

Liu Han & Ma Zhi

Kaibao Chongding Bencao (Revised Materia Medica of the Kaibao Era) Significance This herbal classic expanded the number of herbs and drugs to 983; its method of classification was advanced. TOP

V. Great Innovation and Achievement in Medicine Song Dynasty ( 960-1279 AD ):

Time

Important People / Authors

Texts / Events Taiping Shenghuifang (Imperial Benevolence Formulary of the Taiping Era) Significance The first official prescription book of China. It lists a total of 16,834 prescriptions and gives prescription details of the actions, combination principles and proper administration in a systematic manner.

982 - 992 Wang Huaiyin

1027

Wang Weiyi

Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (Illustrated Manual of Acu-points on the Bronze Statue) Significance The book illustrates all the meridians and the appropriate acu-points.

Wang Weiyi

He was in charge of designing and casting two life-size male bronze statues for acupuncture. Significance These inventions marked an important step for TCM education, by using these models as a concrete demonstration tool.

1057

Song government The Bureau for the Re-editing of Medical Books was established to collect, collate and verify all medical texts bequeathed by 1,000 years of history. As a result, several of the established classics were published and many books were rewritten or revised under new titles.

1060

Zhang Yuxi

Jiayou Buzhu Shennong Bencao(Complete and Annotated Materia Medica of the Jiayou Era) Significance The number of medicines recorded was increased to 1,083.

1061

Su Song

Bencao Tujing (Illustrated Materia Medica) Significance The first time woodblock printing illustrations were included in a pharmacopoeia.

1075

Su Shi & Shen Gua

Sushen Liangfang (Efficacious Prescriptions of Su and Shen) Significance An individually published text.

The Jin-Yuan Period (1115 - 1368 AD): Time 1294 Important People / Authors Zhen Shirong Texts / Events Huoyou Xinshu (Treatise for Children Life Saving) Significance Treatise of Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368AD) records some practical and proved prescriptions for pediatric diseases. 1306 Wang Haogu Tangye Bencao (Materia Medica for Decoctions) Significance This book provides information about the major ingredients, actions, administration and preparation of drugs for various diseases. 1330 Hu Sihui Yinshan Zhengyao (Principles of Correct Diet) Significance A proponent of a balanced diet, Hu Sihui, especially focused on eating in moderation. 1335 Qi Dezhi Waike Jingyi (Essentials of External Medicine) Significance This book brings out new viewpoints on the causes, pathogenesis and diagnosis of external diseases. 1343 Wei Yilin Shiyi Dexiaofang (Effective Formulae Tested by Physicians for Generations) Significance This book is a testimony to Wei's skills in setting fractures and bone disorders. He invented the suspension method for reduction of spinal fractures, which contributed greatly to the development of TCM bone-setting and traumatology. 1347 Zhu Zhenheng Gezhi Yulun (Supplementary Treatise on Knowledge from Practice) Significance The book discusses the theory of internal fire or heat during physiological and pathological changes in the body.

Zhu Zhenheng

Jufang Fahui (Elaboration of the Bureau Formulary) Significance The author advocates treatment based on syndrome differentiation. He criticizes the abuse of set prescriptions and improper usage of dry and pungent herbs. TOP

VI. Further Development in the Medical Theory & Practice Ming Dynasty ( 1368 - 1644 AD ):

Time 1368

Important People / Authors Wang Lu

Texts / Events Yijing Suhuiji (A Discourse on Tracing Back to the Medical Classic) Significance This book differentiates Shanghan from Wenbing syndromes and recommends different therapeutic approaches for the syndromes.

1406

Zhu Su & colleagues

Jiuhuang Bencao (Herbal for Relief of Famines) Significance A botany book that is a medicinal and dietary guide for famine periods. Puji Fang (Universal Aid Formulary)

Zhu Su & colleagues Significance The largest prescription text in ancient China, which collates the achievements prior to 15th century. 1408 Ming government Yongle Dadian (The Great Encyclopaedia of the Yongle Reign) Significance A general encyclopedia covering topics such as medicine, history and astronomy. It was held at the time to be the largest in the world as well as in ancient China. 1442 Leng Qian Xiuling Yaozhi (Essentials for Longlife Preservation) Significance A treatise on health maintenance with plentiful chapters discussing qi-gong and life preservation. 1443 Imperial Bureau of Medicine Appointed special personnel to be in charge of recasting life-size male bronze statues for acupuncture, modeled after the one produced in the Song dynasty. Bencao Jiyao (Collection of the Essential Herbals) Significance He further developed the herbal classification method used by Tao Hongjing (456-536AD).

1492

Wang Lun

Qing Dynasty ( 1644 - 1911 AD ):

Time 1644

Important People / Authors Fu Renyu

Texts / Events Shenshi Yaohan (A Precious Book of Ophthalmology) Significance This book records different eye diseases, including 108 syndromes, 308 prescriptions and illustrations. It is also named as Yanke Daquan (Great Compendium of Ophthalmology).

1665

Qi Kun

Waike Dacheng (Great Compendium of External Medicine) Significance The book discusses the essentials of surgical diagnosis and treatment as well as lists commonly used prescriptions.

1669

Ke Qin

Shanghan Laisuji (Renewal Variorum of Exogenous Febrile diseases) Significance The book contains various notes and commentaries on Shanghan.

1670

Zhang Zhicong

Collected Notes on the Yellow Emperor's Medicine Classic Significance This book clarifies a lot of difficulties and queries about the Neijing.

1682

Wang Ang

Yifang Jijie (Variorum of Prescriptions) Significance This was a widely applied prescription book.

1687

Zhao Xianke

Yiguan (Key Link of Medicine) Significance The book advocates fortification of the body by warming methods, and also stresses the importance of fire in the vital gate.

Li Yongcui

Zhengzhi Huibu (Supplemental Compilation for Therapy) Significance This book summarizes different experiences and teachings of TCM schools. It outlines over 80 kinds of syndromes, which are mainly miscellaneous types of diseases.

TOP VII. Revolutions in The Recent Hundred-year Modern China ( 1912 AD ~ ): Important People / Time Texts / Events Authors 1914 The Northern Warlord government Abolishment of traditional Chinese medicine was proposed, but was strongly opposed by people working in TCM and pharmacy all over the country. Dictionary of Chinese Medicine Significance This book collects 70,000 entries on TCM phrases, terms, prominent physicians and Chinese medicine texts. 1922 Yun Tieqiao Qunjing Jianzhilu (Intelligent Notions on Medical Classics) Significance A commentary on medical classics. 1909-24 Zhang Xichun Yixue Zhongzhong Canxilu (Records of Traditional Chinese in Combination with Western Medicine) Significance The writer advocates for integration of Eastern and Western medicines; some of his comments are quite distinctive. 1924 Yun Tieqiao Shanghanlun Yanjiu (Study on Shanghanlun) Significance Based on the viewpoints of Sino-Western convergence, the writer notes, revises and elucidates the original content of the Shanghanlun (Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases). 1925 The Kuomingtang government The Kuomingtang government Chinese medicine courses were prohibited from being included in medical schools. A proposal written by Yu Ai and Wang Qizang, entitled "A Case for the Abolishment of the Old Medicine to Thoroughly Eliminate Public Health Obstacles," was passed in the first congress of the

1921

Xie Guan

1929

Central Ministry of Health. This pushed the TCM abolition movement to its peak. Meanwhile, TCM workers and pharmacies throughout the country went on strike, which resulted in the resolution being forced to be abandoned. 1931 "Central College of Chinese Medicine" was founded, which aimed to modernize TCM. 1933 Wu Bingyao Zhenjiu Zuanyao (An Edited Essence on Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Significance This book introduces acu-point selection for moxibustion and acupuncture and attaches anatomy and color illustrations of meridians and acu-points. 1935 1936 Chen Cunren Chinese Pharmaceutical Encyclopaedia The Kuomingtang government Cao Pingzhang "The Chinese Medicine Ordinance" was issued, which was very discriminatory against TCM. Zhongguo Yixue Dacheng (A Great Collection of Chinese Medicine Book) Significance This medical series collects most of the important classics from the second to the 20th century. 1950 The People's Republic of China government The First National Conference on Health was held and determined that future medical policy would combine Chinese and Western medicine. The Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine was founded. 1956 TCM Colleges were established again in the big cities like Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. Full-time training courses for Western doctors to study TCM were launched.

1955

1962

A first edition textbook for TCM education, approved by the government and TCM experts, was published for TCM colleges.

1964

A second edition textbook for TCM colleges was published.

1980

The Ministry of Public Health The Ministry established a national guideline for the development of Chinese and Western medicine, and for their long-term co-existence, and integreation into China's healthcare system. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Publishing House was founded.

1985

The National Bureau of Chinese Medicine Administration was founded.

1986

Chinese Qigong Science Research Association was founded.

1987

The Joint Society of World Acupuncture and Moxibustion Science was founded in Beijing.

References: 1. Dominique Hoizey & Marie-Joseph Hoizey, translated by Paul Bailey. A History of Chinese
Medicine. Edinburgh University Press Ltd 1993.

2. State Administration of TCM. Advanced Textbook on Traditional Chinese Medicine and

Pharmacology. New World Press 1995.

3. 1997.

Compiled and Edited by: Angela Collingwood, MSN, Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd. Lawrence Lau, Ph.D., Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd. Rose Tse, Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd.