Chinese internal medicine has had a long history. Its origins can be traced back several thousand years. Through long-term diagnostic and therapeutic practices, a rich collection of experiences and theories in Chinese internal medicine has been accumulated and this has gradually evolved into a complete, distinctive and effective clinical branch. In recent decades, Chinese internal medicine has also undergone more significant developments, especially in the treatment of cardiac or cerebral vascular diseases, digestive tract diseases, renal diseases and autoimmune diseases.

In order to popularize Chinese internal medicine and allow readers to grasp its basic theories as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods, we wrote this book in a language easily comprehensible by the layman. For ease of learning by modern doctors, we proceeded from the current clinical practice and outlined the contents with Western disease names. There are more than 80 diseases discussed in this book. For each disease, the Chinese syndrome differentiation and treatment as well as modern diagnostic key points are provided, to make it more convenient for the readers to study and understand.

The study of each disease should begin from its etiology, pathology and diagnostic key points, followed by the differentiated patterns and corresponding treatments. The respective points of caution for each disease should also be well-noted. Finally, the questions forming the "Daily Exercises" are useful for readers to check their comprehension and recall of the material. Given the chance, the theoretical knowledge should also be applied in clinical practice so that past knowledge is tested and new clinical knowledge and skills can be learned. Indices to the prescriptions are supplemented at the end so as to facilitate study and consultation.

This book is suitable for those who are enthusiastic about TCM and with basic medical knowledge, as well as clinical TCM doctors, nursing personnel and TCM students.