Whilst thought of, for thousands of years, as the primary medical system in China, Chinese medicine is considered as alternative medicine in the Western world. It is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world as people are attracted by the idea of natural healing as opposed to modern medicine and synthetically developed drugs. Said to have been practised for 5,000 years the history of Chinese medicine is anything but lucid.

Considered 2,000 years old, Hung-Di Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine) is thought to be the first written document concerning Chinese medicine and is attributed to the Yellow Emperor. But dates and author are still far from clear. The primary methods of Chinese medicine, and the ones people are most familiar with, are herbal medicine and acupuncture with massage, qi gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. Through these methods Chinese medicine aims to restore harmony and regain balance to the system rather than treat the disease or illness.

American Chronicle