The origins of TCM can be traced back to ancient China, where healing practices were closely connected with early philosophical and spiritual beliefs. The foundation of TCM is often linked to two legendary figures in Chinese mythology: Shen Nong, the “Divine Farmer,” and Huang Di, the “Yellow Emperor.”
Shen Nong: According to Chinese legend, Shen Nong is said to have discovered the healing properties of plants and herbs by tasting hundreds of different species, some of which were poisonous. His work is credited with the creation of the first pharmacological text, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), which laid the groundwork for herbal medicine in TCM.
Huang Di: The Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), written around 200 BCE, is another cornerstone of TCM. This text presents foundational medical theories, including the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and the concept of qi (vital energy). These ideas have shaped the holistic philosophy that underpins TCM.