Traditional Chinese Medicine 传统中医 is inspired by the Taoist philosophy which sets the order and unity of the cosmos as its foremost principle. This order and unity depend on the happy balance between Yin 阴 and Yang 阳, the two opposite components of all universal elements. As a general rule Yin forces manifest themselves through passivity while Yang forces manifest themselves through movement. Although it does appear that Yin and Yang are in conflict, in fact they are at the same time totally interdependent. Traditional Chinese Medicine sets out that disease will occur when the balance between Yin and Yang has been disturbed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has also adopted the theory of the Five Elements 五行 from Taoist philosophy. These Five Elements are: metal 金, wood 木, water 水, fire 火, and earth 土. They are considered to be the principle constituents of the physical universe.

The following table shows the interpretation of the properties of the Five Elements and their metaphorical associations.

As for Yin and Yang, pathological changes can be explained and complications predicted when the various elements have been unbalanced or disturbed.