Chinese medicine has developed over more than 2500 years. Spirituality, philosophy and religion form the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This distinguishes it very significantly from allopathic medicine (Western medicine) and also means that it is often perceived as magical and mysterious. Chinese medicine is not a religion, does not require any religious beliefs on the part of the doctor or patient, and is not tied to any particular religion or belief system. However, being from China, it has foundations in Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist philosophies.
The origin of Chinese medicine arose from the application of natural laws to the human body. The teaching of Taoism taught the precise observation of nature based on the concept of micro- and macrocosm (man and universe) and life in harmony with nature. The theory of yin and yang has its origins in Taoism. Confucianism teaches thinking in strict hierarchies. This is mainly used in herbal medicine. The theory of the five elements is assigned to Confucianism. Buddhism also shaped Chinese medicine, especially together with Taoism.