Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the internal organs of the human body have each its specific functions, but each does not work entirely on its own and is by no means independent of other organs. The mutual coordination between the internal organs and the brain, the bone marrow, etc. ---their integration and unity ---is the basis of maintaining the normal life activities of the human body. The influence of external environments and spiritual factors on the human body is also reflected chiefly by changing the state of coordination between these organs. The incidence, development, and recidivism of diseases are intimately related with the functional states of these organs.
Medical science has the aim of finding out how to strengthen and preserve the health of the human body and how to reduce and conquer disease so that mankind may enjoy health and longevity. This is the lofty aim and immense value of existence of all varieties of medical science. They would be completely unworthy of the title of medical science if they should be divorced from this aim.
Here I would like to add that traditional Chinese medical practitioners attach comparatively great importance to the "science of health preservation". They are of the opinion that "the imperative job is to cope with a disease before it occurs." Wouldn"t the result of so doing be more satisfying and more perfect than any effect that may be achieved by attending to the illness after it has arisen? The oft-told "prevention is better than cure" is what is remarkable as a national trait of the Chinese people.

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