Like any other organism, human beings are not above the natural laws of birth, growth, aging and death. However, efforts can be made to promote growth, improve the physique, and delay the aging process so as to prevent premature death. The key is proactive prevention and timely treatment. According to material by Huang Di Nei Jing written as early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, "A sage cures a disease before it occurs and deals with a disorder before it happens¡­"In other words, a healthy person should take measures to prevent disease, and if one gets ill, he/she should get treatment as soon as possible to thwart the development of the illness. A person who is good at maintaining health often treats hidden damage that may lead to disease and gets rid of all risk factors lurking inside and outside the body

Chinese medicine emphasizes the unity of man and nature as well as that of all the tissues of the body system. Based on the concepts of Yin, Yang, the five elements, and "man-heaven harmony," it views the human body as "being able to resist the harmful qi pronounced, 'chi.'" Harmful qi is essentially any external element that causes disease, i.e. bacteria or environmental toxins. When the vital qi is inside the body (when the body's systems are in balance and immunity is high)" and "inevitably weak where the harmful qi dominates (unable to fight off disease)". Emphasis is put on the principles of disease prevention, which allows for a flexible approach in regards to a patient's prevention program. Conclusions regarding the body's internal condition are reached from observing and analyzing the outward appearance of each individual. Thus, Chinese medicine is committed to exploring the secrets of life.