Preface

In ancient times,Chinese medicine played a major role in the cultural exchanges that took place among the diverse civilizations along the Silk Road.Today,this sharing and learning has “gone global”.It is increasingly recognized and accepted among medical authorities world-wide that Chinese medicine offers an array of benefits that include preventing and treating a wide range of illnesses from common ailments to critical life-threatening diseases.Chinese medicine has enormous potential for advancing human well-being as it is adopted around the world.However,the overseas development of the education of Chinese medicine is not balanced and instruction in its principles is uneven.Given these circumstances,it is imperative to compile a series of Chinese medicine textbooks for learners,both at home and abroad,that align with the World Standard of Chinese Medicine Undergraduate(Pre-CMD) Education [ Shì Jiè Zhōng Yī Xué Běn Kē (CMD Qián) Jiào Yù Biāo Zhǔn ,世界中医学本科（CMD 前）教育标准] as formulated by the Educational Instruction Committee of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies(EIC-WFCMS).

On the first anniversary of the dissemination of The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese Medicine (Zhōng Huá Rén Mín Gòng Hé Guó Zhōng Yī Yào Fă ,中华人民共和国中医药法),the World Textbook Series for Chinese Medicine Core Curriculum (Shì Jiè Zhōng Yī Xué Zhuān Yè Hé Xīn Kè Chéng Jiào Cái ,世界中医学专业核心课程教材) are going to be published.The work of compiling these textbooks began in 2008 and was funded (twice) by the International Cooperation Division of State Administration of Traditional Chinese medicine.Professor Zhang Bo-li has served as Editor-in-Chief while the EIC-WFCMS has been utilized as the compilation’s platform.A large number of domestic and overseas experts were convened to carefully select model textbooks from around the world.These texts were studied and compared chapter by chapter in order to learn from their respective strong points and deficiencies.The compiling outline was then formulated and the Chinese versions of the manuscripts were reviewed and modified several times.Supported by the Specialty Committee of Translation of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies,experts,both from home and abroad,were selected to translate the textbooks and proofread the English manuscripts.These experts are proficient in Chinese Medicine translation,skillful in language application,and familiar with Chinese Medicine education abroad.As an ancient Chinese saying goes,“It takes a decade to grind a sword.”This saying means that steady and meticulous work yields a fine product and these textbooks illustrate this kind of careful attention to detail.The textbooks,which aim to cultivate excellence among Chinese Medicine practitioners and facilitate their clinical practice,focus on the prevention and treatment of diseases that respond well to Chinese Medicine treatment and frequently occur around the world.Based on classical knowledge and practice,the textbooks are conducive to the comprehensive,systematic and accurate dissemination of Chinese Medicine to other nations.

Just as a ship was essential for a journey to Japan in ancient times,so a textbook is indispensable to a learner.The publication of this series of books will contribute to the cultivation of Chinese Medicine professionals inter-nationally and help spread the many benefits of Chinese Medicine to the world.In its own way,the creation of these comprehensive textbooks will play a role in the “Belt and Road” initiative which seeks to revive the civilization-connecting Silk Road of ancient times.Chinese Medicine can serve as a powerful force contributing to the health and well-being of people all over the world.This project will play a significant and positive role in the history of international education of Chinese medicine.

Wang Xiao-pin
Director-General of International Cooperation Division of State Administration of
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bejing,July 2018