At the beginning

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an esteemed medical system that originated in China and has safeguarded the survival and prosperity of the Chinese nation for over three millennia. TCM stands not only as a cherished national treasure but also as a shared heritage for people worldwide. After Western medicine was introduced into China over a century ago, it sparked a fervent clash with TCM due to the cultural disparities and fundamental theoretical differences between the two. Nevertheless, amidst the debates over right and wrong, and the quest for scientific superiority between Chinese and Western medicine, it is crucial to remember that the core purpose of medicine is to heal the ailing and preserve the living, with efficacy serving as the ultimate criterion for discerning truth. Consequently, following the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese government formulated a fundamental health policy, advocating for the integration, communication, and cooperative advancement of Chinese and Western medicine. Guided by this approach, China's medical and health endeavors have flourished, epitomized by their resounding triumph in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent years, the rapid advancements of science and technology have contributed significantly to the development of modern medicine. However, despite these remarkable achievements, the current medical system still faces numerous challenges due to the complexity of human diseases. Malignant tumors, immunological disorders, rapid outbreaks of novel infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other complex conditions still pose severe challenges to human health. In light of this, TCM, though an ancient medical system, offers distinctive insights into human physiology, pathology, and natural medicine pharmacology, which hold tremendous potential for catalyzing the growth and advancement of human medicine.

As our understanding of diseases and health improves, modern medicine has gradually shifted from a micro perspective to a macro one, as exemplified by the emergence of concepts such as phenomics and integrative medicine. TCM too, evolves in tandem with current science and technology, such as with the rise of microcosmic syndrome differentiation, the combination of disease and syndrome, as well as state-targeted differentiation and treatment. Consequently, the future trajectory of human medicine lies in the development of a new medical system that integrates both macro and micro approaches.

Against this background, the National Medical Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine of China-Japan Friendship Hospital and the Higher Education Press are proud to jointly announce the publication of Advanced Chinese Medicine (ACM). ACM aims to present the theoretical descriptions and research products within the framework of integrated Chinese and Western medicine to the global community. ACM aspires to serve as a platform for communication and integration between these two medical systems and as a cultural network for the exchange of Eastern and Western cultures. Today, on behalf of the editorial board, sponsoring agencies, and international publishers, we are pleased to announce the official launch of ACM.

In the inaugural issue, Academician Tong Xiaolin introduces a methodology for communication and integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, centering on state-targeted differentiation and treatment as a bridge. Moving forward, ACM welcomes further submissions encompassing theoretical, clinical, and foundational research.

By the beginning of 2024, the online version of ACM will be available, with ScholarOne serving as the platform for submissions, reviews, and editorial exchanges. Our esteemed editorial board is committed to cultivating ACM as a new hub for integrated research in Chinese and Western medicine, fostering international collaboration in the process.

Yong Cui: Writing – original draft, writing – review & editing.

The author declares no conflicts of interest.