辨证论治和整体观念乃是中医的特色。经过四诊, 望、闻、问、切来调查, 了解疾病和病情, 进行综合分析，去粗取精，去伪存真， 这样才能作出正确的判断, 作为指导选方或组方的依据。絶对不可偏离阴阳大道, 并非一方只对应一证, 或以一方治一病。

Syndrome differentiation and the concept of oneness or so called holistic approach are the special features of traditional Chinese medicine. After performing the four TCM diagnostic methods, the disease will then be comprehensively analyzed and judged correctly as basic guidelines in the selection of herbal ingredients for prescribing decocted formula. It is absolutely impossible to deviate from the balancing of Yin and Yang principle. Never one formula for treating one symptom, neither one formula is corresponding to treat one disease.

因此中医治病很讲究“理法方药”, 这就是中医学诊断与治疗规范的四大要素。(1).理是指根据中医学理论对病变机理作出的准确辨认。理论是实践的基础，实践是理论的延伸，没有理论根据的经验; 这只是谈天, 没有经验根据的理论; 则是谬论”。 这说明理论和实践一样重要。有了基础知识, 再有良师指点，逐步探索堆集经历, 通过长期艰苦的实践，在临床中又懂得灵活运用, 才能熟而生巧。 (2).法是指根据中医的望闻问切四诊所收集的细节资料后, 而立出正确的相应治则治法, 所谓中医治病八法。 因疾病的转化, 要注意表里寒热虚实的变化，必须能够掌握, 随机应变, 妥善运用。 (3).方是根据治则治法而选择最恰当的代表方剂或合剂为治疗措施, 在经方的不足和缺陷下, 可配合或直接采用后世创制的时方, 这就是中医临床的核心和灵魂。 (4).药就是对方剂中药物的君、臣、佐、使配伍及其剂量的最佳选择, 而药物选择是实现治疗目的的重要环节, 药物的功用各有所长, 只有精通熟练, 临证才能编写出药物配伍的方剂技巧。

That is why Traditional Chinese Medicine is very particular on the “four important elements of TCM diagnosis and treatment standards which are principles, techniques, prescriptions and medicinal ingredients. (1). Principles refer to the accurate identification of the disease mechanism based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Theories are fundamental basis used as guidelines, and then practice is an extension of further educational process for experience. Experience without theoretical basis is merely making noise, theory without experience is considered as fallacy. It means to say that theory is as important as practice. One should be equipped with basic knowledge, then guided by qualified mentor(s) will help gradually in exploring and accumulating valuable experiences through long-term hard works and practice in addition to knowing how to be flexible and diligent during clinical practice in order to make it perfect. (2). Techniques refer to the detailed information gathered according to the four TCM diagnostic methods (observation by looking, listening and smelling, questioning, and pulse reading and palpation) enable to establish what is the correct corresponding treatment technique(s) needed to be applied, the so-called “eight treatment techniques” of TCM. The pattern of a disease does transformation, the interchange between coldness and heat; external and internal, excessive and deficiency. Therefore, need to grasp and pay more attention to its changes and conditions enable to adapt and apply it properly. (3). Prescription is considered as the integral spiritual core and soul of TCM The rule on the selection of appropriate prescription should be in conformity with the decided targeted technique(s). May have it selected from the representing classical prescription(s), contemporary prescription(s), or merging of both with alteration to create new formula as necessary. (4). Medicinal ingredients are items that are properly selected with its corresponding right dosage in the mixture based on the 4 composing principle of herbal substances according to its ranking, (emperor, minister, adjutant and messenger) and these are the important factors related in order to achieve efficacy. Each ingredient has its own function with advantage or strength over the other, only those who are well-trained with skills know how to formulate it wisely and manipulate with proficiency.