Many schools of academic doctrines have emerged throughout the development history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to geographic

time

Shicheng (mentor-apprentice system) and academic diversities. Classic TCM School

Classic Formula School and Febrile Disorder School

though all lacking a clearly demonstrable or continuous Shicheng relationship

are nevertheless so classified because of their consistency in reference to the classic TCM works. Each of the Four Famous Masters of Jin and Yuan Dynasties had its distinctively different academic doctrine

resulting in the establishment of individually integrated academic schools. The emergence of the Warming and Tonifying School in late Yuan and early Ming Dynasties was realized as a means to rectify the ill effects of the cool and cold medications prevalent at the time. On the other hand

the advent of the Warm Disease School and the rise of the Confluence School embodied the close relationship carried by TCM academic schools to contemporary historical background. Looking at this development history

it is evident that the development of TCM academic schools could flourish only if it allows dissenting

yet mutually tolerant

opinions. In present medical environment where TCM and Western medicine are of equal importance

Classic TCM Schools

TCM Modernization Schools and Integrative Medicine Schools should all receive emphasis to foster development.