About the Journal

Our Mission Statement

The Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) is a fully open-access online journal that publishes research from all areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its intersections with modern science, technology, and global healthcare. All submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure academic excellence and integrity.

Our scope is broad and inclusive, welcoming theoretical, methodological, experimental, and clinical studies that contribute to the advancement of TCM. We particularly encourage research that addresses emerging trends, paradigm-shifting discoveries, and global health challenges—whether rooted in classical TCM theory or innovative interdisciplinary approaches.

We support interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges TCM with fields such as biomedical sciences, pharmacology, public health, digital health, bioengineering, medical humanities, and health policy. Studies that explore integrative medicine, evidence-based TCM, and cross-cultural medical practices are highly valued.

Additionally, we welcome research that critically examines or informs healthcare policy, including TCM regulation, standardization, education, and global integration.

Disciplinary Coverage

The journal covers a wide range of TCM-related disciplines, including but not limited to:

  1. Foundational Theoretical Disciplines
    • TCM Basic Theory: Studies core concepts including yin-yang theory, five elements theory, zang-fu organ systems, meridians, qi, blood, and body fluids.
    • TCM Diagnostics: Incorporates the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation/olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) and pattern differentiation systems (eight principles, zang-fu differentiation, etc.).
    • TCM Literature Studies: Compilation and research of classical medical texts (e.g., Huangdi Neijing, Shanghan Lun).

  2. Clinical Disciplines
    • TCM Internal Medicine: Treats internal disorders (e.g., common cold, asthma, diabetes) with pattern differentiation and treatment principles.
    • TCM Surgery: Addresses external conditions including ulcers, skin diseases, and anorectal disorders.
    • TCM Gynecology: Specializes in menstrual disorders, infertility, postpartum care and other women's health issues.
    • TCM Pediatrics: Focuses on childhood diseases (e.g., malnutrition syndrome, infantile convulsions) and constitutional regulation.
    • TCM Orthopedics & Traumatology: Manages fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries using manual reduction and herbal medicine.
    • TCM ENT & Stomatology: Treats eye, ear, nose, throat, and oral diseases (e.g., tinnitus, throat obstruction).

  3. Therapeutic Technique Disciplines
    • Acupuncture & Moxibustion: Regulates meridians through needling and moxa techniques, including auricular acupuncture.
    • Tui Na: Employs manual techniques (e.g., rolling, pressing-kneading) for musculoskeletal disorders and wellness.
    • TCM Rehabilitation: Integrates Dao Yin, Qigong, and herbal medicine for recovery.

  4. Chinese Materia Medica Disciplines
    • Chinese Herbology: Studies herb properties (nature, flavor, channel tropism) and combinations (e.g., exterior-releasing, tonifying herbs).
    • Formula Science: Analyzes classical formulas (e.g., Si Wu Tang, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan) composition and applications.
    • Herb Processing: Investigates preparation methods (e.g., dry-frying, honey-frying) to enhance efficacy/reduce toxicity.
    • Herb Authentication: Identifies genuine herbs and assesses quality (e.g., ginseng, cordyceps).

  5. Interdisciplinary & Emerging Fields
    • Integrative Medicine: Combines TCM and Western medicine approaches (e.g., herbs with chemotherapy).
    • TCM Preventive Medicine: Studies dietary therapy, seasonal regimen, and emotional regulation.
    • Ethnic Medicine: Includes Tibetan, Mongolian, Miao, and other minority medical systems.
    • TCM Psychology: Applies emotional interaction theory to mental health (e.g., depression patterns).

  6. Related Specializations
    • TCM Meteorology (Five Circuits-Six Qi): Examines climate-disease relationships.
    • TCM Chronotherapy: Time-based treatments (e.g., midday-midnight acupuncture).

Key Features:
• Holism: All disciplines emphasize holistic concepts and pattern differentiation.
• Practical Focus: Strong clinical emphasis with experiential knowledge transmission.
• Modern Development: Emerging fields like TCM informatics and herbal pharmacology.

Service to Authors

We are committed to providing an efficient, transparent, and author-friendly publication process. Our streamlined peer-review system, supported by a distinguished Editorial Board, ensures fair and timely decisions.

Accepted papers benefit from:

  • Rapid online publication with continuous updates

  • Open-access visibility, maximizing global reach and impact

  • Innovative digital enhancements, including interactive data visualizations and article-level metrics

  • Cross-disciplinary dissemination, connecting TCM research with broader scientific and medical communities

Join the Conversation

The Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine serves as a dynamic platform for scholars, clinicians, policymakers, and innovators to advance TCM in the 21st century. By fostering rigorous research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and global collaboration, we aim to bridge tradition and innovation for the future of integrative healthcare.

Submit your work today and contribute to the evolution of TCM!