If you’ve been reading articles on TCM Simply, you might be wondering where the information comes from.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is more than 2,000 years old. It blends history, philosophy, cultural traditions, and medical theory, which means not every article can rely on the same type of source.
Some topics trace back to classical Chinese medical texts. Others are based on historical records, modern academic research, or observations of everyday Chinese culture that continue today.
My goal isn’t to convince you that TCM is right or wrong. It’s simply to explain what Traditional Chinese Medicine says, where those ideas came from, and how they’re understood today.
Whenever possible, I reference reputable sources and make it clear whether an article is discussing traditional TCM theory, historical context, or modern scientific evidence.
Below is an overview of the types of sources used throughout this website.
Every article on TCM Simply follows roughly the same process.
These are the foundational texts of Chinese medicine. Most were written between 2,000 and 1,800 years ago, and they form the backbone of TCM theory and practice. We cite them when explaining where a particular idea or concept comes from.
When you see “According to the Huangdi Neijing…” or “Classical Chinese medical texts describe…” on this site, it’s one of these works being referenced.
For topics that intersect with modern research — acupuncture studies, evidence summaries, safety information — we turn to established institutional sources. These are cited neutrally, without suggesting that research proves or disproves TCM as a whole.
These sources help explain how TCM is taught, practiced, and regulated in modern China and globally. We use them for institutional context, not for medical claims.
For historical context, biographical details, dynasty timelines, and cultural background, we draw from well-established reference and cultural institutions.
Some of the most interesting things I’ve learned about TCM didn’t come from textbooks — they came from noticing how these practices show up in everyday life. A hotel kettle in every room. The way restaurants serve hot water by default. The goji berries in a family kitchen.
These cultural observations are one of the most valuable sources for a curious Western audience. They make abstract concepts feel real. When you see this kind of reference on TCM Simply, it won’t be presented as proof of anything — just as context for understanding how deeply these ideas are woven into daily life.
To keep things trustworthy, we avoid:
Whenever there’s disagreement between traditional theory and modern medical evidence, I try to explain both rather than forcing them into agreement.
Like many modern publishers, I use AI as a writing assistant.
AI helps organize information, draft outlines, and improve readability.
However, every article is reviewed against reliable references before publication. AI is never treated as a source of truth, and it is never used to invent citations or medical claims.
Whenever an article discusses TCM theory, history, or modern research, the information is checked against the types of sources listed on this page.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been studied, debated, practiced, criticized, refined, and passed down for more than two thousand years.
Whether you approach it with curiosity, skepticism, or personal experience, understanding it starts with understanding what it actually says.
That’s the purpose of TCM Simply.
Not to tell you what to believe.
Simply to explain one of the world’s oldest medical traditions as clearly, honestly, and accurately as possible.
You’ll notice that articles on this site rarely make flat statements about what TCM “does” or “cures.” Instead, you’ll see phrasing like “In TCM theory…” or “Classical texts describe…” or “Within this framework…”
This isn’t an accident. TCM Simply exists to explain — not to persuade, diagnose, or prescribe. Every source listed above is used in service of that goal: helping readers understand why these ideas make sense within their own cultural and philosophical context.
Medicine evolves. Research evolves. Our understanding of history evolves too.
As new evidence becomes available or better historical sources are uncovered, articles on TCM Simply may be updated to reflect the latest information. Accuracy is an ongoing process, and I believe good educational content should continue to improve over time.
Last updated: June 2026