Medicine and healing have always played a central role in human civilization. China's traditional medicine comprises three distinct aspects:traditional Chinese medicine,national medicine and folk medicine.National medicine refers to the traditional medicine of Chinese minority ethnic groups.As a united,multi-national country,the Chinese nation comprises the Han ethnic group and 55 minorities.These minorities have accumulated a rich storehouse of medical knowledge and practical experience accumulated over the course of many centuries.Traditional medicine forms a key element in the rich tapestry that is Chinese ethnic culture.