For the sake of clarity for those not inclined to read the linked article: Historically over the two millennia prior to Mao traditional medicine in China was a

For the sake of clarity for those not inclined to read the linked article: Historically over the two millennia prior to Mao traditional medicine in China was a highly individual and idiosyncratic practice. While there were some aspects which were generally held in common the over all practice was incredibly diverse. It wasn't until Mao that these practices were assembled into the more unified and systematic Traditional Chinese Medicine that people are familiar with today.