Cold Febrile School. This school was founded by Zhang Zhongjing (150-219 AD) and followed by Pang Anshi (1042-1099AD) and Cheng Wuji (1063-1156 AD) and might be the most influential school of thought with longest history in Chinese medicine. Pattern differentiation based on febrile disease established by the founder of this school becomes the most essential in traditional Chinese medicine. Theories of cold toxin, and exogenous Qi (Yi Qi), cold damage at the nutritive/protective levels were developed. Six-meridian differentiation was a fundamental approach in diagnosis.

Fire/Heat School, led by Liu Wansu (1120-1200 AD). The mechanism of Zang/Fu and six external evils (pathogens) combined with five elements was established. The main proposition of this school is that all external pathogens (Wind, Dryness, Cold, Dampness, Heat) can result in fire. Cold/cool herbs and formulas should be used to repress Yang and clear Fire. This school established a five element/six pathogen disease classification system.

Removing Evil School, led by Zhang Congzheng (1156-1228 AD). Diseases result from evils (exogenous pathogens) invading the body. Removing evils (exogenous pathogens) is the objective of treating diseases. Three approaches to removing evils with Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, acupuncture, bathing, massage: sweating, emesis, precipitation, were developed.

Spleen/Stomach School, led Zhang Yuansu (1151-1234 AD), Li Gao (1180-1251 AD), Wang Haogu (1200-1264 AD) and Luo Tianyi (1220-1290 AD). The main contributions of this school are as follows: a disease and its evolution can be evaluated from the viewpoint of cold/heat and excess/deficiency of Zang/Fu; internal damage of spleen/stomach from improper diet or excessive working results in diseases; Being not internally deficient can resist both internal imbalance and external pathogens. Tonifying Spleen and Stomach, raising Yang energy, and nourishing the Chi are emphasized in treatments.

Nourishing Yin School, led by Zhu Zhenheng (1281-1358 AD), Wang Lu (1332-1391 AD) and Dai Sigong (1324-1405 AD). The main proposition of this school is that "there is a Yang surplus and Yin insufficiency." Deficiency fire was emphasized. Nourishing Yin is the main treatment strategy. This school also made a contribution to the treatment of miscellaneous diseases such as Chi, Blood, Phlegm and Stagnation disorders.

Warm Nourishment School. This school was born and active during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Xue Ji (1486 - 1558 AD), Sun Yikui (1522-1619 AD), Zhao Xianke (1573-1644 AD), Zhang Jiebin (1562-1639 AD) and Li Zhongzi (1588-1655 AD). Ministerial fire theory (Xiang Huo) and life gate theory (Ming Men) were further developed by this school. Herbs with warm and sweet properties were emphasized to nourish the Yang Chi of Spleen/Stomach and Kidney/life gate.

Warm Febrile School, led by Wu Youxing (1582-1652 AD), Ye Gui (1667-1746 AD), Xue Xue (1681-1770 AD), Wu Tang (1758-1836 AD). This school focused on acute epidemic and infectious disease. Triple burner diagnosis and differentiation at protective/Qi/nutritive/blood levels established by this school became the norm in diagnostics. Treatment methods such as clearing heat and nourishing Yin and formulas such as Cold and Flu Formula (Yin Chao San) are widely used in clinical practice.