With over a thousand years of history, Chinese medicine remains the preferred treatment option for many in Taiwan. Packed with easy-to-understand illustrations, explanations, and comic strip interludes, this book introduces readers to the fascinating world of traditional medicine, from theory and diagnosis to herbs and acupuncture.

With over one thousand years of history, Chinese medicine is based in the traditional medical practices of the Han Chinese people. In contemporary Taiwan, this medicine continues to develop and advance, and it remains the treatment option of choice for many Taiwanese even as Western medicine has become widely available. Through easily understood explanations, illustrations, and comics (and a touch of humor), this book introduces readers to the uniquely fascinating world of Chinese medicine.

The first chapter begins with basic concepts, explaining the differences between Chinese medicine and Western medicine, the meaning of yin and yang and the five elements, and the Chinese medical understanding of the human body and disease. The second chapter explores how doctors of Chinese medicine evaluate symptoms to diagnose disease, and how readers can treat basic ailments through medical massage and dietary changes. The third chapter is devoted to the herbs of Chinese medicine, explaining how they are classified according to their basic medical properties, and how they are used in treatment. Finally, the last chapter looks at modernization and change as Chinese medicine expands in unexpected directions, including electroacupuncture, fitness, and veterinary medicine.

The origin of this book is the Siwutopia social media platform, which amassed over 15,000 followers on Instagram by making Chinese medicine more approachable through jargon-free explanations, humor, and relatable comic strips involving a repeating cast of characters. Now in print form, book readers can follow along with Lil’ Yin, Lil’ Yang, Lanky Joe, and his sister Miss Curves as they learn about the fascinating and practical wisdom of Chinese medicine!