Do you know much about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? There is a card game by Origame that is all about TCM!
Master Sinseh Game Review
Growing up in a English speaking home and having an Uncle as a General Practitioner who prescribed western remedies, I had little or no knowledge of TCM. Over the years I learnt that TCM, unlike the typical western approach which provides treatment after a patient contract an illness, is preventive in that it helps build up the body’s immunity against illnesses.
When consulting a TCM physician, he or she will select the type of herbs and dosage according to one’s age, weight and body constitution. TCM treatments are non-invasive and can provide relief from common ailments like cough and flu. Methods also include pediatric massage for kids that regulate the organ system, promote circulation, regulating blood and energy.
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We were especially delighted to learn that Daryl Chow had collaborated with Eu Yan Sang to create this game Master Sinseh (meaning a Chinese doctor that practices TCM) to help us to learn about the different herbs used in TCM by prescribing the right cures to ailing patients over 5 days (5 rounds) to become the Master Sinseh.
How to play Master Sinseh
Master Sinseh is a fast-paced game and the goal is to prescribe the best herbs to earn the trust and future visits of the patient.
There are 100 herb cards, 15 patient cards, 10 special cards, 24 book cards, 1 patient display card and 5 player display cards.
The flow of the day includes “patient visits”, “prescribing herbs” and “resolving patients”. At “patient visits”, three patients will be displayed at the patient display with different ailments.
Over the course of five days (in game play time), ailing patients visit the Sinseh in hope of receiving cures.
When it is time for “prescribing herbs”, players will need to prescribe two herbs to each patient in order to heal them. Finally in order to “resolve patients”, players will reveal their Herb cards face up, and report their heal value for patients one to three. The Heal value is equal to the total value of their Herb cards that match the categories of the patient. After 5 days, the player with the most points is the winner!
Players should learn to use their cards wisely as Master Sinseh rewards the wise usage of cards. For instance, don’t use the more “powerful” cards right at the start. Play around the Book cards, and target the right patients who might come with a bonus Gratitude symbol that complements the Book cards.
The game is suitable for players 8 and above!
Why we love Master Sinseh Game
Master Sinseh is a simple and easy game to get little ones acquainted with TCM. You might be surprised how many times my kids asked me what each herb was and what it was used for during the game. It was fun also exploring and reading up what they could do. Now we definitely have a deeper appreciation for TCM.
You may find out more about this game from this link and better still, get yourselves a set and learn which herbs are cooling and nourishing in this hot season!
