Abstract Indigenous medical systems remain vital to global health landscapes. Yoruba traditional healthcare (YTH) in West Africa and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in East Asia represent two of the most enduring and systematized healing traditions in their respective regions, each shaped by unique historical trajectories and cultural philosophies. This study examines the historical foundations and emerging trends in YTH, comparing them with the development and globalization of TCM to highlight convergences, divergences, and lessons for contemporary healthcare. The findings show both YTH and TCM share holistic worldviews. While YTH balances body ( ara ), mind/soul ( okan ), and spirit ( emi ), TCM centers on qi (气), yin-yang (阴阳), and Wu Xing (五行 five elements). Emerging trends include commercialization, knowledge casualization, integration with biomedical diagnostics, and participation in wellness markets. YTH and TCM illustrate the resilience and adaptability of indigenous medical systems. Comparative insights reveal opportunities for culturally grounded policy frameworks, collaborative research, and ethical globalization strategies that respect traditional knowledge while enriching contemporary healthcare pluralism.
Olaitan et al. (2026) studied this question.