Kampo is traditional Japanese herbal medicine
Kampo is a general term for the unique system of traditional medicine developed in Japan from Chinese origin. The word "Kampo" is a compound of two words: "Kan (Han)", the old name for the Han-Dynasty in China; and "Ho", meaning "medicine" or "way of treatment".Chinese herbal medicine was adopted in Japan around the 5th century. It underwent a transformation in the crucible of Japanese culture. In particular the reformations in the 16th and 17th centuries set its development along an evolutionary trajectory that significantly diverged from medicine in China.
Characteristics of Kampo Medicine
Kampo is based on the therapeutic technique developed by the accumulation, organization and systematization of an extensive amount of clinical experience.
Kampo is oriented to be an individualized therapy. Kampo is not indicated based on Western medical diagnoses. Since the physical response is different from person to person, often different Kampo medicines are prescribed to patients with the same disease.
The body is always organized as a whole organism. That means that Kampo treatment is carried out based on the concept that restoration of the body�s balance in turn brings about healing of the affected area. So sometimes the same Kampo formula is prescribed to patients with different diseases.
The mind and the body are thought to be inseparable and interrelated (the mind and body are one).
Close attention is paid to the subjective symptoms of the patients rather than the objective examinations.
Kampo is prescribed by medical doctors in Japan
One of the characteristic features of Kampo medicine in Japan is its prescription by medical doctors. Since the end of 19th century (Meiji period) all doctors had to be educated according to Western medical guidelines. Studies of Western medicine still are a compulsory for doctors before they can prescribe Kampo medicine. Scientific evaluation of the chemical compounds of single herbs and Kampo formulae, as well as clinical data on safety, tolerability and efficacy of Kampo prescriptions make it possible to use Kampo medicine together with Western medicine at clinics and university hospitals.
