Healing with Kampo - Traditional Medicine from China and Japan

This technique and practice is also present in Ayurveda and it takes time to perfect the knowledge and expertise with integrative medicine. The Doctors (Vaidya) prescribe the medicine based on patient’s age and health. They alter the composition based on the constitution and habits of the patient too. Further the socioeconomic background also plays a vital role.

Chinese were pioneers in traditional medicines. 3000 years ago, they knew how to mix 10 to 15 herbs enhancing the potent of composition by using the prime benefits and properties of plants. Chinese Kampo uses a myriad of at least 10 to 15 herbs. Japanese brought it to their country 1500 years ago. It is interesting to know that Kampo uses 5 to 9 herbs in Japanese Traditional Medicine.

Ancient Japanese people with oriental heritage used herbs for healing. There is a special place for healing with "Kampo" - The Japanese Herb and the knowledge of herbal medicine that lied with the forefathers.

Theories for Kampo were propounded during Han dynasty. Needless to say, thorough research was done. Kampo embraces the Chinese principles of ‘Sho’ which roots from ‘Zheng’. It represents and symbolizes 5 elements and Yin-Yang (mind and body). Life manifests with Mind and body. Each of which is incomplete without other. The 5 elements subjected to utilize were Qi, Blood, Body fluids, Essence, Shen. Qi symbolizes the well-being of an individual, his energy levels and health distribution.

Kampo in Japan puts focus on three substances (Qi, Blood, Water), eight categories and five parenchymatous viscera (human organ tissues).

Six stages of diseases were identified. As the disease progresses the stages are diagnosed and the prescription given.

The 8 categories are principal indicators of human body. It is made of interior-exterior, cold-heat and deficiency-excess, Yin-Yang.

Five parenchymatous viscera – are the 5 elements of life. In human beings, they correspond to the organs: liver, heart, lungs, kidney and spleen.

 The Meiji Government adopted one license for medical specialists in Japan. Due to which, the physician can also prescribe Kampo drugs while practicing Allopathy. Japan imports 80 % of Kampo ingredients from China although some herbs are grown in local environment. According to Integrative Medicine, the soil and environment can alter the properties of herb and hence the effect. This is an area of research for Kampo Medicines in Japan.

Since the introduction of Allopathy we are losing the touch with Alternative therapies and holistic medicines. Although our ancestors including our Grandma knew that herbs were indeed therapeutical, we continue to not explore their therapeutic advantages.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kampo: A Review from The Distant Past for The Future, May 2006 34: 231Journal of International Medical Research, Yamaguchi, T Kanda & Others
2. Kampo Medicine as an Integrative Medicine in Japan JMAJ 52(3): 147–149, 2009 Ko Nishimura, Gregory A. Plotnikoff, Kenji Watanabe