Kampo medicine is an ancient system of medicine that uses various treatments like acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbs.
The practice of kampo medicine is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but with changes that suit traditional Japanese culture and needs. At the time that TCM was developed over 2000 years ago, there was no scientific concept of disease or medications in terms that can be related to our modern understanding of medicine. Therefore, the principles of TCM and kampo medicine were formed based more on philosophy than on science.
Kampo medicine uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.
Practitioners of kampo medicine are not legally recognized or licensed in North America. In Japan, only physicians can practice medicine. Herbal products made in Japan are held to strict quality standards. However, some of the herbs used in kampo medicine might be misidentified, which can lead to substitution of possibly poisonous plants.
Is It Effective?
Kampo medicine is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, acupuncture, and moxibustion. See specific therapies for effectiveness information.
Is it Safe?
Kampo medicine is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, acupuncture, and moxibustion. Some of these are safe while others may not be. See specific therapies for safety information.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Kampo medicine uses various methods of diagnosis, including pulse diagnosis and tongue diagnosis.
Diseases are thought to occur when three main substances of life are disturbed. Ki (or "qi"), pronounced "chee," refers to the total energy of the body. Kampo medicine uses the principles of Yin and You, similar to yin-yang in Chinese medicine. These are believed to be the two forces that control the universe. Kampo therapies, including acupuncture and moxibustion, are intended to correct imbalances of these forces.
Like TCM, kampo medicine uses herbal products to help balance bodily processes. Most herbs are taken as a fixed formula or a fixed combination of several herbs. Each individual herb is thought to address a specific imbalance.
Japanese Herbal Medicine, Japanese Medicine, JM, Médecine Japonaise, Médecine Kampo, Médecine Orientale, Médecine Traditionnelle Asiatique, Medicina Kanpo, Oriental Medicine, TAM, TJM, Traditional Asian Medicine.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.