Kampo medicine
Alternate names: Japanese Herbal Medicine, Japanese Medicine, JM, Médecine Japonaise, Médecine Kampo, Médecine Orientale, Médecine Traditionnelle Asiatique, Medicina Kanpo, Médecine Kampo, Oriental Medicine, TAM, TJM, Traditional Asian Medicine
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
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.
Dosing & administration
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.
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
vital.ly has licensed monographs from TRC Healthcare.
This monograph was last reviewed on 16/01/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 10/06/2015 03:28:37. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. No reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. It is unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.
Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
