MOD085 – Kampo Medicine

Definition

Kampo Medicine is a traditional Japanese system of herbal medicine derived from ancient Chinese medicine, integrated into Japan’s national healthcare system. It uses standardised herbal formulas to restore balance and promote overall health and well-being.

Explanation

Kampo practitioners use traditional diagnostic methods to assess patterns of imbalance in the body’s vital energy (ki) and organ systems. These methods include pulse diagnosis, tongue analysis, and a holistic evaluation of symptoms. Based on this assessment, practitioners prescribe specific herbal formulas from a range of standardized combinations approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Unlike traditional Chinese medicine, which often modifies formulas for individual patients, Kampo uses fixed combinations of herbs in standardised proportions. These formulas are produced under strict quality control measures, similar to pharmaceutical standards. Kampo medicines are widely accepted in Japan, with many physicians integrating them into their conventional medical practice.

Kampo treatment aims to address the root causes of illness, not just symptoms, by harmonizing the body’s functions and supporting its natural healing processes. The approach is holistic, considering the patient’s overall constitution, environment, and lifestyle factors in addition to specific symptoms.

Evidence to Efficacy

Kampo Medicine, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine system, has shown promising results in scientific studies for various health conditions. Research demonstrates its potential efficacy in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients.

A study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal examined the clinical use of Kampo medicines for controlling cancer-related symptoms in Japan. The research found that 64.3% of physicians prescribed Kampo medicines for cancer patients, with notable improvements reported in symptoms such as numbness, constipation, anorexia, and fatigue.

In the field of dermatology, Kampo medicines have shown effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis. Research indicates that standard Kampo formulas can effectively address symptoms associated with conditions like “Netsu Sho,” “Ketsu-Kyo,” “Ki-Kyo,” and “O-Ketsu”.

A comprehensive framework called “KAMPOmics” has been developed to facilitate multidisciplinary research on Kampo medicine. This approach combines systems biology with multi-omics and network science, allowing for a more thorough understanding of Kampo’s mechanisms and effects.

Recent randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated the effectiveness of maoto, a Kampo medicine, in treating influenza. This highlights the potential of Kampo medicines in addressing viral infections and respiratory conditions.

In the realm of neuropharmacology, studies have shown that yokukansan, a traditional Kampo medicine, exhibits a variety of beneficial effects. It may operate as a multicomponent drug with various active ingredients, offering potential benefits for neurological conditions.

A meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of Goreisan, another Kampo medicine, on chronic subdural hematoma recurrence found significant reductions in recurrence rates compared to standard neurosurgical treatment. This provides a high level of evidence-based support for its clinical use.

These studies collectively demonstrate the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of Kampo medicine across various health conditions. As research continues to expand, Kampo medicine offers promising complementary approaches to health and wellness, blending traditional wisdom with modern scientific validation.

The Neuroscience

Multifaceted Neurotransmitter Regulation: Kampo formulae, such as Yokukansan (YKS), exhibit regulatory effects on multiple neurotransmitter systems, including glutamatergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and GABAergic neurons.

Neuroprotective Properties: Kampo medicines demonstrate protective and reparative effects against neuronal abnormalities, supporting neuronal survival and function through anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, and anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanisms.

Glial Cell Modulation: Kampo formulae act on various glial cells, facilitating glutamate transport into astrocytes, promoting oligodendrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of microglial cells.

Brain Region Targeting: Kampo medicines target multiple brain regions related to behavioural, psychological, cognitive, and memory functions, including the cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum.

Neuroplasticity Enhancement: Some Kampo formulae, like YKS, promote neurogenesis and potentially enhance brain plasticity, supporting cognitive function and emotional regulation.

Blood-Brain Barrier Interaction: Certain ingredients in Kampo medicines can pass through the blood-brain barrier without disrupting endothelial tight junctions, allowing for direct effects on brain tissue.

Kampo medicine offers a comprehensive approach to neurological health, leveraging complex herbal formulations to influence multiple aspects of brain function and support overall well-being.

 Governing Body

While there is no single regulatory body specifically for Kampo practitioners in the UK, several organisations provide training, certification, and standards related to Kampo and traditional East Asian medicine:

The European Institute of Japanese Medicine (EIJM): Provides courses, workshops and training in Japanese medicine, including Kampo

The Kampo UK: A small organisation dedicated to promoting Kampo medicine in the UK, it provides information and resources on Kampo.

UK practitioners may seek training or certification from international bodies like the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine

While these organisations contribute to maintaining standards and providing education in traditional East Asian medicine, including some aspects of Kampo, it’s important to note that the field of Kampo in the UK is still developing. Practitioners often have diverse backgrounds and may integrate Kampo principles into their broader practice of traditional East Asian medicine.

What Good Looks Like

In the context of Kampo medicine, a positive and effective experience should encompass several key elements:

• You should feel that the practitioner takes a holistic approach to your health, considering not just your symptoms but your overall constitution and lifestyle. The practitioner will likely ask detailed questions about various aspects of your wellbeing, beyond just the primary complaint.
• During the examination, you may experience unique diagnostic techniques such as pulse diagnosis and abdominal palpation (fukushin). These methods should feel gentle and non-invasive, providing the practitioner with insights into your body’s condition.
• The practitioner should explain your ‘sho’ or pattern diagnosis in a way that resonates with your experience of your health. This diagnosis should feel personalised and comprehensive, taking into account the complex interplay of factors affecting your wellbeing.
• You might be surprised by the connections the practitioner makes between seemingly unrelated symptoms or body functions. This holistic perspective should offer new insights into your health.
• When prescribed Kampo formulas, you should receive clear explanations about how the herbs work together to address your specific pattern. The practitioner should be able to articulate why this particular formula is suited to your individual needs.
• You may notice that the Kampo medicines have a distinct taste and smell. While not always pleasant, you should understand that these sensory experiences are part of the therapeutic process.
• Throughout the treatment, you should feel that your body’s own healing abilities are being supported and enhanced, rather than simply having symptoms suppressed.
• The practitioner should emphasise the importance of lifestyle factors and may offer advice on diet, exercise, or other daily habits that complement the herbal treatment.
• You should experience a sense of partnership with your practitioner, feeling that your input and experiences are valued in guiding the treatment process.

Remember, a good Kampo experience is one where you feel your health is being addressed in a comprehensive, individualised manner, with an emphasis on restoring balance and supporting your body’s innate healing capabilities.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are some key questions to help identify an exceptional Kampo practitioner, along with what to look for in their answers:

How do you integrate traditional Kampo diagnosis (sho) with modern medical understanding?

Desired answer: A detailed explanation of how they combine pulse, tongue, and abdominal diagnoses with contemporary medical knowledge to form a comprehensive assessment.

Can you describe your approach to formulating personalised Kampo prescriptions?

Desired answer: An emphasis on tailoring formulas to the individual’s constitution and symptoms, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

How do you explain the concept of ki-ketsu-sui (energy, blood, and fluids) to patients unfamiliar with Eastern medicine concepts?

Desired answer: The ability to articulate complex Kampo concepts using accessible language and relatable analogies.

What methods do you use to assess the effectiveness of your Kampo treatments?

Desired answer: A combination of traditional diagnostic reassessment and modern outcome measures, demonstrating a balanced approach to evaluating treatment efficacy.

How do you approach integrating Kampo medicine with Western medical treatments when necessary?

Desired answer: An openness to collaborative care and a clear understanding of how Kampo can complement conventional treatments.

Can you provide an example of a particularly challenging case you’ve treated with Kampo and how you approached it?

Desired answer: A thoughtful response demonstrating problem-solving skills, adaptability, and persistence in finding effective solutions for complex cases.

How do you stay current with both traditional Kampo knowledge and modern research in the field?

Desired answer: Regular participation in Kampo conferences, ongoing study of classical texts, and familiarity with current research in both Kampo and Western medicine.

What is your approach to patient education regarding Kampo medicine and self-care practices?

Desired answer: A commitment to empowering patients with knowledge about Kampo principles and practical self-help techniques they can use between sessions.

Key items a practitioner MUST include:

• A clear explanation of the Kampo diagnostic process and what to expect in a session
• A commitment to individualised treatment based on the patient’s unique constitution and symptoms
• An understanding of potential interactions between Kampo medicines and Western pharmaceuticals
• A willingness to collaborate with other healthcare providers when necessary

Remember, an exceptional Kampo practitioner should demonstrate a deep understanding of traditional Kampo principles, an ability to integrate this knowledge with modern medical understanding, and a genuine commitment to patient-centred care.

Related Therapies

Acupuncture (MOD007): A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. Acupuncture can complement Reiki by addressing energetic blockages.

Moxibustion (MOD006): Involves burning moxa (a type of dried herb) near or on the skin to warm and stimulate acupuncture points.

Zen Shiatsu (MOD098): A Japanese massage technique that uses finger and palm pressure to stimulate acupuncture points.

Traditional Japanese Medicine (MOD169): A system of health care practices, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion, developed in Japan.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (MOD167): An ancient medical system that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and dietary therapy.

Qigong (MOD102): A holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training.

Herbal Medicine (MOD067): The use of plant-based remedies to treat various health conditions. Herbal medicine can complement flower essence therapy by addressing physical symptoms alongside emotional imbalances.

Ayurveda (MOD018): An ancient Indian holistic healing system based on the balance of body, mind, and spirit.