東海大学医学部専門診療学系 漢方医学

Kampo medicine was first introduced in ancient China, 2000 years ago. The principle was then introduced in the 6th and 7th century in Japan, since then, this medication has undergone a unique evolution. Until the beginning of the Meiji period (1868–1912 AD), Kampo medicine was the primary medicine used in Japan. When western medicine was first introduced to Japan in the Edo period (1603–1868), western medicine and Japanese traditional medicine were named “Rampo” and “Kampo,” respectively, for differentiation. “Rampo” means medicine originating in the Netherlands, while “Kampo” means medicine from Kan (or Han, which is an ancient Chinese dynaasty). Although Kampo medicine originated in ancient China, a significant difference was observed between contemporary Chinese medicine and Kampo medicine.

Kampo medicine aims at improving the chief complaints of patients. In order to achieve this, we collect information on the patient’s body status through a medical interview, tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and abdominal examination, without the use of medical instruments. As you know, western and Kampo medicine use different approaches for same diseases. Western medicine eliminates the disease. Alternatively, Kampo medicine enhances the natural healing ability of the body, which is inherited, to fight diseases. Our university practices western and Kampo integrated medicine. This means that the patient’s disease is treated with both western and Kampo medicine, which we consider to be more advantageous than with western medicine alone.

We welcome your inquiries.