Kampo Medicine: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Kampo Medicine overview.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

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.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Kampo Medicine overview.

Dosing

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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