Kampo vs Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) as a tradition and science dates back over 2000 years. During the course of these generations, this practice spread across to Japan as part of the inherent societal and cultural interchanges that are part of human nature.

During the time when Japan deliberately isolated itself from the outside world, the practice of herbal medicine continued to develop, though while within a contained “bubble”.

As such, herbal medicine in Japan developed its own unique characteristics, practices, and theories which became known as “Kampo”.

The definition of Kampo originally included acupuncture and bodywork practices, but over time the term has come to be associated specifically with herbal medicine alone.

Most Kampo formulas are derived from two core, classical Chinese texts – the Shānghán Lùn and Jīnguì Yàolüè – a result of these being the only two texts that arrived in Japan before isolation.

Kampo draws from a limited number of pharmacopeia of herbal substances – the herbs that were available to practitioners once Japan became isolated. A limited number of herbs meant greater innovation with what was available.

Most Kampo formulas are composed of a small number of herbs, which allows for exact understanding of how the formula should “behave”. Certain results are expected as there is a limited number of outcomes.

As Kampo has a deep respect for the body’s natural self-regulatory inclination, the dosages for Kampo herbal remedies are deliberately lower than traditional Chinese medicine.

Herbal remedies are given in granule form, much like instant coffee, as they are the preferred method of administration for both ease and convenience.

Kampo is highly regulated within Japan and is regulated by the Japanese Ministry of Health. As such, all formulas and herbs are subjected to rigorous testing and quality control from growth through processing and production. This allows for much more specific control of the formulas.

Unlike Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, Kampo has retained abdominal palpation diagnosis – “fukushin” – as THE fundamental diagnostic tool. This very practical assessment provides direct information and feedback from the client’s body which in turn points directly to specific herbs and formulas that should be considered.