Kampo is Japan's traditional herbal medicine system, adapted from Chinese medicine and uniquely refined over 1500 years. It is distinctive for Sho-based (pattern-based) prescribing, abdominal diagnosis (Fukushin), and its modern integration into Japan's healthcare system, where 148 standardized formulas are prescribed by physicians and covered by national health insurance.
Ask about this tradition14
Conditions
11
Treatments
28
Evidence Records
7
Sources Used
Primary source of Kampo formulas — 113 prescriptions for cold-damage patterns
Founded the Ancient Formula school emphasizing abdominal diagnosis and empirical treatment over theoretical speculation
148 Kampo formulas officially standardized and approved; quality standards for crude drugs
Palpation of the abdomen for patterns of tension, tenderness, pulsations, and fluid retention. Unique to Kampo — determines the Sho (pattern) and selects the formula.
Holistic pattern assessment combining: In (陰/Yin)/Yo (陽/Yang), Hyo (表/Surface)/Ri (裏/Interior), Kyo (虚/Deficiency)/Jitsu (実/Excess), Kan (寒/Cold)/Netsu (熱/Heat)
Standard East Asian diagnostic methods adapted to Kampo: tongue body, coating, and pulse quality at three positions.