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.
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