Kampo

Japanese Kampo Medicines for the Treatment of Common Diseases - Focus on Inflammation provides researchers and clinicians with a current look at how Kampo medicines can be used to effectively treat inflammatory disorders. Japanese Kampo medicines are a mixture of natural and herbal medicines that are available in Japan for the treatment of various diseases. Given their therapeutic potential, they are often prescribed instead of, or alongside, allopathic medicines. Kampo medicines are becoming more widespread and have proven effective for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases, such as colitis, dermatitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, cardiomyopathy, and nephritis. This book offers background on Japanese Kampo medicines, along with a compilation of the published scientific data for several different types of Kampo medicines. It is an evidence-based guide for all those involved in, or interested in, the research and practice of Kampo medicine. Includes both preclinical and clinical data published from a variety of sources and compiled into one book Provides insight for researchers and clinicians on which Kampo medicines will provide the least side effects and offer the most effective therapy for a particular illness Offers important data that will help to inform future research and widen practice in this area

Kampo, a traditional Japanese medical system derived from Classical Chinese Medicine and comprising unique diagnostic methods, herbal formulas and therapeutic approaches, is made accessible to English-speaking practitioners through this definitive translation of Dr Keisetsu Otsuka's classic work. This clinical handbook summarizes diagnostic theory and methodology then leads onto a section including 80 principal formulas followed by a therapeutic section organised according to allopathic definitions of disease. It follows a systems approach in internal medicine beginning with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, moving through a comprehensive analysis of all the body systems. Essential clinical information on how differential diagnosis and formula selection is achieved is outlined within the Kampo tradition. A comprehensive index of 120 major herbal formulas and 180 individual herbal ingredients is included, as is the translators' original Glossary of terms designed to clarify concepts of health and disease unique to Kampo and Japanese culture. The translators have taken care to retain Dr Otsuka's own thoughts and opinions on how to study Kampo, as well as demonstrative case studies from his own files, making this a direct source of his wisdom and teachings. Also including an overview of Kampo in the current age and guidance on integrating it into modern practice, this is an essential resource for anyone practicing or studying in this tradition.

This text presents a modern method of administration of classical Chinese herbal formulas that is known as Kampo,one of the oldest medical traditions of Japan. Having a history of effectiveness when administered for chronic degenerative conditions and aging-related diseases, it is among the most commonly prescribed therapies for menopausal complaints. Properly administered, Kampo medicines cause few adverse reactions and can be confidently prescribed for long-term administration. In the West, Kampo is most often encountered in preparations marketed as powdered or granulated formulas, although tablets and individual herb granulations are becoming increasingly available. Even where highly sophisticated pharmaceuticals are generally available, Kampo's popularity has grown, specifically because of its efficacy.

The First International Symposium on "Pain and Kampo (Japanese Herbal Medicine)" took place in Tokyo in October, 1992. More than 700 registrants participated, with 12 registrants from seven overseas countries. This book contains summaries of the presentations at this meeting and is published in order to provide up-to-date information to a much wider audience. In China, traditional herbal medicine has been used for more than 3000 years while in Japan, its use has been documented for more than 1000 years, albeit with some changes to the original Chinese formulations. Recently there has been a revival of interest in herbal medicines for several reasons. There is a rapid growth in the number of senior citizens who frequently require the attention of modern medicine. In particular, there has been an increase in the number of patients who suffer from chronic diseases which are difficult to treat, e.g., arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain syndromes, etc. It has become evident that traditional Oriental herbal medicines could playa role in the management of these and other conditions.

From an internationally known expert in the teaching and practice of Fukushin, this is a unique book defining the therapeutic and diagnostic significance of the abdomen in East Asian medicine. Nigel Dawes provides a comprehensive description of the practical application of abdominal palpation in clinical settings, as well as offering hands-on descriptions of the precise methodology of the abdominal exam with supporting visual aids. Focusing on specific clinical application in the field of Kampo (Sino-Japanese Herbal Medicine), it allows for the subtleties of the Fukushin method to be disseminated in order to complement Traditional Chinese Medicine training. Highly visual and practical, Fukushin is the perfect guide for both Japanese and Chinese medicine students and practitioners looking to develop their toolbox of skills in abdominal palpation.

Prof. Akio Inui is employed by Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Services, and belongs to a laboratory with funds donated by Kracie Pharmacautical, Ltd. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.