Many have heard of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but did you know that Japan has its own traditional medicine known as Kampo? Kampo stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine but is uniquely Japanese in both philosophy and practice. It blends ancient wisdom with a personalized approach to wellness and continues to shape how many Japanese (and people around the world) think and care about their bodies.

Keep reading to learn more about the history, ideology, and modern relevance of Kampo, and how matcha can play a role in supporting traditional wellness practices.

Origins of Kampo

Kampo has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and was introduced to Japan sometime during the 5th or 6th century. The word Kampo (also written Kanpo) references the medicinal herbs used in China during the Han Dynasty. In addition to describing Traditional Japanese Medicine practiced today, it also describes the system of Japanese herbal medicine. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) found its way to Japan through the Korean Peninsula. Over time, Japanese practitioners modified it to create their own unique system that worked for the specific conditions in Japan and followed their own beliefs and culture. They focused on practical results over theory, favoring consistent herbal formulas and a more hands-on diagnostic technique.

By the 17th century, Kampo had developed its own distinct identity. It briefly fell out of favor during Japan’s modernization in the 19th century (when Western medicine was adopted), but it made a comeback after the Second World War.

Learn about how matcha was introduced to Japan here 

Core principles of Kampo 

Kampo shares many of the same qualities as TCM and is all about restoring balance to the body. Kampo looks at the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms; it uses many ideas from Chinese medicine, such as qi (energy), but focuses less on theory and more on tangible results. TCM often involves highly individualized action plans based on broader diagnosis, whereas Kampo focuses on identifying a patient’s symptom pattern, known as “Sho.”

Sho is based on the current state of a person’s body, which helps guide the herbal formulas prescribed. Unlike TCM’s flexible and customized herbal prescriptions, Kampo relies on fixed, multi-herb formulas, which have been preserved in historical medical texts for centuries.

Kampo herbal formulas are not made of single ingredients but rather are blends that have been carefully balanced and standardized to ensure safety and effectiveness. Some formulas are centuries old, and many are still widely prescribed today.

Some examples of well-known and used Kampo herbal formulas are:

• Sho-saiko-to: Used for cold and flu symptoms, GI disorders, liver diseases, and more
• Keishibukuryoga: Often used to improve circulation and support hormonal balance
• Rikkunshito: Supports digestion and appetite

 Common diagnostic tools in Kampo:

• Abdominal palpitations: Feeling the abdomen for tension, resistance, or tenderness

• Tongue and pulse observations

• Symptoms pattern recognition: Identifying clusters of symptoms rather than isolated issues

Kampo is a streamlined and standardized approach that has allowed it to stay relevant in Japan’s modern healthcare system.

How it fits in modern-day Japan

Kampo is still widely used in Japan today alongside Western medicine. According to one source, Kampo is used by over 90% of gynecologists in Japan. However, physicians receive limited education about Kampo medicine, and there is only a small number of people who practice traditional treatment outside of prescribing Kampo medicines based on Western medical diagnosis. Kampo is, for the most part, used in conjunction with modern drugs or Western medical practices.

Does matcha play a role in Kampo?

While matcha isn’t a traditional part of Kampo formulas, it can fit into the broader concept of Japanese holistic health. Matcha is considered to have a cooling effect in Kampo and may have various benefits that align with its principles.

Matcha offers a gentle, non-jittery energy, is rich in antioxidants, and can help support digestion. It’s also believed to help harmonize the body and mind, which may help promote natural healing by addressing the root causes of imbalance. Incorporating matcha into your daily routine can be very much in line with the spirit of Kampo: caring for the whole self, gently and consistently.

Bottom line

Kampo is a living example of how ancient wisdom can stay relevant in a modern world. Drawing from centuries of knowledge and the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it offers an approach that has been tested by time, scientifically backed, and carefully regulated. Kampo is a system of carefully formulated herbs as well as a medical approach that values prevention and treats the person rather than the disease.

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Resources:

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