Global Movement Around Kampo Medicine / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is making waves all over the world nowadays. The National Institute of Health started an office of alternative medicine in 1992 and established the National Center for CAM (NCCAM) in 1998. The annual budget has increased to 113.3 million dollars. The NCCAM has founded the Office of International Alternative Medicine (OIHR), to support collaborative work with countries other than USA. In 2003, 10 international planning grants were awarded which included a collaboration with Keio University in Japan.<br>In most of Asian countries except for Japan, the government supports promotion of its own traditional medicines. When European medicine came from Holland to Japan, in the Edo period, Japanese doctors quickly adopted European ways and mixed them with traditional Kampo medicine. For example, Seishu Hanaoka combined surgery with Kampo, for the benefit of his patients.<br>Taro Takemi pointed out Kampo drugs should be used in Kampo ways, and not in western medical ways. To globalize Kampo, first of all, Kampo should be more visible both in Japan and in the world. Secondly, the government's support is essential. Thirdly, public enlightenment concerning Kampo is necessary. Many people actually confuse Kampo, with dietary supplements. Fourthly, we need faculty members in universities, who can introduce Kampo as a part of Japan's medical culture. Lastly, Japan should contribute more to the development of traditional medicine in Asia.<br>Kampo is a definitive model of integrative medicine in our world. We must introduce this traditional heritage and treasure, globally.