Practice of the Assimilation of Kampo and Western Medicine / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Chinese herbal remedy (KAMPO) is no longer an out-of-date medicine. It is now transforming into a new medical care system that attracts world-wide attention. The therapeutic system of Oriental Medicine is different in various aspects from that of Occidental Medicine. In this regard, appropriate harmonization of East and West (Oriental Medicine and Occidental Medicine) by comparison with merits and demerits in the understanding of diseases, methods of consultation, usage of drugs, etc. is expected to improve the quality of medical care. Considering that most of the drugs used in the Occidental Medicine are based on “single effective ingredient” that is artificially synthesized while herbal drugs are produced by combining crude drugs that contain various ingredients, the method of administration should naturally be changed.Such stance of Kampo medicine is based on the “respect for and understanding of individual constitution and disposition while paying attention to the gender difference and individuality” with the patient as the protagonist (treatment that is centered on client) and is also based on understanding and respecting the gender difference and individuality that are the basis of so-called “Science and Art” of practical medicine.