However, clinical studies of Kampo have been conducted in Japan, and its efficacy has been reported in research papers. For example, a randomized control trial demonstrated that the Kampo medicine Rikkunshito exerted greater effects in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms than cisapride (a gastroprokinetic agent)[12].

What is Kampo in Japan?

Kampo is a Japanese traditional medicine with unique theories and therapeutic methods originally based on traditional Chinese medicine. The underlying idea of Kampo is that the human body and mind are inseparable and a balance of physical and mental is essential for human health.

Where did Kampo originate?

The term “Kampo”, which literally means “method from the Han period (206 BC to 220 AD) of ancient China”, refers to its origin from ancient China. The basic therapeutic handbook for the application of herbal prescriptions was the Shang han lun.