WellSpring
Practice Guides
Kanpo
Herbal medicine has been practiced in Japan for many centuries.
It has benefited from influences from all over Asia, which were synthesised
with the ancient native Japanese medicine and evolved into what is now known
as Kanpo. Kanpo is a practical form of herbal medicine based on a wealth
of experience and modern clinical research. It is a holistic form of therapy
as many factors about the individual are considered when determining which
herbs to give. It is widely used in Japan today. Kanpo treatment is said
to support the body's own natural healing mechanisms. Diagnosis involves
taking a case history and carefully examining the patient's tongue, abdomen
and pulse - from an Oriental medical perspective. A herbal formula is then
selected which the practitioner feels reflects the patient needs, as treatment
progresses and the patient's condition alters, a different formula will be
selected. Originally crude herbs were given to the patient to prepare, but
recently herbal extracts are most often given. These come in an extract or
granule form and are easy and convenient to take. They are strictly quality
controlled and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is used at every stage from
growing to harvesting, and preparing the formulae. These formulae do not
rely upon rare species, or the ill treatment of animals. In Japan, Kanpo
is regulated by the Japanese Government. All Kanpo medicines are continually
being assessed with regards to both safety and efficiency, to ensure their
position in the modern context of Japanese primary healthcare. The Journal
of the Royal Society of Medicine recently reported on a UK safety study of
Kanpo medicine. The six-year study took place in a London NHS practice and
results, based on blood analysis, showed no adverse effects on patients treated
with Kanpo medicine. Kanpo is used to treat a wide range of conditions, both
acute and chronic. It is traditionally used to treat digestive, cardiovascular,
respiratory, urinary, reproductive system and skin disorders. In recent times
the structure and pattern of diseases has altered with an increase in immune
system disorders and stress related conditions - Kanpo is being used to treat
these also. It is also said to be of benefit as an adjunct to western medical
treatment, softening the adverse reactions. Kanpo can be used in addition
to other therapies, as well as complementing treatment from a doctor. If
you are not sure whether Kanpo could help your condition then a discussion
with a qualified practitioner will provide further details.
Related Practices:
|
