Traditional Japanese kampo medicine – History of ideas and practice; Part 1: From ancient shamanic practice to the medical academies of Edo

Background ‘Kampo’ is an academic medical tradition that originated from the import of Chinese medical literature and the immigration of trained physicians from China and Korea to Japan between the sixth and 10th centuries AD. Understanding these roots and the subsequent historical development can contribute greatly to a better understanding of kampo today. Historical development Although initially developed from continental roots, the Japanese traditions underwent an independent development as kampo practitioners developed their own repertoire of pharmaceutical raw materials by integrating plant drugs from native folk medicine. Innovative independent developments by Japanese physicians over the course of the centuries resulted in an ever increasing emancipation of kampo from China. A second wave of Chinese influence in the 13th century resulted in the development of Gosei School Kampo, which has the closest ties to the continent. During the 16th century, the development of eclectic Secchu School Kampo was additionally influenced by European phytotherapy via Portuguese and Dutch contacts. These Europeans provided a reference point (tertium comparationis) that gave Japan a new perspective on Chinese medical practices for the first time. China – although greatly admired – was no longer perceived as the singular ideal civilization but as one civilization among several others. Thus the development of independent Japanese practices in culture and medicine became conceivable for the first time. Conclusion The historical developments that have led from these early roots to present day kampo practice are essential for developing a concise understanding of kampo ideas and practice.