Asia · Japan Practitioners 5 September 2026

Kampo derives from Chinese medicine introduced to Japan around the fifth and sixth centuries, but diverged substantially. Japanese practitioners moved toward a more empirical, formula-centred approach, placing less weight on the theoretical apparatus retained in Chinese practice. Kampo's institutional position is what makes it notable. Around 148 Kampo formulas are approved by Japan's Ministry of Health and covered by national health insurance. Surveys have found that a large majority of Japanese physicians prescribe Kampo, and it is taught in medical schools. Prescribers are conventionally trained doctors, not a separate profession. This integration required things traditional medicine often lacks: manufacturing to pharmaceutical GMP standards, standardised extract granules with consistent composition, defined indications, and pharmacovigilance. Widely used formulas include daikenchuto for post-operative ileus, which has been studied in randomised trials; yokukansan for behavioural symptoms in dementia; and rikkunshito for functional dyspepsia. Kampo has also produced important safety lessons. Cases of interstitial pneumonia associated with sho-saiko-to, particularly when combined with interferon, led to regulatory warnings, and pseudoaldosteronism from liquorice-containing formulas is a recognised risk. Surveillance capable of detecting these effects is precisely what integration makes possible.

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