Japanese Medicine

Stephanie san

Monday, September 10

As someone who fosters interest in both health care and culture, Japanese medicine is a relevant and pertinent research topic because it incorporates both. The most prominent medicinal method that is associated with Japanese health care is Kampo medicine. Research confirms that America is becoming “more accepting of innovative forms of medical treatment” (Empowered Doctor). Japanese Kampo is one of these innovative forms that has “centuries of affective use (Empowered Doctor).

            Kampo was “originally adapted from Chinese herbal medicine”, and places value on three specific ideas (Empowered Doctor). These ideas include, simplicity, prevention, and safety (Empowered Doctor). Specifically, Kampo consists of three hundred and sixty-five herbal remedies that can be placed into three categories (Empowered Doctor). The first category incorporates the most highly valued remedies, which are the safest, and are also preventative of disease (Empowered Doctor). These prescriptions have minimal side effects, and are intended for long-term use (Empowered Doctor). The second category incorporates methods of treatment for pre-existing condition, as well as prevention of the condition’s recurrence (Empowered Doctor). The third and lowest level of remedy, treats acute or chronic disease, and is administered for shorter duration (Empowered Doctor). The prescribed length is shorter due to the potential for toxic side effects that can result from the nature of the treatment (Empowered Doctor). It is particularly interesting that “most Western allopathic medicines fall into this [final] category” (Empowered Doctor). Kampo is a methodology that is less concerned with the cause of infection, and is more related to patient specific restoration to the body’s natural balance (Empowered Doctor).  Kampo is practiced at the most prominent Japanese health care facilities.

            The top ten Japanese healthcare facilities are listed by “Medical Travel Japan”, and are ranked in the following order: Seirei Hamamatsu General, Kameda Medical Center, Seirei Mikatahara, Kanto Medical Center NTT EC, St. Luke’s Intl., Saiseikai, Masunami General, Kariya General, Asahi General, and Yokoma City University (Medical Travel Japan). All of the hospitals listed are private, and are geographically diverse in location (Medical Travel Japan). I was surprised that only two hospitals on the list are located in Tokyo, and they are ranked fourth and sixth relating to quality of medical care (Medical Travel Japan). I would have assumed that Tokyo, being the prosperous capital of Japan, would have had the most advanced medical facilities in the country. The top hospital is specified to be located in the prefecture, Shizoka. These hospitals are reputable and advanced facilities on an international scale.

            Personally, medical methodology is an affective way to gain insight into a nation’s culture. Often, the spiritual beliefs of a nation are reflected in their medical methodologies. For example, American medicine has no spiritual basis integrated into its’ treatments, which is indicative of our societies lack of emphasis on national spirituality. The spiritual emphasis that Japanese society places on the awareness of the seasons, is evident in Japanese Kampo’s attention to external factors on one’s well being. Furthermore, the connection between cultures is obvious in the American integration of Asian style medicines including acupuncture and Kampo into medical protocols.

AIMC Berkeley, in California, is an American Institution that is “uniquely rooted in Traditional Japanese Medicine” (AIMC Berkeley). AIMC provides education to students regarding Japanese Kampo methods, pediatric care, and acupuncture (AIMC Berkeley). AIMC Berkeley claims to be the best institution for education on Japanese Medicine (AIMC Berkeley). Because Berkeley is one of the most prominent Universities in the nation it indicates an increasing presence of Japanese medicine in the United States.  I am interested to learn more about Japanese culture and medicine by performing more extensive research.

Works Cited

"Japanese Kampo Medicine." Japanese Kampo Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2012. <http://www.empowereddoctor.com/japanese-kampo-medicine>.

"Japanese Medicine." Japanese Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2012. <http://aimc.edu/admissions/why-aimc-berkeley-2/japanese-medicine/>.

"Top 10 Japanese Hospitals (Private)." メディカルツーリズム ジャパン. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2012. <http://www.japan-medical-tourism.com/content/top-10-japanese-hospitals-private>.