Kampo: A Clinical Guide to Theory and Practice

Kampo, a traditional Japanese medical system derived from Classical Chinese Medicine and comprising unique diagnostic methods, herbal formulas and therapeutic approaches, is made accessible to English-speaking practitioners through this definitive translation of Dr Keisetsu Otsuka's classic work. This clinical handbook summarizes diagnostic theory and methodology then leads onto a section including 80 principal formulas followed by a therapeutic section organised according to allopathic definitions of disease. It follows a systems approach in internal medicine beginning with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, moving through a comprehensive analysis of all the body systems. Essential clinical information on how differential diagnosis and formula selection is achieved is outlined within the Kampo tradition. A comprehensive index of 120 major herbal formulas and 180 individual herbal ingredients is included, as is the translators' original Glossary of terms designed to clarify concepts of health and disease unique to Kampo and Japanese culture.

The translators have taken care to retain Dr Otsuka's own thoughts and opinions on how to study Kampo, as well as demonstrative case studies from his own files, making this a direct source of his wisdom and teachings. Also including an overview of Kampo in the current age and guidance on integrating it into modern practice, this is an essential resource for anyone practicing or studying in this tradition.

Keisetsu Otsuka was an inspiration for a generation of Japanese medical doctors. In Kampo I Gaku Otsuka interprets Chinese medical classics as case studies and matches historical clinical symptoms to the symptoms of modern diseases, thus aligning Kampo to twentieth century medicine. Kampo is practiced by physicians in hospitals throughout Japan. Dr Otsuka passed away in 1980.
Gretchen De Soriano first met Keisetsu Otsuka in 1978 at the Kitasato Institute in Tokyo whilst a student of his son, Yasuo Otsuka. Kampo I Gaku has since been the cornerstone of her clinical practice. In 2010 Gretchen began researching the origins of the fukushin technique at Oxford University, University College London, and with the support of a Wellcome Studentship.
Nigel Dawes M.A., L.Ac. has been practicing East Asian Medicine, including Acupuncture, Shiatsu and Kampo for over 30 years. He graduated from schools in Tokyo and Beijing before setting up practice initially in London and for the past 20 years in New York. He is an internationally renowned teacher, particularly in the Kampo tradition, and has been published widely in the field.