Kampo Training: Module 1

This program offers a post-graduate internship in the theory and practice of Kampo medicine, the system of traditional Herbal Medicine (utilizing Chinese Herbs) as currently practised in Japan. This system offers practitioners familiar with the basics of TCM and other East-Asian medical models the opportunity to learn a direct, hands-on, clinical approach to the practice of Herbal prescribing. Emphasis is placed on a pragmatic approach to patient assessment and management including a specialized focus on Fukushin (abdominal diagnosis).

The complete training consists of 8 Modules with 3 days training per module, totaling 24 days, and 200 hours over a 1.5 year period from October 2023-February 2025.

The program is comprised of the following four integrated but distinct components:

1. Theory

Basic Kampo theory will be studied including the concept of the Byo Sho (Disease Pattern), Taishitsu Sho (Constitutional Pattern), Yaku Sho (Formula Pattern), Qi, Blood and Fluid theory, Icho Kyojaku (weak gastro-intestinal function), Hie Sho (Coldness Pattern) and unique diagnostic specialties such as Fukushin (abdominal diagnosis). Emphasis will be placed on understanding the complexities of the patient Sho (conformation), which includes their presenting pathology but also involves detailed constitutional analysis and subjective patient complaints.

2. Formulas

120 commonly used Kampo formulas (mostly from the Shang Han Lun and Jing Gui Yao Lue) will be studied (all commonly available from Japanese and Taiwanese herbal granule suppliers). Some 15 or so original formulas written in Edo period Japan (1603-1865) will also be studied alongside those of Classical Chinese origin. The unique Sho and clinical narrative conforming to each respective formula will be examined in detail including modifications and derivatives.

3. Therapeutics

Kampo therapeutics (internal medicine) will be studied. Disease manifestations will be examined according to their physiological systems (eg: Circulatory Disorders, etc.) and will be systematically examined according to their specific Sho (or differential diagnostic pattern expressed in terms of relevant formula applications). The study will include the clinical specialities of Dermatology, OBGYN, Paediatrics and Gynecology.

4. Kampo Clinical Training Seminar Series Teaching Clinic

The clinic experience is conducted in small groups in a “grand-rounds”. setting, where students are asked to participate in all aspects of clinic assessment, including pharmacy management and herb formula prescription and dispensing. Careful attention is paid to the practice of the detailed diagnostic procedures essential to an accurate application of appropriate herbal formulas.

Program Dates

• October 20-22, 2023
• December 1-3, 2023
• February 9-11, 2024
• April 5-7, 2024
• May 17-19, 2024
• September 20-22, 2024
• November 8-10, 2024
• February 21-23, 2025

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