Kampo means "Han Method" in Japanese. This is a very fitting translation, because it was the Chinese who introduced the use of herbal products for medical therapy during the 7th to 9th centuries at the time of the Han Dynasty. Today, Kampo, better known as Japanese Herbal Medicine, is extremely popular in Japan and already starting to find an audience in America as well.

In modern Japan, it is interesting to see that such an ancient practice has thrived in a world of new, high tech innovations that set the pace for all industries around the globe. It is reported that the Japanese have the highest consumption of herbal products per capita. Perhaps the reason for this heavy use stems from Kampo's integration into the Japan modern health system. Most health insurance companies recognize and support the use of Kampo, and over 70% of all pharmacists utilize herbal products as well. The practitioners of Kampo have treated such ailments like eczema, hepatitis, arthritis, retinopathy, asthma, and high cholesterol. It is not so much seen as an "alternative" medicine as TCM is seen here in America. The practitioners of Kampo have treated such ailments like eczema, hepatitis, arthritis, retinopathy, asthma, and high cholesterol. It is not so much seen as an "alternative" medicine as TCM is seen here in America.

Although the use of Kampo and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differ slightly in their use of divergent herbal formulas and sources, their function is the same- treating ailments from a holistic perspective. However, Kampo practitioners traditionally measure and observe specifically the pulse, tongue, and abdomen in giving prognosis.