Abdominal Diagnosis is also very important in Kampo, or Japanese Herbal Medicine. Based on Chinese Herbology, specifically from the descriptions provided in the Shang Han Lun or Treatise on Cold Damage, Koho("Old School") Kampo emerged from a long development period as the primary form of herbalism practiced in Japan. It is a pattern (akashi) based system, similar in some ways to the akashi-based Meridian Therapy highlighted above. As in Meridian Therapy, the treatment is essentially built into the diagnosis, and akashi in Kampo are named for the specific remedy that is indicated by the signs and symptoms. As in other forms of East Asian Traditional Medicine, diagnosis is not based on one single factor but is a holistic interpretation of all of the signs and symptoms noted during the examination. Some doctors place great emphasis on the fukusho, some less emphasis, but it is always an important consideration in the selection of an appropriate remedy.
Certain abdominal regions strongly suggest certain broad categories of formulas. First we will examine subcostal reactions, or KyoKyo KuMan, which are identified with formulas containing bupleurum. The fact that subcostal reactions are so commonly found is perhaps strongly correlated with the popularity of bupleurum formulas in Japan. (Again, the proper remedy can only be given based on all of the signs and symptoms. Please do not administer bupleurum formulas without considering all of the presenting factors, including possible drug interactions. Michael Tierra's Planetary Herbology page has a report of several fatalities associated with bupleurum in patients who were also taking interferon)
The following diagrams are adapted from an article by Dr Ken Fujihira which appeared in the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine.
More Kampo Fukusho
Here are some specific Kampo indications for various formulas, based on the work of Dr. Fujihira and Dr. Shibata. These are not absolute, as the four examinations should be conducted in order to determine the proper formula. Nevertheless, these are a few examples where the choice of formula is strongly indicated by the fukusho.
(It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: this information is purely for scholarly purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat anyone who may be looking at this page. If you are concerned about your health, please seek a qualified health-care practitioner.)
Lower Rectus tension with weakness below the umbilicus. Indication for Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (Eight-Flavor Rehmannia Pills).
Didang Tang indication
Dr. Fujihira describes a 5-10 cm elliptical lump occurring sub-umbilically, which indicates Rhubarb and Leech Decoction.
Substernal Splashing
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon, Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction) is the primary formula associated with this pattern, particularly if the finding is accompanied by dizziness.
LLQ Hypersensitivity
Found on light palpation, this is an indication specific to Tao He Cheng Qi Tang (Peach-Kernel Qi-Infusing Decoction).
more to come......
All text and images here © 1998-99 Robert Hayden