Presentation summary

Kampo medicine, the traditional Japanese system derived from classical Chinese texts, has developed into aunique clinical discipline. A core feature is the Keiho (Classical Formula) theory, which applies herbalprescriptions from the Shanghan Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue based on objective physical findings rather thandisease names. Diagnosis is made through the integration of the Four Examinations (shi-shin): Inspection(bōshin), Listening and Smelling (bunshin), Inquiry (monshin), and Palpation (sesshin).

Keiho diagnosis emphasizes reproducible signs, especially tongue, pulse, and abdominal findings, to identifypatterns (shō) linked to classical formulas. Tongue diagnosis observes shape, color, moisture, and coating. Forexample, a pale, scalloped tongue may indicate spleen qi deficiency; a red tongue with yellow coating maysuggest interior heat.
Listening and smelling examine voice, breathing, and body odor, offering clues about qi status and internalheat or stagnation. Inquiry focuses on body function and emotional state, assessing cold/heat,dryness/dampness, and qi-blood balance. Sleep with disturbing dreams and frightfulness may indicate a pattern for keishikaryukotsuboreitō.

Palpation includes:
Pulse diagnosis (myakushin): Three-finger assessment of floating/deep, strong/weak, or slippery/tight pulses. Afloating, tight pulse with chills may point to maobushisaishintō.
Abdominal palpation (fukushin): A hallmark of Japanese Kampo, detecting resistance or pulsation in key areas.Epigastric hardness may suggest keishikashakuyakutō, and lower abdominal tension may suggesttokakujokito.

This demonstration illustrates how physical signs guide precise formula selection, offering a practicalintroduction to Kampo diagnostic techniques rooted in classical theory.