Kampo Medicine for Older People: A Review

Several countries have entered the super-aging era. In Japan, the recently reported average life expectancy is approximately 90 years. Kampo medicine (a form of traditional Japanese medicine) is a part of the official medical service in Japan and is widely used for treating various illnesses of older people. However, although general physicians often prescribe Kampo preparations, most Japanese general physicians do not have an intimate understanding of the iatrology of Kampo. Kampo is based on traditional Chinese medicine modified according to the Japanese environment, characteristics, and society. Although Kampo prescriptions are beneficial in geriatric medicine, they were initially developed and applied according to the medical principles of traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. Moreover, improper administration of these traditional preparations can lead to severe adverse consequences. In this review, we have described the efficacy of Kampo medicine for geriatric syndromes and the traditional meanings and rules underlying Kampo prescriptions.