FAQ Kampo Frequently Asked Questions

A. Our clinic handles both traditional Thai herbal medicine and Chinese Kampo raw herbs that Japanese people have traditionally used. Basically, if you consult a Thai Kampo doctor, the prescription will be a decoction using Thai herbs. The average price range is approximately 900-1200 baht for a two-week supply and around 1500-1800 baht for a one-month supply (approximately 60-70 baht per day). Additionally, Kampo medicines commonly used in Japan are sold in capsule form, uniformly priced at 350 baht for 45 capsules (approximately 50-70 baht per day). Prescriptions from Kampo doctors will be provided as raw herbs. However, if it is difficult to decoct them at home, we also offer a decoction service for 300 baht per session. Please feel free to request it. It is also possible to formulate prescriptions within a set economic limit. Please do not hesitate to inform the interpreter.

A. The fundamental concepts of traditional Thai medicine and Japanese Kampo are shared: both view the human body as a holistic entity and emphasize enhancing one's own healing power by leveraging the strength of natural raw herbs.

However, due to significant differences in climate and naturally growing trees and plants between Thailand and Japan, there are also differences in the types of raw herbs used.

Many raw herbs commonly used in traditional Thai medicine, such as cinnamon, ginger, jujube, Angelica sinensis, and licorice, are familiar to Japanese people. However, there are also numerous raw herbs that do not have a Japanese translation.

The blending and synergistic effects of these raw herbs have a long history, similar to Japanese Kampo medicine, and are filled with the experience and wisdom of the Thai people.

Unfamiliar Thai raw herbs might cause some confusion for Japanese people, but for us living in Thailand, utilizing Thai herbs naturally grown in this land will undoubtedly be of great help in balancing the body.

A. The treatment period varies depending on the illness and symptoms, so we cannot give a definitive answer. However, at our clinic, we generally recommend taking it for two weeks first to confirm its effects. After two weeks of taking the medicine, if no effect is felt at all, we recommend changing the medicine. If an effect is felt, we suggest continuing the prescription for about 1-3 months.

Some people may think that "Kampo medicine should be taken for many years," but our Kampo doctors recommend that "for any medicine, a temporary break period should be set after about three months of use."

A. In traditional medicine, human ailments are viewed as imbalances in the body, and it is believed that all ailments can be improved by restoring that balance.

Therefore, it specializes in treating chronic diseases that occur due to long-term lifestyle imbalances or stress, rather than conditions requiring acute surgical treatment.

For example, gynecological disorders such as irregular menstruation, menopausal symptoms, and infertility resulting from female hormonal imbalances; atopic dermatitis and hives caused by immune system imbalances; and digestive system disorders like gastric atony and constipation where gastrointestinal function is weakened are considered its areas of expertise. Significant effects can also be expected for mental symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness.

In any case, a key feature is the focus on fundamental treatment of diseases by enhancing the body's natural healing power.

A. Kampo medicine is generally thought of as decoctions, but traditionally, there have been many powdered medicines and pills.

Some raw herbs contain components that are difficult to dissolve in water; such herbs with these properties have been used as powdered medicines or pills.

Currently, in addition to these, Kampo extract preparations, processed and adjusted by pharmaceutical manufacturers, are available in easily consumable forms such as granules, tablets, and syrups.

A. It is perfectly fine to stop taking Kampo medicine suddenly.

There are no rebound effects or side effects as seen with Western medicines. However, if symptoms still remain, there is a possibility that the improved symptoms might reappear. Therefore, we usually advise gradually reducing the dosage before stopping.

A. Recently, when a person experiences physical discomfort, they can easily obtain various information by searching the internet themselves. While it is important to be interested in your own body and the medicines you take, information on the internet is often intended to attract readers' attention or for product sales, so caution is needed when believing it blindly.

Furthermore, even though Kampo medicine is said to have fewer side effects, as long as it is a "medicine," continuing to take something that has little effect can become a burden on your body.

It is important to investigate what kind of illness your symptoms might indicate, but we recommend seeking advice from a specialist Kampo doctor for the final decision on medicine selection.

A. Our clinic generally prescribes decocted medicine for a two-week supply. After taking the raw herbs home, first quickly rinse them with water, then put all of them into a large pot and bring to a strong boil. Once it boils, reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour (decoction time varies depending on the raw herb, so please confirm with your Kampo doctor).

Once it has cooled down sufficiently, separate the decocted medicine (liquid) from the dregs, and store the medicine in the refrigerator (if the amount of medicine at this point is less than a two-week supply, add water to the dregs again, make a second decoction, and mix it with the first decoction).

Decocted medicine can be decocted multiple times. Although the effectiveness will decrease, it is possible to save the dregs after separating the medicine and make a second or third decoction.

A. Basically, we believe it is optimal for a specialized Kampo doctor to inquire about your constitution, symptoms, and lifestyle, and then create an original customized prescription for you.

Although it will take about 20-30 minutes, we can formulate the most effective Kampo medicine. If you self-diagnose based on information from the internet or other sources, it may lead to taking medicines that do not suit your constitution or have little effect. Therefore, we recommend seeking expert advice for the final decision.