In order to have a more “universal understanding” of Kampo medicine, it helps to explain the “fundamental concepts” and the “theoretical framework” of Kampo medicine, in latest life science knowledge with a key word “context.”Ki, Ketsu and Sui are the three elements which compose the cellular environment (context), and shoulder the maintenance of life's activities, which are dependent on metabolic changes and information flow. The function and structure of the living body are normally led by Ki, Ketsu and Sui.The five parenchymatous viscera (lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys) are not only organs which maintain the cellular environment, they also act as higher control systems which control organ activities. These five viscera as higher control systems create conditions (context) throughout the body and control the life activities of each organ in an integrated manner.In a sick person, these organ life activities take on a kind of “fighting style” which can change from moment to moment, with natural disease progression and/or treatment intervention. The classic text Shokanron describes these changes in fighting style as the “six stages of disease”, and indicates formulation choices based on variations in the body's fighting style.From the viewpoint of a connection with Western medicine and a dialog with traditional Chinese medicine, explaining Kampo medicine in ways which anyone can understand by creating a universal understanding of its fundamental concepts and theoretical framework, is our mission for the 21st Century.
Medicine, Kampo ; Medicine ; seconds ; Comprehension ; Fighting

Alzheimer's disease (AD) research from 1984 disclosed that there is 10-20 years of time for transition from normal brain to Alzheimer's disease brain. Therefore, AD is a disease with long “Mibyo” phase. Since treatment effect in AD could be partial and limited, we need to consider prevention or “Youjou” not to develop AD more seriously. Amyloid imaging with PET can be promising in the visualization of amyloid burden or Mibyo state. Several medicinal herbs have a potent anti-amyloid aggregation effect as a new class of disease-modifying drug. Yi-Gan-San which has been originally described in Ming dynasty in China is efficacious in improving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia without developing falls or extra-pyramidal adverse effects. Multi-potent traditional medicine doctor with not only practicing traditional medicine alone, but they can also get insights on Western medicine and collecting information from abroad is warranted.
Admitting diagnosis ; Alzheimer's Disease ; Medicine ; Medicine, Kampo ; Fighting

This article reviews the literature and current information on the use of Galbulimima bark in traditional medicine in Papua New Guinea. Galbulimima bark is used in Papua New Guinea as an analgesic, to treat fever or to get rid of head lice. It is used in divination to produce trance-like states for counteracting malevolent power that is thought to be the cause of a variety of illnesses. Galbulimima bark has also been chewed, or drunk as a decoction, to induce visions and a dream-like state. It is also chewed and then rubbed on the legs before fighting.
Papua New Guinea ; Ethnomedicine ; seconds ; Fighting ; Alcoholic beverage heavy drinker