“Mi-byo” (pre-disease) is a special concept in Chinese Medicine proposed about 2,200 years ago in the ancient text Ko-tei-nai-kei, which states that “a Saint-like Doctor” can cure “mi-byo”. However, no one has been saintly enough to explain an actual “mi-byo” status to date. In the 21 th century, as immunology has developed, the novel notion of “homeostatic inflammation” began to be postulated. Here, “homeostatic inflammation” means the self-repairing steps initiated by innate immune sensors when they encounter either PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or with DAMPs (danger signal-or damage-associated molecular patterns) composed of either lipids-or nucleic acids-related substances through their own TLRs (toll-like receptors) or NLRs (NOD-like receptors), respectively. If such “homeostatic inflammation” does correlate with the “mi-byo”, perhaps we can control it by using herbal medicines containing various saponins, essential oils, alkaroids, and flavonoids that may reinforce innate barriers by regulating the effect of lipids and nucleic acids.

　　To determine the exact cause of dizziness and/or vertigo, 1000 outpatients were retrospectively studied. The most common diagnosis in all of the analyzed cases was cervicogenic dizziness (89%). Among these cases, 600 (67%) underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine, and 542 of these (90%) showed presence of a narrow spinal canal. It was important to measure the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal in each case and to have an accurate diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria. Dizziness and/or vertigo develop because of long-term, inappropriate neck posture in the presence of some kind of cervical disease. Triggers of dizziness and/or vertigo were different in men and women and in each generation. In elderly women, the characteristic trigger was long-term farming, gardening, weeding. About 79% of the cases were accompanied by stiff neck and shoulder; therefore, selection of appropriate muscle relaxants at appropriate doses as well as proper advice to patients regarding neck posture and lifestyle are very important in the treatment of cervicogenic dizziness. The results of this study emphasize the importance of cervicogenic dizziness as a cause of dizziness and/or vertigo that are difficult to cure.

Although the term “spasticity” refers to one of the most important concepts in physical medicine and rehabilitation, it is inconsistently defined, particularly in the Japanese literature.
Here, I have presented several definitions widely used throughout Japan and discussed differences among those proposed by Lance, Shimamura, and Tanaka. The use of the phrase “phasic and tonic stretch reflexes” and the meaning of “rigidity” were indicated to cause confusion regarding the definition.
Exaggerated tendon jerks without a reflex response during a continuous muscle stretch should not be included under spasticity. However, if tendon jerks are exaggerated, the increased stretch reflexes without muscle (or joint) movement should be termed “spasticity” rather than “rigidity.” Although some researchers use the term “rigidospasticity” to express severe spasticity, it differs from the original meaning.
According to the discussion, I agree with the definition proposed by Lance：“Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of the upper motor neuron syndrome.” However, it is a mysterious phenomenon that depends not only on velocity but also on muscle length. Further review of its definition is required.

Kampo goshajinkigan is effective for the improvement of urinary tract function. Moreover, the origin of ganglion cysts is said to be varied and is not clear.
We report a case of ganglion cyst disappearance, which was successfully achieved with goshajinkigan for urinary tract discomfort.
The patient, a 35-year-old woman, who complained of nocturia, had difficulty in urinating, and a feeling of incomplete emptying. There were no findings of note in the urine or blood tests, and she was negative for cystitis. The patient did however show symptoms of kidney yang-ki deficiency.
She was started on goshajinkigan 7.5 g/day for cold of the hands and feet, edema, and nocturia ; her feeling of incomplete emptying gradually reduced, and the nocturia, and feeling of incomplete emptying disappeared after 6 weeks. At the same time, her right wrist ganglion cyst also disappeared.
This suggests that goshajinkigan is effective in alleviating ganglion cysts in cases with symptoms of kidney yang-ki deficiency.