| [ Summary ] |
The characteristics of "Sho (evidence)" in Kampo Medicine and its application to treatment of gastrointestinal diseases are discussed. The term "Sho" indicates the condition of patients as observed at a particular time, based on patho-physiological ideas in relation to Kampo medicine. Indications for implementation of the Kampo formula in relation to the patientʼs condition must also be considered. "Sho" is characterized by an approach based on drug response but not the name of a particular disease. It also means changeable conditions (the name of a disease is not changeable) and diagnosis identified with treatment. Recently, drugs have been selected in consideration of high response rates to a disease and / or exclusion of high risk groups which suffer from side effects caused by modern medicine. Concerning the selection of drugs, this approach is similar to ideas established through "Sho". There are three categories related to "Sho", these are as follows the pathophysiological condition of the patient, choice of herbal and formulaʼs one. We decide formula's "Sho" based on pathophysiological and herbal "Sho". When a patientʼs condition improve after administration, we think Kampo medical diagnosis is correct. If improvement is not obtained, we think that diagnosis is incorrect and administer other formula to the patient except for incurable case. "Sho" includes not only gastrointestinal manifestations but also other physical and psychological symptoms, and so we think that Kampo medicine will be applied to the therapy of gastrointestinal diseases, especially functional gastrointestinal disorders. |