Nigel Dawes on Kanpo

Nigel Dawes: Kampo & Abdominal Diagnosis
Part 1 Beings November 14th to16th 2008, Amherst, MA

The abdomen represents the body's anatomical center, housing as it does the vital organs as well as forming its myofascial and structural core. In Asian systems of medicine it is also the source of vital energy acting as a crucible for the mutual transmutation of acquired and pre-natal essence. It also represents a metaphysical cauldron in which the vital organs play a pivotal role, each acting as a repository and catalyst for specific manifestations at the psychic and emotional level.

Throughout the history and development of Traditional Asian Medical systems, the abdomen has thus occupied a pivotal role in both diagnostic and treatment paradigms. In more recent times, however, its significance in the clinic has dwindled. Today many practitioners, especially in modern China, rarely use it in practice. This has not been the case in Japan where, from the Edo Period in particular, acupuncturists as well as Kanpo and Shiatsu practitioners have each developed highly sophisticated methods of using the abdomen in assessment and practice.

One such traditional method is that employed by modern herbalists (mostly MD’s) in Japan who use a detailed and highly specific form of abdominal palpation to obtain information that strongly influences the selection of herbal prescriptions.