In Western medicine, it is common to regard the mind and body as separate entities. In contrast, East Asian medicine, including Kampo, views the mind and body as an inseparable whole, a concept known as “mind–body unity” (心身一如, shinjin-ichinyo).
Kampo medicine does not focus solely on identifying the location of disease in organs, cells, or genes through testing and microscopic examination. Instead, it emphasizes the unity of mind and body, including subjective symptoms. It views the entire person as an integrated system and categorizes conditions according to theories such as the Eight Principles, Five Elements, Six Stages of Disease, and Qi–Blood–Fluid theory, diagnosing the patient’s condition as a “pattern” (証, sho). These ideas were developed through long observation of nature and are grounded in the philosophy of natural law.
The Eight Principles
The Eight Principles are the fundamental diagnostic framework in East Asian medicine, used to analyze and classify patterns of illness. They describe the nature, location, and strength of pathological changes in the body. The system is composed of four pairs of opposing principles:
- Yin – Yang
- External–Internal
- Deficiency – Excess
- Cold – Heat
These principles guide practitioners in understanding the overall condition of the patient and determining appropriate treatment strategies. Among them, Yin and Yang form the foundation upon which the others are based, representing the dynamic balance that underlies all life processes.
1. Yin – Yang Theory
The Yin–Yang theory interprets all phenomena in the universe through a dualistic framework of Yin and Yang. When applied to human beings, this framework helps classify aspects of the body as either Yin or Yang. The theory encompasses both structural (morphological) and functional meanings.
Philosophical Concept
| Yang | Yin |
|---|---|
| Heaven | Earth |
| Sun | Moon |
| Day | Night |
| Light | Dark |
| Fast | Slow |
| Hot | Cold |
| Dryness | Humidity |
Pathological Concept
| Yang Pattern | Yin Pattern |
|---|---|
| Heat type | Cold type |
| Excess | Deficiency |
| Active / Strong | Stagnant / Weak |
| Ruddy / Healthy | Pale / Poor |
| Elevated body temperature | Decreased body temperature |
| No or mild cold sensation | Strong cold sensation |
| Dislikes warmth | Likes warmth |
| Dark / Concentrated urine | Clear urine |
2. Interior–Exterior
This pair describes the location and depth of disease. External (表, hyo) patterns affect the body’s surface—such as the skin, muscles, or respiratory system—and are often acute. Internal (裏, ri) patterns occur within the organs or deeper layers, usually reflecting chronic or advanced conditions.
3. Excess–Deficiency
This pair expresses the relative strength of Qi (the vital energy) and pathogenic factors. Excess (実, jitsu) indicates a strong pathogenic influence or overactivity, manifesting as tension, pain, or fullness. Deficiency (虚, kyo) signifies weakness of the body’s Qi, blood, or organs, leading to fatigue, weakness, and lack of resistance.
4. Heat–Cold
This pair characterizes the nature of the imbalance. Heat (熱, netsu) patterns are marked by fever, thirst, irritability, and a rapid pulse, indicating excessive Yang or internal heat. Cold (寒, kan) patterns are characterized by chills, pallor, cold limbs, and a slow metabolism, reflecting insufficient Yang or internal cold.
This Eight Principles provide the fundamental framework for understanding health and disease in East Asian medicine. By analyzing patterns through the relationships of Yin and Yang, External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Heat and Cold, practitioners can identify the nature and progression of pathological conditions and determine appropriate therapeutic approaches to reestablish physiological balance.
