In Kampo, the concept of the Pattern, or Sho 証 (Ch. Zheng), is perhaps the most essential fundamental principle that defines both the diagnosis and treatment of disease. We speak of the formula Sho, which includes specific pulse, tongue and abdominal findings as well as the myriad of signs and symptoms that define that particular and unique presenting “pattern”. The totality of all this clinical evidence combined establishes the “proof” (another translation of Sho) of diagnosis and at the same time confirms the treatment strategy – the formula itself. This is the reason so much emphasis is placed on detailed study of the formulas in Kampo since they contain all the necessary evidence in their clinical narrative that precisely defines both diagnostic and treatment strategies.

But what of the patient Sho? In Kampo, when the term is applied to an individual, it defines the patient’s constitutional state which may be fundamentally robust, average or weak. More nuanced constitutional assessment can reveal hot or cold, wet or dry tendencies and when combined with Qi, blood or fluid typing can serve to more precisely characterize a person’s health and disease tendencies as well as provide a clear prognosis as to their likely response to any illness. As such, constitutional assessment forms an essential part of any diagnostic work-up of a patient and critically informs treatment approaches alongside formula pattern analysis. Indeed, each formula used in Kampo treatment includes within its Sho the patient constitution for which that formula is most obviously suited.

Thus, the dual aspects of Patient Constitution 体質証 Taishitsu Sho (Ch. Ti Zhi Zheng) and Disease Pattern 病証 Byo Sho (Ch. Bing Zheng) are given equal emphasis in Kampo practice and both should be carefully studied and thoroughly understood.

This workshop will examine the Kampo definitions of constitutional language and its meaning as well as carefully describing constitutional types, how to recognize them and how to interpret their significance in diagnosis and treatment. Qi, blood and fluid types will be identified along with associated tendencies for wetness, dryness, coldness or heat. Specific subsets of constitutional tendencies such as weak digestion, counterflow and hyper-reactive emotional types will also be discussed.

As always, practical components of the workshop will focus on tactile (abdominal) assessment from a constitutional perspective as well as visual diagnostics. In terms of treatment, a number of commonly used Kampo formulas will also be discussed from a constitutional perspective.

The aim of the workshop is to add a more nuanced appreciation for how constitutional assessment and understanding can powerfully influence clinical decision-making and lead to more consistent, accurate clinical results.

Know your formulas. Know your patient.