Challenges of Translating Traditional Japanese Medicine (Kampō) for Western Audiences

Any form of Japanese medical translation is extremely challenging. Medical texts and

content are loaded with technical terminology, eponyms, acronyms and abbreviations that are all difficult to translate. In addition, the need for accuracy is high as ambiguities and errors could lead to misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments and incorrect usages of drugs that could cause serious harm to patients.

The translation of texts relating to traditional Japanese medicine (Kampō) certainly presents unique challenges. Only skilled human translators with specific knowledge of the field can deliver the required level of accuracy while explaining Kampō concepts and practices in ways that resonate with Western audiences. This is work that involves both medical and cultural translation.

What Is Kampō, is it relevant today and why are related texts so difficult to translate?

What is traditional Japanese medicine?

Traditional Japanese medicine, or Kampō, boasts a lengthy history. Its origins lie in Chinese medicinal practices but Kampō has evolved over time to become a distinct system.  

Kampō emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body’s internal energies and using herbal remedies, diet and acupuncture to treat ailments. 

Is Kampō relevant today?

Kampō is definitely relevant today. Indeed, it has been integrated into the Japanese national healthcare system. Hundreds of Kampō medicines have been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for reimbursement under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The majority of registered physicians in Japan prescribe Kampō medicines.

Interest in complementary and alternative medicine has grown significantly in the West, leading many to explore the benefits of Kampō. It is more important than ever that documents and content relating to Kampō are properly translated. But there are many obstacles to tackle if the medicinal and cultural integrity of Kampō is to be maintained during translation.

What are the unique translation challenges presented by Kampō?

There is much to consider when translating Japanese documents, content or any texts that relate to Kampō:

1. Linguistic complexity

The translation of Kampō terms and concepts into Western languages, particularly English, poses several challenges due to the complexity of the language used in traditional medicine. Many Kampō terms are deeply embedded in cultural contexts and do not have direct equivalents in Western languages.

Terminology and nuance 

Kampō related terms often carry multiple layers of meaning that go beyond any literal translation. For instance, terms like ki (氣, life energy), yin-yang (陰陽), and zang-fu (臓腑, organ systems) have philosophical connotations that may not be easily grasped by those in the West. Accurately translating these concepts into English or any language requires not only the finding of linguistic parallels but also ensuring that the underlying philosophical meanings are retained.

Herbal Ingredients

Remedies feature many herbs and natural substances that have unique names in Japanese or classical Chinese. Some of these herbs have no exact Western counterparts, making it difficult to convey their uses and properties. Additionally, many Kampō herbs have cultural significances tied to their names, histories, or methods of preparation, which can be lost in translation. 

2. Cultural differences in medical philosophy

Kampō medicine and Western medicine stem from entirely different philosophical approaches to health, illness, and the human body. In Kampō, health is often seen as a balance of natural forces within the body, influenced by diet, lifestyle, and the environment. This belief is in conflict with Western biomedicine, which typically takes a more reductionist, disease-centred approach.

Holistic vs. mechanistic views

Kampō’s holistic approach, which seeks to treat the entire person and restore balance, contrasts with the Western focus on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or symptoms. This fundamental difference can make Kampō’s concepts seem vague or unscientific to a Western audience that is accustomed to evidence-based, symptom-driven medicine. For example, Kampō treatments may focus on improving qi flow (vital energy), while Western patients and practitioners might expect a clear diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Subjective diagnosis

In Kampō, practitioners often rely on subtle physical signs, patient history, and subjective symptoms (such as tongue coating or pulse quality) to form a diagnosis. This is very different from Western medicine’s emphasis on objective, measurable data including blood tests and imaging. Translating Kampō’s diagnostic practices in a way that is understandable and acceptable to Western audiences is difficult without reducing its complexity or oversimplifying its methods.

3. Scientific validation and standardization

A significant challenge in bringing Kampō to Western audiences is the alignment of its practices with modern scientific standards. Western medicine places a heavy emphasis on clinical trials, peer-reviewed studies, and standardized treatments. However, Kampō’s effectiveness is often rooted in centuries of empirical practice and anecdotal evidence, making it hard to meet Western demands for scientific validation.

Lack of clinical studies 

There has been limited scientific research in the West regarding Kampō remedies, partly due to the complex nature of traditional medicine, where treatments are highly individualized. Western clinical trials often require standardized treatments, while Kampō emphasizes personalized medicine. Bridging this gap while respecting Kampō’s individualized approach presents a major challenge to both the writers of content and the translators of it.

Herbal safety and dosage

Many Kampō treatment formulations contain multiple herbs, each with its own active compounds. The interactions between these herbs and their effects on the human body can be difficult to study using Western pharmacological models and equally difficult to express when translating from Japanese. 

4. Regulatory and legal challenges

The regulatory framework governing herbal medicine and supplements varies significantly between Japan and Western countries. In Japan, Kampō medicines are recognized as part of the national healthcare system and are often prescribed by licensed physicians. In contrast, in most Western countries, herbal remedies are classified as supplements, meaning they are subject to less stringent regulation.

Differences in approval processes

Bringing Kampō medicine to the West requires the navigation of complex regulatory environments. If medicines are identified as dietary supplements, there are limits to the claims that can be made about their health benefits. Translators must be aware of the benefits they can and cannot claim.

Standardization and quality control 

In Western countries, there is a need for rigorous quality control to ensure that Kampō herbs are safe, free from contaminants, and standardised in potency. It will always be difficult for both writers of content and translators to balance the precise and accurate rendering of information with the fundamental concept of Kampō that medications should be personalised.

5. Cross-cultural understanding and acceptance

Perhaps the most profound challenge in translating Kampō medicine-related content is ensuring cultural sensitivity and fostering understanding. Kampō is deeply tied to Japanese cultural beliefs about health, nature, and the body’s connection to the environment. Western audiences, however, may not have the same cultural reference points.

Perception of "alternative medicine" 

Many Westerners view traditional medicine as an inferior alternative to modern biomedicine, often viewing it as unscientific or unproven. Introducing Kampō medicine in a way that highlights its strengths without undermining Western medical practices requires careful consideration.

A difficult balancing act

Translating Kampō medical texts and content for Western audiences involves more than just linguistic conversion. The words chosen must identify the concepts and cultural aspects of Kampō in ways that Western audiences can understand and connect with. But any explanations of Kampō concepts, practices and treatments must also adhere to the regulations of the countries concerned.  It is important that Kampō's benefits can be understood and appreciated across the world without it losing its unique identity. Translators face a difficult balancing act in addition to the usual challenges of medical translation.