Database: Traditional Medicine

Traditional Japanese medicine, now called kanpo (literally "Han medicine"), originated in ancient China then developed independently in Japan before again being influenced by Chinese medicine. In the imperial court, the Tamba and Wake families inherited the position of prominent physicians for several centuries, although there were many other renowned physicians (such as from the Takeda and Manase families) in the 15th and 16th centuries. That was an era when medicine evolved significantly, as shown by the publication of several medical works. The descendants of Chen Zongjing, who took refuge in Japan to escape the war in China in the 14th century and was called Chin Uiro after his official title in China, also practiced medicine in Kyoto for generations. Their servant Uno, sent to Odawara in the early 16th century, opened an apothecary to sell a medicine called tôchinkô along with a cake, called urio, meant to cleanse the palate after taking the medication. This reportedly led to the creation of Nagoya's specialty uiro cake thanks to a pastry chef who was inspired by Odawara.

In addition to herbal remedies medieval physicians used a variety of treatment methods, including acupuncture and moxibustion to stimulate trigger points, massage to stimulate the skin and muscles, and thermal baths. A large proportion of medicines and their materials were imported from China. Medicines were one of the most important imported goods at the time.