Integrating Western Medicine With Japanese Traditional Medicine for Primary Health Care During Natural Disasters and Pandemics: Lessons From Japan

Natural disasters and pandemics create major challenges for public health systems, requiring efficient medical responses under constrained conditions. Ensuring comprehensive healthcare in disaster-stricken areas is critical, as conventional medical resources may be insufficient in some settings. Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine (JTM) offers a potential solution for enhancing healthcare delivery in these scenarios. This work was motivated by the desire to facilitate the international dissemination of the integration of Western medicine and traditional medicine. Japan has integrated JTM, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy, with conventional medical care in disaster and pandemic responses. JTM has been applied in disaster settings to help manage a wide range of conditions, including respiratory infections, hypothermia, gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, psychiatric symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain. Japan's unique medical system, where physicians are trained in both Western and JTM, allows for their seamless integration in healthcare and disaster relief efforts. Furthermore, herbal medicines are covered by the National Health Insurance System. More recently, JTM has also been integrated with conventional treatments during infectious disease outbreaks. Early administration appeared beneficial in preventing disease progression and in alleviating symptoms, particularly among individuals without prior immunization. The successful integration of JTM in disaster and pandemic management highlights its role as a complementary healthcare approach. Japan's model demonstrates the potential benefits of combining traditional and Western medicine and provides valuable insights for other countries seeking to enhance disaster preparedness and healthcare resilience.