Date of Award
4-1997
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. Alan H. Jacobs
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Many societies have pluralistic medical systems in which biomedicine and alternative therapies coexist. Some anthropologists view medical pluralism adaptively, where the strengths of various therapies complement each other. Others highlight the hegemonic power of biomedicine and its tendency to suppress or co-opt alternative therapies. To understand medical pluralism, one must examine alternative therapies in particular cultural contexts.
Kanpo, or Japanese herbalism, has survived political and legal suppression resulting from Japan's 19th century attempts at westernization and now poses a challenge to the biomedical model of health and illness. Since the 1970's more Japanese are turning to kanpo rather than biomedicine for chronic illness.
This article reports on three case studies of the usage of kanpo herbs by Japanese students at Western Michigan University. Interviews of Japanese students reveal a remarkable degree of consensus regarding attitudes toward Western medicine and kanpo. The article contributes to understanding Japanese perceptions of health and illness and how these impact treatment choices.
Recommended Citation
Siuda, Joseph Paul, "Kanpo Consumption among Japanese Students at Western Michigan University: Case Studies in Medical Pluralism" (1997). Masters Theses. 4705.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4705