Japanese miracle. Medicine of the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan, at first glance, is some kind of incredible tangle of paradoxes. One quick glance is enough.

How, for example, is it possible that although people see little of anything other than work, working 70 and sometimes 100 hours a month, they die at work in the most literal sense of the word (there is even a special word for this - “karoshi”), commit suicide, drink every day... and yet manage to live the longest in the world? How is this possible? 35% of the Japanese do not take any time off per year at all, some companies do not provide a newsletter, and they still use it extremely rarely - only in the most difficult situations, and they endure all colds and flus on their feet only by wearing a sanitary mask.

One Japanese man once asked me whether they wear sanitary masks in America or Russia. “No,” I say, “they don’t.” — And when do they get sick, so as not to infect others? - Then they stay at home.

He was very surprised.

To find the answer to our question, first of all it is necessary to understand why, in fact, in Japan it is customary to work so much. "Tradition!" - many will answer. But the matter here is much deeper.

Is it worth getting treatment abroad?

In the recent past, traveling abroad for treatment was considered the prerogative of exclusively wealthy people. And today, despite the fact that medical services tend to grow in financial terms, there are more and more people who want to entrust their health to foreign specialists every year.

If we look at the statistics, then in percentage terms the number of tourists leaving the CIS countries to receive medical care is distributed as follows:

• 48% go to Israel;
• 28% choose clinics in Japan, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea;
• 20% go to Europe, giving preference to Germany, the Czech Republic and Finland;
• 4% decide to undergo treatment in the USA, where they are attracted by the quality but are put off by the prices.

Why do our compatriots decide to travel such long distances? The main factor is the wider technical capabilities of clinics for diagnostics, treatment and surgical interventions. If we take into account the fact that Asian countries occupy leading positions in the world in the implementation of technological developments in medicine, then it is quite understandable that treatment tour operators in Japan earn quite good money.

Statistics of the “record holder”

According to WHO, this small island nation spends 8.3% of its GDP on health care. That is, 2.7 dollars per capita. For comparison, Russian data: 5.4% of GDP and slightly more than a dollar per capita expenditure.

The country of cherry blossoms ranks 10th in the world for the quality of healthcare. However, in terms of technical equipment and number of research medical centers, it has long been among the first. This is eloquently evidenced by the world's highest life expectancy indicator: men, on average, live up to 79 years, women - up to 86. By the way, the current Russian indicators - 62 years for men and 74 years for women - were the same in Japan in 50s, just after the nuclear bombing...

In addition, Japan is one of the first countries to talk about so-called “healthy longevity.” In this she is a leader: the Japanese live 75 years almost without disease. For comparison: Germans are 72 years old, Americans are 69 years old, Russians are 58 years old.

The leading cause of death here, as throughout the world, is oncology. However, the country “brings to the flag” a large number of lives saved from this disease. Thus, according to international data, 70% of Japanese patients live more than 5 years after surgical treatment of stomach cancer. While Dutch – 47, and British – 33%.

Comparative data:

• Number of doctors per 1000 people: Japan - 2.2, Germany - 3.6, USA - 2.4.
• Number of nurses per 1000 people: Japan - 9.5, Germany - 10.7, USA - 10.8.
• Number of medical examinations per person per year: Japan - 13.2, Germany - 7.7, USA - 3.9.

Visa to travel to Japan for treatment

Crossing the borders of a foreign state in most cases is only possible on the basis of a visa. And Japan is no exception in this regard, maintaining visa relations with most of the former Soviet republics.

To be able to use the services of one of the leading healthcare systems in the world, guests from the CIS region will definitely need a special visa permit.

Note that for Japan itself, the phenomenon of medical tourism is relatively new - a special medical visa was introduced into use only in 2011. And although this state cannot be classified as one of those countries that today actively attract foreign patients, nevertheless, the benefits from such visits are obvious both for clinics and for the state budget.

Please note that both the patient and the person accompanying him will need a visa stamp.

The range of services that can be obtained in Japanese clinics on the basis of a medical visa is quite extensive and does not necessarily require any vital indications. So, for example, foreigners can come here to:

• conduct a short inpatient examination, including the Ningen Doc system (comprehensive express diagnostics);
• take advantage of health and recovery procedures, including hot springs;
• become patients of dental clinics;
• undergo surgery with a long hospital stay.

Of course, a medical visa presupposes the presence of a so-called guarantor, which, as a rule, is a medical institution. Usually a stamp is given for a one-time visit to the country, but if multiple entries are required, then the applicant will have to submit a treatment plan drawn up by a specialist at a Japanese clinic. However, one stay in Japan cannot last more than 90 days.

Preparing documents for a visa

It is important to remember that the Japanese representative office will not accept an incorrectly drawn up application or an incomplete package of papers. Moreover, the latter is prepared by both the patient and the receiving party. For example, treatment of diabetes in Japan, as well as some other diseases, will be possible if the applicant has the following documents:

1. Visa application form.
2. International passport.
3. Photo.
4. A copy of a foreign passport.
5. Copy of National Identity Card.
6. Certificate of income or any other document that can confirm the availability of funds.

The receiving party will need:

1. Letter of guarantee.
2. Scheme of the intended treatment or other procedures that are planned to be carried out (for a multiple-entry visa).
3. Certificate of planned activities.

At the same time, the consulate reserves the right to require additional documents during the consideration of the application.

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Ningen Dokku and obedient patients

The country's medicine has been put on the rails of regular medical examinations. Such measures were taken just after the bombing: mandatory regular diagnostics at the state level were introduced more than 50 years ago. Medical examination is carried out starting from the moment of birth: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 1.5 years, 3 years. Also, in the preschool period, after leaving school, and while studying at school and after entering work, the examination is carried out every year.

Nothing new, you say? This happened in our country too. However, the level of medical culture of the Japanese is very high, citizens honestly undergo medical examinations. Of course, the doctors themselves play an important role, as they perform their functions clearly, carry out procedures efficiently, and choose effective treatment.

“Compared to European countries, we don’t have much difference in the type of methods used,” Yu Koshizuka, director of one of the Tokyo Institutes, told us in an exclusive interview during the 3rd Moscow Congress on Medical and Health Tourism. — The only difference is in the specialists who work on this equipment. We practically never have cases where something was overlooked and missed.”

By the way, about the obedience of patients, Mr. Koshizuka gave an interesting example. Some services you have to pay for yourself. For example, for people over 40 years of age, screening diagnostics become more expensive, as the risks increase - diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and a more thorough examination is required. This diagnosis is called “Ningen Dokku”. This program is not paid for by employers or insurance companies. And the Japanese always undergo Ningen Dokku, because this is the key to good health, early detection and treatment of cancer.

“For example, during an endoscopic diagnosis of the stomach, a suspicious point was noticed, but last year it was not there. – explains doctor Koshizuka. “The equipment immediately allows the tumor to be excised, and the patient forgets about the problem. If necessary, the patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiotherapy to prevent new formations, however, the doses are incomparably smaller and do not carry such a large load on the body. In short, timely treatment is one of the reasons for the longevity of the Japanese nation.”

By the way, the Japanese often have a chance to save money thanks to competition for patients and a large percentage of private business in medicine. So, very often clinics organize promotions: HIV tests, cancer diagnostics, examinations by some specialists and other preventive procedures - all for free.

What diseases should you go to Japanese medical centers for?

In terms of the quality of medical care, Japan today occupies 10th position in the world ranking, slightly behind Germany, Israel and the United States. Moreover, the main indicator of the success of healthcare can be considered the life expectancy of the Japanese, who often live up to 90 years, and sometimes cross the 100-year mark. And yet, you should understand which diseases should be addressed to local medical centers, and which ones are better to choose another country.

Oncology

Radiation therapy is considered the standard method of combating malignant tumors throughout the world. During the process of radioactive exposure of the affected area, cancer cells are destroyed or their growth is inhibited. At the same time, the photon beams used in this technique, namely gamma and X-rays, in addition to the tumor itself, also irradiate healthy tissue, which often leads to side effects.

To reduce such a harmful effect on the body, a new method of influencing affected cells was developed - with beams of charged particles (so-called proton therapy).

Today, there are 35 clinics in the world that use the advanced method of treating cancer with proton beams, eight of them are located in Japan.

Another example of how cancer is treated in Japan is boron-neutron capture therapy, which helps prevent relapses of cancer. Moreover, the Japanese have created a special device that allows you to monitor the beam and the affected area of ​​the body in real time.

Carrying out plastic surgery

The Land of the Rising Sun is rightfully considered a developer of advanced technologies that are actively being introduced into all spheres of life. Even the most distant tourist from electronics and technology is literally blown away by the sight of all the devices that the Japanese use in everyday life. One of the areas where developments are being actively implemented is medicine.

The Japanese nation can hardly be called indifferent to beauty. This feeling is not alien to modern youth, who strive to become more and more like Europeans. In turn, this stimulates the successful development of plastic surgery in the country.

The most common plastic surgeries here are blepharoplasty (truncation of the overhanging eyelid and changing the shape of the eye), as well as the installation of breast implants. However, the opportunities available to aesthetic medicine in Japan do not end there.

The following procedures are successfully carried out here:

• rhinoplasty;
• tightening and correction of various areas of the face and body;
• liposuction;
• intimate plastic surgery.

Dentist services

Recently, more and more patients are choosing dental treatment in Japan. This is explained by the fact that dentistry in this country is gentle. During all kinds of treatment procedures, minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques are used, due to which the teeth are exposed to minimal impact, which allows them to maintain their integrity for many years. In addition, local dentists are of the opinion that if it is possible to save natural teeth, this should definitely be done. Extraction is the most extreme measure in Japanese dentistry. By the way, the main thing that the local healthcare system cares about is the comfort and safety of the patient.

Today, Japan is the only country in the world where a special direction in dentistry has been created, which studies the patient’s condition during dental treatment.

It is impossible not to note the latest technical developments in this area. For example, to train students, a unique robot was developed here that has the ability to respond to all actions of the attending physician, including touching the skin.

Comprehensive examination

A clear indicator of the effectiveness and quality of medical care in the country we are considering is the life expectancy of the local population. Continuous scientific research, which leads to the development and creation of new methods and drugs, is of great importance for this.

For your first visit to Japan, a check-up package – a comprehensive examination – is quite suitable. It usually includes:

• examination of physical indicators (weight, height, body fat content, pulse, blood pressure);
• vision examination (acuity, measurement of eye pressure, fundus examination);
• hearing test;
• various blood and urine tests;
• stool analysis;
• pulmonary tests;
• bone density assessment;
• electrocardiogram;
• radiography;
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
• gastroscopy;
• consultation with a specialist;
• recommendations.

Additionally, you can order an examination of specific organs, for example, blood vessels, heart, brain, mammary glands, etc. Typically, a comprehensive check-up takes 1 day.

Clinics vs hospitals: choosing the right institution

There are small private clinics . These institutions, as a rule, employ specialists of a narrow profile and may even have only one doctor. They specialize in one area (some clinics specialize in more than one), such as dermatology or orthopedics. Most accept walk-in patients, but be sure to check the clinic's opening hours. It is recommended to visit clinics when the condition is not serious, does not require immediate attention, or if a clinic that specializes in what is bothering you is near you.

Hospitals, on the other hand, are much larger, have a wider range of specialties, and accept emergency patients. Unless you need immediate care, be prepared to wait a long time to be seen, even if you have an appointment. Waiting times in busier Japanese hospitals can take several hours, and the initial registration process for first-time patients involves several steps.

You will first need to register, after which you will be directed to registration counter . You will need to fill out forms and obtain an ID card to use at that particular hospital. You will need to provide your health insurance card if you have one. You will then be directed to the appropriate department. After your appointment with the doctor, you will need to pay the bill.

Famous clinics

Free healthcare in Japan, unfortunately, is available exclusively to citizens of this country. Foreigners will have to pay at any institution - public or private. At the same time, the choice of specialized and multidisciplinary hospitals is so wide that it is easy to get confused.

Therefore, we list the leading medical institutions that you should pay attention to:

1. St. Luke's International Medical Center. Founded in 1902 by an American missionary. Today it is not just a medical institution working in many directions, but also a research center with an educational institution - a college operates on the basis of the center.
2. Chiba Nishi Clinic. Located 20 km from the capital. Its founder is the famous Japanese physician Torao Tokuda. It is part of a whole complex consisting of many multidisciplinary medical institutions operating throughout the country. The priority direction is catheter treatment of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
3. Clinic C4. Specialization - tomotherapy or radiation therapy, which is carried out under the control of computed tomography.
4. Tsukiji Neurological Center. It includes an advanced brain examination clinic, a regenerative medicine hospital and.
5. National Oncology Center. Here they not only successfully treat oncological diseases, but also introduce the population to the leading methods of diagnosing and preventing cancer.

In addition, mention should be made of various cardio and oncology centers and research institutes, thanks to the latest developments of which HIV treatment in Japan is likely to become quite feasible in the near future.

List of medications you need

Japanese doctors are too generous when it comes to writing prescriptions . Often you come to the clinic with a cold or just a slight fever, and leave with a prescription for five different medications. Make sure you clearly understand what you have been given. For example, you may only need antibiotics and cough suppressants, and not the entire list. Of course, talk to your doctor before deciding what you should and shouldn't take.

With all this in mind, you can easily navigate the Japanese healthcare system and Japanese hospitals.

For more information about life in Japan, follow our blog.

Traditional and non-traditional approaches in medicine

Japan is amazing in that medicine here quite successfully combines advanced technologies and traditions that have enjoyed enormous prestige for centuries. In general, the Japanese are not too inclined to take any medications, despite the fact that many of their developments are recognized as the most effective drugs in the world. Thus, many elderly residents of the country categorically refuse to take pills to improve vision, preferring to tap with a special tube between the second and third toes - in their opinion, they are directly related to a person’s eyes.

In this country, methods that would be considered alternative in other countries are still actively used.

Traditional medicine in Japan is represented by the following areas:

• shiatsu – treatment with fingers;
• reiki - healing through the touch of hands;
• acupuncture – acupuncture;
• aromatherapy - treatment with odors.
• naturopathy – treatment of a patient by controlling his nutrition, psychological state, biological environment and social sphere;
• homeopathy – treatment with dietary supplements.

Traditional medicine in Japan is most often used to treat neurological diseases, swelling, scoliosis, bronchial asthma, diabetes, gastritis, metabolic disorders, and diseases of internal organs.

Japanese traditional medicine - history of creation

Traditional medicine in Japan cannot be considered without its relationship with Shinto神道 - “the way of the gods” - the traditional religion of Japan.

All types of therapy - medications, massages, acupuncture, balneotherapy and others - are considered by Japanese medicine as external factors in the healing process. The decisive factor for success in treating a disease is the person himself, and not the means that are used.

In Japan, it is believed that the will and spiritual attitude of a person are closely related to the normal functioning of the body and the occurrence of disease. Japanese doctors believed that both acute and chronic mental excitations of yin and yang could unbalance a person, lead to an imbalance between qi energy and blood, and cause voids in the body’s defenses, which facilitates the penetration of external pathogens into it.

Herbal treatment in Japanese medicine is called Kampo

Herbal medicine came to Japan from China.

Methods and principles gradually changed, adapting to the spirit and culture of the Japanese people. This development led to the creation of a unique medical system.

Before the Nara era (710-793), much of medical knowledge came to Japan from Korea. Starting from this period, more and more information began to arrive through direct contacts with China. This influx of new knowledge in the Heyang era (794-898) led to the creation of the work Ishinpo, which summarized the most significant aspects of Chinese medical knowledge of the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. During the Kamakura era (1185-1333), more in-depth and theoretically developed medical information from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) began to flow into Japan, mainly through Buddhist monks. It was during this period that Chinese medicine gained popularity in Japan. Before this, its use was limited exclusively to the aristocracy.

Beginning with the Muromachi period (1333-1573), Japanese medicine began to acquire distinct individual characteristics. Sanki Tashiro (1465-1537) studied in China and brought with him the theories of the Jin-Yuan medical schools, primarily the ideas of the “warming and toning” school of Li Ao. Sanki's student, Dosan Manase, actively promoted this type of medicine and founded a school of medical thought known as the Gosei School. Adherents of this school, who are well versed in Chinese classical works (primarily the Treatise on the Internal and the Treatise on Disorders), did not simply imitate Chinese herbal methods, but simplified them. Fewer medicines remained in use, partly because fewer herbs were available in Japan, and partly because the Japanese, due to the deep influence of Buddhism, highly disapproved of drugs that included substances of animal origin. In addition, it was Dosan Manase who brought the development of the technique of palpating the abdominal cavity to one of the main forms of diagnosis. This school retained the theoretical basis of the Jin-Yuan medical system, including the theories of the five phases (Wu-Xing) and channels, but it also offered a practical approach and easy-to-use treatment methods, which made it widely popular.

The development of the Koho school during the Tokugawa period (1603-1867) became a clear sign of the emergence of a new unique system of herbal treatment in Japan. This school called for a return to the 3rd century text Treatise on Cold Diseases as the basis for a system of herbal medicine. Returning to basics was a common trend among much of the educated public in both China and Japan. However, as far as medicine was concerned, the movement was much more radical in Japan than in China, and led to a deep split between the two schools of herbal medicine. The radical philosophical movement coincided with the isolationist policies of the Tokugawa shogunate. Strict restrictions on foreign trade have led to a significant reduction in the amount of herbs available from China and other countries.

The founders of the Koho school understood the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold as follows. There are five causes of the disease: wind, cold, dampness, heat and poor diet or overwork. If the body is under the influence of one or more of these factors, the movement of Qi, Blood or Moisture (this word in traditional Chinese medicine terminology refers to all body fluids) is hampered. The movement of Qi is especially important because stagnation of Qi impedes the circulation of Blood and Moisture. When any of the three substances stagnates, symptoms of the disease appear. Depending on the place of stagnation and the strength of the body’s resistance, the disease is divided into six stages: three stages of “yang” and three stages of “yin”. The words "yin" and "yang" are used only in this classification system. It is noteworthy for this system that there are no traces of the theory of the five phases (Wu-Hsing) and the theory of Yin and Yang organs. Diagnosis was carried out through examination, questioning about the symptoms that appeared, palpating the abdominal cavity and palpating the pulse in order to determine the focus and nature of the disease, as well as assessing the condition of the affected organs. Then, based on the stage of the disease, the nature of the factor that led to the disease, and the nature of the damage to the body (Qi, Blood or Moisture), a suitable formula was selected.

The founders of the Koho school highly valued the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold. According to some researchers, they understood this work too simply; however, they simplified the system itself even more. Many followers of the Koho school believed that the five causes of disease mentioned in the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold could be reduced to a single cause. For example, one of the founders of this school, Geni Nagoya (1628-1696), considered Wind, Cold and Dampness as forms of Cold.

Todo Yoshimasu (1702-1773) went even further along this path. In his treatise “Many Diseases - One Poison,” he argues that all diseases occur due to the penetration of poison into the body. He completely rejected the concept of five pathogenic factors contributing to the occurrence of disease, as well as the role of Qi, Blood and Moisture. In his opinion, to treat the disease it was enough to learn the formulas given in the “Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold”, since they allow you to treat all ailments. When the complex (zheng, Japanese sho) of signs and symptoms associated with the disease disappears, the disease is considered cured. He advocated the abdominal diagnostic method as a means of optimizing the diagnostic process. He was skeptical about pulse diagnosis. In his opinion, although some characteristics of the pulse can be distinguished (for example, shallow, deep, slow, accelerated, slippery and intermittent), it is impossible to determine the state of the five yin organs from its state. These ideas had a very strong influence on the world of Chinese-Japanese herbal medicine, which is still noticeable today.

Todo Yoshimasu's ideas were taken up by his students. First of all, the glory for the development of the Todo teaching belongs to Yodo Odai (1799-1870). Nangai Yoshimasu (1750-1813) reintroduced the theory of Qi, Blood and Moisture, and many modern practitioners of the Koho school classify formulas based on their effectiveness in eliminating the stagnation of these substances. For example, a decoction of cinnamon tree branches (Gui Zhi Tang) is used for stagnation of Qi, a decoction of peach seeds to streamline Qi (Tao He Cheng Qi Tang) is used for stagnation of Blood, and powder of five ingredients with poria (Wu Ling San) is used for stagnation of Moisture.

All this indicates that many different theories coexist within the Koho school. In addition, there are many adherents of the Gosei school working in modern Japan. They are especially numerous among doctors who use acupuncture along with herbal remedies, since the theories of the channels and the five stages of disease form the basis of acupuncture practice, although some adherents of the Koho school adapted the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold to the needs of acupuncture. However, the most common method is to combine two schools using formulas and approaches characteristic of both. In addition, many modern Chinese texts have recently been translated into Japanese. Therefore, now the modern practice of traditional Chinese medicine also directly influences the Sino-Japanese herbal medicine system.

With the outbreak of World War II, the development of Campo was relegated to the background. Modern medicine, especially surgery and antibiotic treatment, became critical during the war years. After Japan's defeat in 1945, it took several years to rebuild the country, its industry and public life. Physicians who re-engaged in the practice of Kampo founded the Japanese Society of Oriental Medicine in 1950. It included 98 members. The organization has done a lot to develop Campo into its present, restored form. It currently has about 10,000 members. The development of finished forms of Kampo medicines, which began in the 1920s, continued, which made it possible to begin their production on an industrial scale in the 1950s.

In 1967, four Kampo medicines were included in the Japanese national social insurance program. In 1976, the Japanese government officially approved 82 recipes for the Kampo system. They could be purchased under the state social insurance system as patented medicines. In addition, the Department of Pharmacology of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved the use of 210 prescriptions in medical institutions, including the already mentioned 82 formulas, and their sale as patent medicines. True, not all of them were included in the state social insurance program. These combinations were approved as medicines without going through the lengthy registration process required for modern drugs (and any other herbal combinations). The long history of use of these drugs was considered sufficient evidence of their safety, if not effectiveness, so regulatory authorities abandoned the usual process of lengthy collection of evidence of their safety. Today, the state social insurance program covers 148 prescriptions. More than half of them form the basis of modern Kampo practice.

In addition to the formulas adopted several centuries ago by the Goseiha and Kohoha schools, several recipes from the school of “febrile diseases” formed in China in the 18th century were included in the approved formulas. Kampo was most influenced by the book Wenbing Tiaobian (Systematic Classification of Warm Diseases), written by Wu Yutong, also known as Wu Tang, published in 1798. He invented the popular formula of honeysuckle and forsythia (Yin Qiao San), as well as the mulberry and chrysanthemum combination (San Yu Yin). Both were used to treat Wind-Heat type ailments. In addition to the approved formulas, all individual herbs included in the formulas are approved for use, so doctors may also prescribe modified formulas from basic combinations in combination with individual herbs or new formulas made from individual herbs.

Between 1985 and 1995, Kampo was actively distributed. After this, the number of practitioners stabilized at an almost constant level. According to statistics, about 20-25% of Japanese doctors included certain herbal remedies in their practice. However, as Terasawa Katsutoshi points out, only about a hundred doctors regularly prescribe Kampo to their patients. The ratio of physicians providing individual Kampo medications has risen to 50% or even more, according to some estimates. The proportion of Kampo specialists has also increased (more than 200 people). In addition, herbal combinations are sold in approximately 10,000 pharmacies. About 2% of all medicines consumed in Japan are herbal products. Most of them are made by Tsumora Juntendo. There are also about 20 smaller manufacturers doing this. Research on Kampo medicine is conducted at the Toyama University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Kitazato Institute in Tokyo, the Kinki University Hospital near Osaka, and several other places. Studies conducted in Japan have shown that Kampo products are mainly used in the treatment of hepatitis, menopausal syndrome, common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, autonomic nervous dysfunctions, constipation, cough and asthma, skin diseases (mainly eczema and other categories of dermatitis ), lumbago and neuralgia, as well as gastrointestinal disorders.

The most commonly used herbal extracts in modern Japan are usually in powder form. Raw herbs are used less frequently than in China and are prepared slightly differently. Usually they are boiled in 600 ml of water for 30-40 minutes until the volume of water is reduced to 300 ml. The resulting liquid is divided into three doses of 100 ml, which are taken before meals.

From this short story it is clear that China and Japan followed different paths in the development of traditional herbal medicine. Consequently, the understanding and application of the formulas differ somewhat from country to country.

There are two main currents in traditional herbal medicine in modern Japan.

The first is the Gosei school ("school of later development"), based on the theories of the "Treatise on the Internal", included in the Chinese system of herbal medicine between the 12th and 14th centuries and subsequently brought to Japan.

The second is the Koho school (“school of ancient formulas”), based primarily on the 3rd century book by Shang Han Lun “Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold.” The Gosei school is more similar to traditional Chinese medicine as practiced in modern China, as it often makes use of the theories of the five phases (Wu Xing) and channels. The Koho school, despite being based on an ancient Chinese book, has more specific Japanese characteristics and reflects the gap between the medical systems of Japan and China.

However, the two Japanese schools have several common features that distinguish them from the Chinese system. First, the theory is simplified and more emphasis is placed on the empirical experience of practitioners. Diagnostics based on the state of the abdominal cavity is preferred to diagnosis by pulse, since it is believed that it is easier to learn, that it is more visual, more accurate and not overloaded with theoretical reasoning. This system uses fewer drugs and medications than the Chinese system. This is likely due to the general trend towards simplification, and also because the herbs, many of which are imported from China, are relatively difficult to obtain. Finally, each individual substance is introduced into the formula in a dosage that is two or three times less than in China. Perhaps one of the reasons for this difference is the different physical constitution of the Japanese and Chinese.

But herbal medicine in traditional Japanese medicine is only an addition to the basic techniques based on神道Shinto.

How much will the treatment cost?

Excellent results in the treatment of the most serious diseases in Japan are perfectly combined with reasonable prices, which is another incentive for medical tourists from different countries. At the same time, the cost of procedures is noticeably higher than in other Asian clinics, but several times lower than in Germany and the USA.

For convenience, prices for treatment in Japan are given in the table. Let us immediately note that the indicated figures are indicative - more accurate data can be obtained before submitting an application for examination:

Window into the medical tourism of the East

Recently, patients all over the world have begun to use the services of Japanese doctors. Moreover, most of all, this interested the Russians. Since the beginning of 2011, when the Japanese Government established a medical visa, 135 of our citizens have visited the Land of Cherry Blossoms. Most are from the Far Eastern region. However, 43 people are from the European part of Russia. While there are only 20 people from the USA. These data were shared with our magazine by the National Tourism Organization of Japan. The price level in the country's clinics can be compared with European ones, but the quality of treatment is undoubtedly better.

What problems do people face when going to the islands? Scrupulous samurai took this into account: from the countries of the former Union, in most cases, they are treated with cardiovascular pathologies and arrhythmia, multiple sclerosis, and liver cancer. There are many calls for thyroid diseases, intervertebral hernia, and prostate cancer. For comparison: Europeans go to Japan to solve the problem of lung cancer. While Asians, like Russians, suffer from heart defects and liver cancer.

One of the differences that Japanese clinics have made for foreigners is that they have introduced a slightly different diagnostic program, as for people who are not checked regularly. For example, if a standard examination costs up to 500 euros, then foreigners are usually offered a more detailed examination, somewhat individualized, depending on the complaints. On average, it turns out to be about 1000 euros.

It includes a standard set for a detailed examination: a detailed blood test, which shows the state of the immune system and all organs of the body; for women - cytological smear and mammography; for men – prostate examination; CT scan of the lungs; gastrointestinal endoscopy; electrocardiogram, detailed eye examination.

Are you afraid of communication barriers? Not worth it! No one will scare you with hieroglyphs. Most Japanese doctors speak English. And besides, we must not forget that Japan is a country of technology and there are always instant translators at hand into any language in the world.

Apply for treatment

Why should you give preference to Japanese clinics?

The first thing that speaks in favor of traveling to this country is the level of medicine in Japan, which is becoming more competitive and effective every year. In general, the advantages of Japanese medicine include:

• availability of equipment that is not available in any other clinic in the world;
• constant scientific developments in the medical field and improvement of the technical equipment of clinics;
• focus on prevention and early prediction of diseases, which, as is known, are easier to treat in the initial stages of development;
• professionalism of medical workers;
• high level of service;
• reasonable prices;
• the latest approach in diagnostics;
• the government's willingness to take certain measures in the field of migration policy in order to attract patients from abroad.

In addition, we should not forget that the Japanese are among the foremost scientists who are constantly searching for cures for the most severe diseases known to mankind. This means that all discoveries and developments are implemented here and only then - in most foreign clinics.

What makes Japanese hospitals different from others?

Firstly, Japan has excellent medical equipment. It is purchased by many countries, including Russia. Applied and fundamental scientific research is carried out in 137 institutes, a number of which are world famous. In terms of availability of modern medical technologies, Japan is not inferior to the United States.

Thus, the basis of advanced professional medicine is the high-quality training of Japanese doctors, the latest generation of drugs and high technologies in all areas of medical care, many of which were developed and produced in Japan. Here, all medical records have been computerized for a long time. Methods of traditional oriental medicine are also used in diagnosis and treatment.

III. Health insurance in Japan

Universal health insurance in Japan was introduced in 1961. It included two schemes: insurance based on work or occupation and insurance based on residence through municipalities. The first scheme covered all employees, as well as members of their families. Employees of private companies with 5 or more employees were insured through their employers in the Public Health Insurance System - Society Managed Health Insurance, which united private insurance funds, which by law were required to be created in all companies. Workers in small businesses and temporary workers were insured through their employers through the directly government-run Japan Health Insurance Association. Government employees of central and local institutions, private school teachers and private university professors were insured by the corresponding national mutual aid associations - Mutual Aid Associations. The second scheme covered all other categories of citizens - farmers, self-employed, fishermen and foresters, the unemployed, pensioners, etc. All of them were included in the National Health Insurance System and had to independently join it through the municipalities of their place of residence. In subsequent years, a number of important changes were made to the Japanese health insurance system, which strengthened its socially oriented character. Thus, in 1973, the level of compensation for family expenses for medical care through insurance payments was increased to 70%. In 1983, the Law on Health and Medical Care for Older Citizens came into force, according to which the costs for these purposes began to be covered not only by the National Health Insurance System, where these citizens are insured, but also by systems in which Employees of private enterprises and government employees are insured. But the most important event, in my opinion, was the passage of the Long-Term Care Insurance Act in 1997, which led to the creation of long-term care services for the elderly in 2000.