In early 2022, I had the pleasure of visiting Hiroshi Sensei and Kaori Sensei at Kakikofu Clinic as a patient seeking Kampo medicine for stress and digestion. Amazed by their wealth of knowledge and genuine care for my physical and mental well-being, I was inspired to undertake an internship at the clinic the following year after completing my Pharmacology degree at Keio University and Kyoto University.
My time at Kakikofu was transformational, as I witnessed first-hand their embodiment of the philosophy of Kampo Medicine, Moxibustion and Acupuncture. Their encouragement to study Kampo, not only as a special form of Eastern medicine but rather as a way of life, has enabled me to make multiple positive lifestyle shifts. Now completing the Doctor of Medicine in Australia, I continue to be inspired by Hiroshi Sensei and Kaori Sensei’s approach to care; examining the patient, and not simply their presenting symptoms, and viewing disease as a result of an imbalance to their constitution, known as “sho,” rather than a sporadic occurrence. As per their wisdom, with incomplete history taking a common source of medical error in modern medicine, it is only by being truly present as a practitioner and understanding all aspects of a patient, from stressors to sleeping and eating patterns, that health can be enhanced.
While interning at Kakikofu, I also learned of Hiroshi Sensei and Kaori Sensei’s deep adoration for Japanese wisdom and philosophy, with one particular parallel shared by Hiroshi Sensei remaining with me. On my first day in Japan in 2022, Sakura were in full bloom. A day later I walked the Nakameguro River, and all blossoms had been taken away by the wind. I was so saddened by this, but Hiroshi Sensei explained that we, like Sakura, are here for a very short time. We grow, struggle, flourish, and blossom, but one day, we are no longer. All we truly are is a memory of what we once were. In Japanese philosophy, there is great honour in our death if our life is purposeful. While we are here, we must therefore make it beautiful and gentle, like the Sakura.
Hiroshi Sensei and Kaori Sensei’s generous spirit allowed me to feel so welcomed and at home throughout my internship, and I will forever cherish their friendship and support of my studies. I also have great excitement for future interns of Kakikofu Clinic, who will experience their high level of care and ongoing dedication to Eastern medicine and philosophy.
Kindest regards,
Alexandra Pozzo, BCom, BSc
University of Queensland, Australia
Student, Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Faculty of Medicine