Wellness and Medicine in Japan
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Acupuncture Model of Human Body, By Iwata Denbe, Edo period, dated 1662 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Yorihide)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 15
July 7, 2015 (Tue) - August 30, 2015 (Sun)In the mid-Edo period (1603?1868), Japanese medicine made remarkable progress as a result of the introduction of Western medicine, which was called “Dutch Studies.” In contrast, the practice of maintaining wellness had been exercised in Japan from long ago. Today, various approaches to maintaining wellness are attracting attention from the view point of preventive medicine.
This exhibition showcases objects that are important for analyzing the relationship between wellness and medicine in Japan. These include models of human bodies showing acupuncture and moxibustion points, which were the foundation of Eastern medicine, anatomical models of human bodies, which were influenced by Western medicine, and a set of portable surgical tools that belonged to the German doctor, von Siebold (1796?1866). The exhibits also contain relevant books, including volumes from the oldest medical book in Japan, and ones on wellness in general that people referred to on a daily basis.
Current exhibit includes:
Model of Human Body for Study of Acupuncture, By Iwata Denbe, Edo period, dated 1662 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Matsudaira Yorihide)
Ishinpo (Ancient medical book), Vol. 9 (Cough and phlegm), By Tanba Yasunyori, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)