Renowned for his unwavering commitment to his patients and the art of medicine, Todo's life was marked by a profound devotion that transcended the ordinary bounds of medical practice. His unique blend of imposing presence and eloquent discourse left many in awe, yet it was his humility and simplicity that truly set him apart as a medical sage and master.
Born into a lineage with deep samurai roots, Todo's ancestry traced back to the Sengoku Period, a tumultuous era in Japan that shaped the destiny of the Yoshimasu family. Amidst the chaos of war and displacement, the family's transition into the practice of medicine marked a significant pivot from the martial to the medicinal, setting the stage for Todo's eventual emergence as a luminary in the field.
From an early age, Todo was captivated by his samurai heritage, yet a profound spiritual awakening at nineteen steered him towards a path of peace and medicine. Under the tutelage of his father's student, he delved into obstetrics and the treatment of metal sores, but his logical mind soon questioned the theoretical practices of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
“My ancestors travelled to China during the Tang dynasty to learn medicine. When I was made the head physician of my family lineage, I was not satisfied with my understanding. The TCM school of thought, which elevated to power from the Han dynasty, had unfortunately spilled over into my family’s medical lineage. Therefore, I turned my back on my family’s traditions to devote myself to the true medical methods outlined by our ancient medical ancestors.”
With a voracious appetite for knowledge, Todo immersed himself in the study of ancient medical manuscripts, often sacrificing comfort and sleep in his quest to uncover and correct the current herbal medical model. His critique of TCM was not born out of disdain but from a deep-seated understanding that the essence of herbal medicine had been obscured by theoretical misdirection, leading to a dilution of its true potential.
Determined to revive the ancient medical sciences, Todo relocated to Kyoto, the heart of Japan's intellectual and cultural life. Despite facing poverty and hardship, his steadfast resolve to promote ancient medical teachings was eventually rewarded, marking the beginning of a transformative phase in his career. As his reputation grew, so did his impact, attracting a diverse following of patients and students drawn to his treatment system based on the ancient evidence-based medical model.
“TCM has shaped an incorrect medical model based on theory and misdirection, which has influenced our current state of herbal medicine. With time and neglect, using herbs to ‘tonify’ or ‘nourish’ has sadly become accepted as the standard way to prescribe herbal medicine. These factors have impeded the ancient medical sciences and prevented medical doctors from knowing the truth and progressing further in the art of medicine. The ancient teachings will never be heard unless I move to the capital, where I can cure the doctors of the world with ancient medical knowledge.”
Todo's legacy is not merely encapsulated in his personal achievements but in his visionary foresight for the future of Traditional East Asian Medicine. His efforts to collect, correct, and disseminate ancient medical knowledge laid the groundwork for a resurgence of a structured herbal medicine model that connects directly to our ancient medical ancestors.
Todo Yoshimasu's unwavering dedication to the service of humanity, guided by a profound respect for the heavens and a relentless pursuit of truth in the art of medicine inspired the creation of the learning modules we share today. Drawing from Todo’s foundational work, these modules are intended to complete the mission he embarked upon centuries ago.
Each module in the course outlay is a testament to his life's work, designed to empower modern practitioners with the ancient medical insights that Todo and ancient medical doctors before him championed. In doing so, his teachings will continue to resonate, inspiring new generations to explore the depths of Traditional East Asian Medicine and to practice with the same sincerity, dedication, and passion that defined his life.
