Experts

Liu Baoyan

China

Chief physician, doctoral supervisor, and Academic committeeman of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS), President of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies

Reporting Topic

Advances in Clinical Research on Acupuncture Over the Past Decade

Summary

Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a history of thousands of years. Chinese acupuncture has been recognized as a "Masterpiece of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" and has been spread and applied in 196 countries and regions. Over the past 10 years, acupuncture clinical research has flourished, generating more than 3,000 clinical research articles. Among them, 52 articles have been published in internationally renowned journals, produced by research teams from 9 countries, with Chinese teams accounting for 59%. The research on pain diseases remains one of the key focuses in acupuncture clinical research. However, the research on acupuncture in the fields of tumor rehabilitation, gynecology, dermatology, gastroenterology, as well as mental and cognitive areas has also been increasing year by year. The methods of acupuncture clinical research have become increasingly mature, and the research quality has been continuously improved. In this regard, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies has released the "Blue Book of Evidence for Acupuncture Clinical Research". Professor Gordon, the founder of evidence-based medicine, wrote the preface for the blue book. While fully affirming the achievements of acupuncture clinical research, he expected that more high-quality evidence would be generated in the future, laying a solid foundation for the safe and effective promotion and application of acupuncture.

Wang Wencheng

Australia

PhD in TCM, Successor to the Huang family's Thousand-Step Pulse Tradition

Reporting Topic

The Principles and Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Summary

Accurate cancer identification is a prerequisite for effective treatment, while therapeutic interventions are methods applied based on this identification—both are indispensable. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cancer identification relies primarily on pulse diagnosis to determine whether the cancer is in a stable phase or an active metastatic phase, with Western medical indicators serving only as auxiliary references. The core of treatment involves detecting imbalances in the Five Zang Organs and the Five Elements, as well as deficiency-excess patterns in the Twelve Regular Meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians through pulse diagnosis. Acupuncture is then applied to corresponding acupoints to regulate deficiency and excess, and to rectify imbalances among the Metal, Fire, Earth, Wood, and Water elements. By correcting the abnormal internal environment of the body and rendering it inhospitable for cancer cell proliferation, the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells can be effectively halted. The Huang’s Medicine pulse diagnosis method demonstrates clear efficacy in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors. Both aacupuncture and herbal medication must precisely target the underlying disease mechanism, rather than focusing solely on tumor elimination. Extensive clinical practice confirms that acupuncture yields satisfactory therapeutic outcomes in treating malignant tumors, with meridian imbalances often rapidly corrected within a short timeframe. Moreover, Accurately selected acupuncture points often yield more rapid therapeutic effects than oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine alone. This paper will elucidate the therapeutic principles of acupuncture and herbal formulations through the analysis of representative cases, thereby demonstrating the significant advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in controlling tumor growth and progression.

Zhao Liqin

United Kingdom

Director of Natural Fertility Care, Zhong Jing TCM UK; Honorary Advisor of King’s Centre for Integrative Chinese Medicine, King’s College London

Reporting Topic

TCM Approaches and Strategies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Summary

Ovary is the most important reproductive organ in women. Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity and quality of the reserved follicles that suitable to be collected for IVF purpose. It reflects the reproductive potentiality and the reproductive endocrinal function. Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) not only cause the decline or elimination of female fertility, abnormal uterine bleeding or amenorrhea, but also lead to early menopause in younger women which in turn triggers various health problems. A long-lasting insufficiency of hormones potentially causes dysfunction of various systems in women, such as urogenital system, skeletal system and cardiac-vascular system etc. Therefore, it is important to achieve early diagnosis and treatment for DOR and POI. Western medicine can do very little for these conditions, contraceptive pills or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may relieve the symptoms, but cannot improve the ovarian functions or eggs quality, therefore do not increase the chances of natural pregnancy or success rate of IVF, not mention the side-effects of HRT which is often unacceptable to many patients. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has significant effect on these conditions. DOR and POI are primarily attributed to Kidney deficiency, accompanied by Liver and Spleen dysfunction, insufficient nourishment of the Chong and Ren meridians, and deficiency or stagnation of Qi and blood. The core therapeutic principle of TCM focuses on tonifying the Kidney and replenishing essence, regulating the Chong and Ren meridians, harmonizing Qi and blood, and restoring Yin–Yang balance, with individualized treatment based on syndrome differentiation. TCM treat the root causes, restoring the ovarian function, promoting ovulation, regulating menstruation, enhancing the chances of pregnancy, alleviating menopausal symptoms, and supporting assisted reproductive technologies. This article will explore the assessment of ovarian function, diagnostic criteria, and etiology and pathogenesis, discuss the advantage of TCM in treating DOR and POI, particularly focus on the approaches, strategies and clinical experiences of syndrome-based TCM treatment, together with typical case studies.

Lingzhi Shi

USA

PhD, Vice Chair, Scalp Acupuncture Professional Committee, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies President, Neuro-Acupuncture Rehabilitation Center, USA

Reporting Topic

From Neuroplasticity to Clinical Miracles: How Scalp Acupuncture Restores Neurological Function

Summary

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize neural networks, thereby altering its structure and function. This concept, introduced by Richard Davidson in 1992, represents a major advancement in modern neuroscience and challenged the long-standing belief that neurological function is fixed and irreversible. Based on the author's over three decades of systematic clinical and teaching practice in treating neurological disorders with scalp acupuncture in the United States, the scope has progressively expanded from early-stage common diseases and pain management to encompass stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, brain dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases, and functional recovery in patients with prolonged coma. Through extensive clinical observation and synthesis, the author innovatively proposed the “5R Theory” (Repair, Rewire, Re-program, Remap, and Reset) for acupuncture treatment of neurological disorders. From the perspective of functional reorganization, this theory explains how scalp acupuncture stimulates specific functional areas of the cerebral cortex, activates neuroplastic mechanisms, promotes neural network reconstruction, and restores neurological function. The modern neuroscience theory of neuroplasticity provides a solid scientific foundation for the 5-R framework. Neuroplasticity demonstrates that the brain retains the capacity to recover function through structural and functional reorganization after injury, and scalp acupuncture serves as an effective clinical approach to activate this intrinsic healing potential. According to recent research trends in Chinese medicine, neurological disorders represent the leading category of potential demand for acupuncture treatment. In this presentation, the author will share successful clinical and educational cases accumulated over many years, illustrating the application and practical significance of the 5-R theory in neurorehabilitation. The presentation will further demonstrate how scalp acupuncture evolves from experiential medicine to a therapeutic model that can be understood and validated by modern science.

Linjun Xia

Hungary

Ph.D., Vice President of the World Traditional Medicine Forum (WTMF)，Vice President and Secretary General of Central and Eastern European Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (CEEFCMS)

Reporting Topic

The Key Techniques of Flying Meridian and Guiding Qi acupuncture in “Jin Zhen Fu” (Ode to the Golden Needle)

Summary

The technique of acupuncture needle manipulation originated from Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Huangdi) and underwent three significant developmental stages, the Spring and Autumn-Warring States period, the Yuan-Ming dynasties, and the modern era. The Flying Meridian and Guiding Qi Needling Method described in Jin Zhen Fu (Ode to the Golden Needle, 1439) refers narrowly to the two techniques of Azure Dragon Wagging Its Tail and White Tiger Shaking Its Head, while broadly encompasses the four methods: Azure Dragon Wagging Its Tail, White Tiger Shaking Its Head, Gray Tortoise Exploring the Acupoint, and Red Phoenix Welcoming the Source. Among them, Azure Dragon Wagging Its Tail is characterized by shallow insertion with large-amplitude rotation, White Tiger Shaking Its Head by deep insertion with small-amplitude rotation; Gray Tortoise Exploring the Acupoint emphasizes advancing with drilling and withdrawing with lifting, while Red Phoenix Welcoming the Source focuses on the technique of “flying needling to induce cooling.” The Flying Meridian Qi-Guiding Needling Technique represents a precious legacy from our predecessors in medicine, originally developed to promote the movement of qi, regulate qi flow, and connect the meridians. Systematic research, organization, and interpretation of its original-meaning, together with mastery of its operational techniques, can help to increase the success rate of achieving needling sensation (deqi) and directing qi to pathological sites, thereby providing technical support for improving the clinical efficacy of acupuncture.

Yajing Gou

China

Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China

Reporting Topic

Professor Liu Huawei's Research and Clinical Application of the Five-Elements Qi Transformation Theory in Cancer Management

Summary

This study aims to systematically sort out the theoretical connotation, research progress, and clinical application practice of the Five Elements Qi Transformation Theory founded by Professor Liu Huawei, a National Famous TCM Doctor, in the field of oncology. Methods: Based on Professor Liu’s academic works, clinical diagnosis and treatment cases, and research results on relevant medication rules, the study was carried out by a combination of inductive analysis and theoretical interpretation. Results: Rooted in the core theory of Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) - "Yang transforms into qi while Yin consolidates into form" - and combined with the academic thought of intermingling of phlegm and blood stasis, the Five Elements Qi Transformation Theory puts forward the core pathogenesis of cancers as "Yang deficiency leading to cancer" and "Yang nourishing for cancer prevention". It constructs a syndrome differentiation system of "Five Elements - Zang-Fu Organs - Qi Transformation - Cancer", forms the core therapeutic principles of "regulating qi movement, reinforcing Yang to suppress Yin, and harmonizing the Five Elements", and achieves remarkable clinical efficacy in the stage -based treatment of various cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. Conclusion: Professor Liu Huawei’s Five Elements Qi Transformation Theory enriches the TCM theory on the etiology and pathogenesis of cancers, provides a new idea and practical scheme for the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of cancers, and has important clinical value and research significance.

Wang Bo

Switzerland

Chief Physician, Doctor, Professor, Founder and Dean of QingNing Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, Geneva, Switzerland/Shenyang, China.

Reporting Topic

The Xuanfu-Qi Method for Treating Anxiety Disorders

Summary

Anxiety disorders are prevalent and constitute a significant factor in many physical illnesses. The accelerated pace of modern society has intensified the progression of anxiety disorders. Western pharmaceutical treatments carry substantial adverse effects, while TCM diagnoses and therapies focus on liver qi stagnation and depression relief, often with recurrent symptoms. This article proposes characteristic tongue manifestations of anxiety disorders and explores the three-step TCM therapeutic approach of “resolving phlegm-heat, opening the Xuanfu (sweat pore), and guiding yin fire” for treating anxiety disorders. It also introduces innovations in the Xuanfu theory and its clinical application, systematically organizing TCM diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders while providing a reliable framework for standardized research on the syndrome differentiation and treatment of anxiety disorders.

Yang Yifan

Netherland

TCM doctor in Netherland，Instructor，Chief Physician of WFCMS

Reporting Topic

Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to health maintenance and treatment after menopause

Summary

With improvements in living standards, postmenopausal women have increasingly higher expectations regarding both the content and quality of life. This trend presents new research questions and therapeutic challenges for practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Based on TCM theory and many years of clinical experience, this report aims to explore the constitutional and psychological changes in postmenopausal women and to develop balanced strategies for supportive care, maintenance, and treatment.

Shulan Tang

United Kingdom

Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui University of Chinese Medicine

Reporting Topic

Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer in TCM

Summary

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in men worldwide and has gradually become a representative chronic tumor disease in aging societies, posing a significant burden on public health systems and socioeconomic development. Its incidence and mortality rates continue to rise globally. Modern medical treatments for prostate cancer mainly include surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) adopts an individualised treatment approach based on patients’ constitution, disease stage, and syndrome differentiation, demonstrating unique advantages in the prevention of prostate cancer, control of disease progression, and improvement of quality of life. Based on 38 years of clinical practice and observation, the author believes that prostate cancer is fundamentally characterised by kidney deficiency, with manifestations of mixed cold and heat, deficiency and excess, as well as secondary pathological factors including damp-heat in the lower burner, accumulation of phlegm-dampness, and stagnation of qi and blood stasis. The main therapeutic principles include tonifying the kidney and nourishing yin, clearing heat and eliminating dampness, regulating qi and harmonising blood, and resolving phlegm and dispersing masses. These approaches have been effective in preventing and controlling the progression of prostate cancer, improving patients’ quality of life, and have achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes, thereby providing valuable insights for the comprehensive treatment of prostate cancer.

Ramon Maria Calduch

Spain

President of the European Foundation of Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Vicepresident of the World Traditional Medicine Forum

Reporting Topic

The Collaboration between Chinese Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine and European Union Universities in the internationalization process of TCM

Summary

The internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents one of the most significant developments in today’s global landscape of academic and healthcare cooperation. In this context, collaboration between Traditional Chinese Medicine universities in the People’s Republic of China and universities within the European Union has emerged as a strategic pillar for the integration of TCM into European educational, scientific, and healthcare systems. This report examines the institutional cooperation models developed in recent years, focusing on joint training programs, collaborative research projects, faculty and student exchanges, as well as initiatives aimed at curriculum harmonization and academic recognition. It also explores the main challenges of the internationalization process, including regulatory differences, standards of scientific evidence, cultural and linguistic barriers, and the need for shared frameworks of quality assurance and accreditation.

Tiejun Tang

United Kingdom

Professor, Vice President of the World Traditional Medicine Forum

Reporting Topic

The role and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in cancer care

Summary

Overseas TCM practitioners are not allowed to claim they can treat cancer, but in our clinical practice, both herbal medicine and acupuncture play a significant role in cancer care. These effects often influence patient prognosis. This report, based on my over 40 years of clinical practice in China and UK, summarizes the roles of herbal medicine and acupuncture in cancer care, explores how to integrate TCM and Western medicine in the management of cancer, proposes comprehensive cancer care strategies, highlights the advantages of TCM, and investigates the mechanisms of action of herbal medicine and acupuncture. Specific case studies are provided for in-depth discussion.

Kit Man Li

United Kingdom

Volunteer neuro-acupuncturist of Florence Nightingale Charity Hospice, UK

Reporting Topic

Traditional Chinese Medicine as Supportive Care for Post-Cancer Symptoms at a UK Hospice Setting

Summary

The author currently serves as a volunteer neuro-acupuncturist at Florence Nightingale Charity Hospice. Most of the patients experience persistent post-cancer and chemotherapy-related symptoms. My role involves treating these patients using scalp acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine, with the aim of helping them regain physical strength and confidence, as well as improving overall quality of life. Based on clinical observations, several representative case examples will be presented to illustrate the potential contribution of TCM interventions in hospice supportive care.

Min Zhao-Höhn

Germany

PhD. Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cologne

Reporting Topic

Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutritional Therapy for Infertility

Summary

This article systematically analyzes treatment strategies and dietary interventions for infertility from the perspective of TCM Five Elements Nutritional Theory. The study posits that reproductive function is rooted in the "Kidneys as the foundation, Liver as the function, and Spleen as the source," involving the coordination of all five Zang-organs. By categorizing common infertility patterns into four constitutional types - Kidney Deficiency (Water), Liver Qi Stagnation (Wood), Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness (Earth), and Heart-Kidney Imbalance (Fire) - the paper outlines specific regulatory principles and recommended foods for each. Furthermore, it highlights a cycle-based dietary approach for women and advocates for a multi-modal intervention combining nutritional therapy with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle management.

Dan Jiang

United Kingdom

TCM Consultant

Reporting Topic

Challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence for the practice of traditional Chinese medicine overseas

Summary

Based on the specific context of TCM practice in the United Kingdom, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) brings to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Whether overseas TCM practitioners can pay adequate attention to the rapid advancement of modern AI and develop a correct understanding of its implications has become one of the most critical issues they face in medical practice within developed societies. Continuous learning and keeping pace with scientific and technological progress may enable overseas TCM practice to achieve broader development opportunities and create new achievements; conversely, neglect, complacency, and adherence to outdated approaches may result in being left behind by the progress of the times and facing gradual decline. This paper will provide a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities posed by AI for overseas TCM practice. As clinical TCM practitioners, we should acquire fundamental AI-related skills and leverage the advantages of AI to elevate the development of TCM clinical practice and research to a higher level.

Hou Xianbing

China

Master's thesis advisor, Associate chief physician. Director of Cangzhou Acupuncture and Moxibustion Research Institute, World Traditional Medicine Forum Managing director

Reporting Topic

A summary of Professor JIA Chunsheng’s clinical experience in treating cubital tunnel syndrome

Summary

The article summarizes the clinical experience of Professor JIA Chunsheng in treating cubital tunnel syndrome with various traditional Chinese medicine therapies, including superficial point-toward-point auricular acupuncture, ordinary acupuncture, fire-needle therapy, and oral Chinese medication, to inherit his academic characteristics, such as meridian-identified and stage-identified treatments, stressing the patient’s body constitution and state, and emphasizing the holistic treatment, and to provide references for the popular science education and clinical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Bin Cai

USA

PhD, LAc. New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reporting Topic

Exploring on anatomical structure of Five Shu point and clinic application

Summary

Accurate localization of acupuncture points is essential for ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and reproducibility of acupuncture treatment. Traditional methods of point location rely primarily on surface landmarks and proportional measurements, which do not adequately account for individual anatomical variation. As a result, the precise internal anatomical structures engaged by needling remain unclear for many acupuncture points, particularly the Five Shu Points. Recent anatomical and imaging studies suggest that these points are closely associated with specific structures such as muscle clefts, tendon borders, bone depressions, and neurovascular entry sites, which may underlie characteristic needling sensations and therapeutic effects. Using LI4 (Hegu) as a representative example, microanatomical dissection and ultrasonography demonstrate how anatomy-based confirmation can improve three-dimensional point localization. In contrast, the anatomical locations of KI10 (Yingu) and LR08 (Ququan) remain controversial, underscoring the need for further investigation. This presentation highlights the importance of integrating classical acupuncture theory with modern anatomical dissection, medical imaging, and clinical observation to enhance standardization, clinical precision, and the scientific development of acupuncture practice.