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.