(ISSN 2573-4393)
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine is an international peer-reviewed Open Access journal published quarterly online by LIDSEN Publishing Inc. It covers all evidence-based scientific studies on integrative, alternative and complementary approaches to improving health and wellness.
Topics contain but are not limited to:
The journal publishes a variety of article types: Original Research, Review, Communication, Opinion, Comment, Conference Report, Technical Note, Book Review, etc.
There is no restriction on paper length, provided that the text is concise and comprehensive. Authors should present their results in as much detail as possible, as reviewers are encouraged to emphasize scientific rigor and reproducibility.
Publication Speed (median values for papers published in 2024): Submission to First Decision: 6.8 weeks; Submission to Acceptance: 14.3 weeks; Acceptance to Publication: 6 days (1-2 days of FREE language polishing included)
The Value of Camellia sinensis in the Management of Toxicity Induced by Cancer TreatmentsAbstract While radiotherapy is one of the main treatments for head and neck cancer, adverse effects limit its effectiveness and affect patients' quality of life. Although various radioprotective substances have been proposed, comprehensive strategies are needed to modulate radiotoxicity. In this regard, compounds from green tea (Camellia sinensis), with antioxid [...] |
Effects of Trauma, Shame, and Self-Criticism on Hoarding: Comparative Data and Treatment ImplicationsAbstract Severe trauma has a significant impact on self-attitudes and emotions, such as self-criticism and shame, and psychological symptoms. This topic has been more well studied among populations with Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders, but examined to a lesser extent in other clinical populations where adverse life events and potentially traumatic events [...] |
From Vision to Strategy: Expanding Metaversal Integrative Healthcare with DAOs and Blockchain EcosystemsAbstract Legacy, profit-driven organizational structures often lack the adaptability, equity, and innovation required for the evolving complexities of contemporary patient-centered care. They can limit access, constrain options, impose financial burdens, and hinder optimized delivery. Here, we propose a new architecture for metaversal integrative healthcare [...] |
And the ICMART Science Award 2025, Presented at the World Congress on Medical Acupuncture, Goes to…Abstract During this year’s World Congress on Medical Acupuncture, the ICMART (International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques) Science Award 2025 was presented in recognition of excellence in research and innovation within the field of medical acupuncture. The award honored pioneering work on acupuncture and moxibustion in chronic fatigue [...] |
The Nociceptive Glio-Neural Complex as a Histoanatomical Substrate of Acupuncture Meridians?by
Norbert Maurer
,
Helmut Nissel
,
Reginald Bittner
,
Richard Crevenna
,
Marion Mucha
,
Erich Gornik
and
Georg Feigl
Abstract Morphological evidence of peripheral glial cell involvement is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the presence of Schwann cells in acupuncture meridians. Eight legs of four unembalmed cadavers were used. Along the stomach meridian and a control meridian, quadrangular samples were taken from skin to the deep subcutaneous fascia and embedded in paraffin [...] |
Healthy Ageing and its Communal Nemesis Social Frailtyby
Marcus A. Henning
,
Philippa Miskelly
,
Marta Gil-Lacruz
,
Gary Cheung
,
Frederick Sundram
and
Ruth Teh
Abstract Across the globe, countries are facing an ageing boom, with the proportion of the older adult population growing compared to younger age groups because of increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. Along with the ageing boom, there is increased interest in the wellbeing of older adults. Healthy ageing and social frailty are two constructs [...] |
Investigating Associations between Maternal Mindfulness, Mental Health, Interoception and Mother-Infant Relationship during Pregnancy and Post-Partum in a Non-Clinical Community SampleAbstract Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of significant transition for women, with changes in maternal physical and mental health. The relationship between a mother and her infant has been recognised as laying the foundation for later child development. There is considerable evidence that this early relationship is influenced by a woman’s wellbei [...] |
Cultural Distance, Host Acculturation Orientation, and Psychological Adaptation among African International Students at Portuguese Universitiesby
Félix Neto
and
Joana Neto
Abstract International students represent a significant sojourner group. Increasing international student numbers makes it ever more relevant to understand the determinants of their psychological adaptation. This research investigates the question of how perceived cultural distance (PCD) impacts acculturation variables (social contact with host nationals and [...] |
Life Sciences Worldwide – Global Perspectives and Networking for International Professionals1Abstract The International Exchange of Professionals – Thematic Event in Life Science, held on October 15-17, 2025, in Nice, France, inaugurated a global congress series focused on frontier topics in biomedical sciences. This editorial summarizes the first day of the event, including the opening ceremony, keynote forum, and welcome banquet. With more than [...] |
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS): Precise Integration Between Neuroscience and Integrative MedicineAbstract Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive method that regulates the autonomic nervous system via electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Recent literature demonstrates that taVNS can decrease systemic inflammation, attenuate emotional disorders, modulate autonomic functions, and facilitate [...] |
Mindful Attention and Awareness Prospectively Predicts Stress in Daily Life: A Multilevel Modeling ApproachAbstract Chronic stress increases a person’s vulnerability for physical and mental health conditions that take root in the “common soil” of inflammation. Dispositional, or trait, mindfulness has been identified as a protective factor against perceived stress. However, the theory that trait mindfulness can prospectively predict lower perceived stress in [...] |
Evaluation of the Transitional Pain Service Specialized Iyengar-Informed Yoga Program for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trialby
Kathryn Curtis
,
Hance Clarke
,
Daniel Santa Mina
,
Gitte Bechsgaard
,
Aliza Weinrib
,
Jennifer Jones
,
Darren Au
and
Joel Katz
Abstract The objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a specialized Iyengar-informed yoga intervention for individuals who experience chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). This prospective, multi-wave pilot RCT was pre-registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03460028) and designed in accordance with the 2010 [...] |
World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)/Acupuncture Science Association Sweden (ASAS) 2025 International Congress – Personal Report1Abstract This personal report summarizes the key experiences and insights gained from attending the 2025 International Symposium organized by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) and the Acupuncture Science Association of Sweden (ASAS), held in Stockholm. The event brought together international experts to explore recent advances [...] |
A Randomized Control Trial of the Effects of a Hatha Yoga Program on Psychological Well-BeingAbstract Hatha yoga is a common style of yoga used for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits, enhancing quality of life and well-being. The current study used a randomized control trial (RCT) to investigate whether completing an eight-week posture-based Hatha yoga program would lead to greater psychological benefits than taking part in an eight [...] |
Toward a Unifying Transcultural Perspective on Illness, Health and Wellbeing: A Theoretical PropositionAbstract This paper presents a unifying transcultural perspective on human illness, health and wellbeing by integrating insights from cognitive psychology, existential psychotherapy, Zen philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and quantum consciousness theory. Kahneman and Tversky’s work on heuristics and biases highlights cognitive constraints shaping [...] |
Atimiaphobia: A Phenomenological Account of the Fear of Losing Honor or Being Labeled Shameless due to the Sexual Values Assigned to Femininityby
Waqar Husain
Abstract Honor and shame function as moral currencies in many collectivistic cultures, shaping individual behavior, gender roles, and psychosocial well-being. This paper introduces Atimiaphobia—a newly proposed specific phobia defined as the intense and persistent fear of losing honor (particularly for men) or being labeled as shameless (particularly for [...] |
A Review on the Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in Zimbabwe for the Treatment and Management of Skin Conditions: Perspectives on Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluationby
Elliot Nyagumbo
,
Trust Nyirenda
,
Cephas Mawere
,
Alfred M. Mutaramutswa
,
Godwins Ngorima
,
Donald T. Kapanga
,
Fabian Maunganidze
,
Marvellous Matsheza
,
William Pote
,
Lucy Mabaya
and
Michael Bhebhe
Abstract Medicinal plants remain central to healthcare in Africa, where up to 80% of the population relies on traditional remedies to manage a range of health conditions, including skin ailments. In Zimbabwe, the country's rich biodiversity and favourable agroecological zones support a diverse range of ethnomedicinal plants. However, much of the knowledge surrou [...] |
Treatment Choices and Healthcare Services Utilization Amongst Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Patients: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trialby
Ryan S. Wexler
,
Natasha Parman
,
Devon J. Fox
,
Danielle ZuZero
,
Anand Parikshak
,
Sophia Kwin
,
Austin R. Thompson
,
Hans L. Carlson
,
Thomas Kern
,
Scott D. Mist
,
Ryan Bradley
,
Heather Zwickey
and
Courtney K. Pickworth
Abstract Lumbosacral radicular pain (LRP) is a common sequelae of low back pain, the world’s leading cause of years lived with disability. LRP typically causes numbness, weakness, and tingling into the lower extremity and is associated with high rates of pain and impaired function. Despite its prevalence, there is significant heterogeneity among clinical [...] |
Exercise Training and Cardioprotection in Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of MechanismsAbstract Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, prompting extensive research into effective methods for treatment and prevention. Among these, exercise training and physical activity are widely recognized as the safest and most effective strategies for improving health. Specifically, exercise training has been explored for its role [...] |
Performance Art as Lifestyle: Art in Action for Health PromotionAbstract Performance art is both a visual arts practice and kinaesthetic approach to place-based health. The perspective of this commentary is to promote the attributes of performance art to showcase its capacity to extend people into new configurations of cultural engagement with beneficial effects. Performance art is an opportunity to engage both mind and [...] |
The Multiple, Embodied Positive Effects of a Community-Based Aerial Sling Class: Improved Body Schema, Fitness, Mental Health, and Dietby
Maria Kosma
Abstract Contrary to the dominant ultra-cognitive approach in public health whereby only thought processes are supposed to link to action (e.g., physical activity) and health, in this research an embodied (body-mind unison) philosophy was examined by showcasing the importance of holistic and performative movement experiences to health and well-being. Specificall [...] |
An Exploration of the Psycho-Social Factors that Impact the Mental Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in UK: A Narrative ReviewAbstract Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are amongst the most vulnerable populations worldwide, facing significant psycho-social and mental health challenges influenced by pre-migration, migration, and post-migration experiences. This narrative review examines the structural, legal, and practical factors affecting UASC, focusing on their lived exper [...] |
Frank Bahr – A Life Dedicated to Energy Medicine-- In Memory of Prof. Dr. Frank Bahr (1944–2025)Abstract With the passing of Prof. Dr. Frank Bahr, the field of complementary medicine has lost one of its most influential personalities. As a pioneer of auricular medicine in the German-speaking world, he helped shape the field of integrative medicine over many decades. This tribute by Prof. DDr. Gerhard Litscher honors Bahr's work, his convictions, and the [...] |
Exploring the Practice of One-to-One Therapeutic Viniyoga: A Qualitative Investigation Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Directed Content AnalysisAbstract Therapeutic Viniyoga is holistic and the treatment, starting point, progression, and goals are unique for each individual client. This study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and directed content analysis, combining theory and application to offer a tangible, conceptually grounded window into the process and practice of one-to-one [...] |
Intensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for School Avoidance among Youth with Anxiety Disorders or OCD in the COVID-19 PandemicAbstract School avoidance is associated with a range of negative outcomes and has been increasing in youth in the past several decades. This study examined the efficacy of an intensive outpatient CBT program, for youth (N = 137, ages 8-19) with anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compared both baseline symptoms and outcomes for youth [...] |
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman from University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Corrado Angelini from University of Padova, Italy, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has published more than 620 articles. We appreciate Dr. Corrado Angelini for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Bashar Saad from The Arab American University, Palestine, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He is on several Editorial Boards related to medicinal plants. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Bashar Saad for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Damian Holsinger from The University of Sydney, Australia, to the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine and appreciate his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Gary Elkins from Baylor University, USA, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He is on several Editorial Boards related to health Psychology. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Gary Elkins for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Michael Mantzios from Birmingham City University, UK, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has expertise and published many papers on mindfulness. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Michael Mantzios for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Anne Vejux from Université de Bourgogne Europe, France, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. She has expertise and published many papers on Biology. We appreciate Dr. Anne Vejux for her participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Rudolf Likar from Sigmund Freud Privatuniversitat Wien, Austria, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has expertise and published many papers on pain medicine. We appreciate Dr. Rudolf Likar for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Talal Aburjai from the University of Jordan, Jordan, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Talal Aburjai currently works at the School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman-Jordan. Talal does research in Pharmacy. Their current project is 'Synthesis of New Nitrofluoroquinolone Derivatives with Novel Anti-Microbial Properties against Metronidazole Resistant H. pylori'. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Talal Aburjai for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Marcus Henning from Centre for Medical and Health Science Education, New Zealand, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has facilitated numerous workshops to clinical teachers in New Zealand in relation to developing pragmatic clinical teaching skills. He has conducted numerous workshops on Questionnaire Design. We appreciate Dr. Marcus Henning for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Giustino Varrassi from Fondazione Paolo Procacci (www.fondazioneprocacci.org), Italy, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He is on several Editorial Boards related to pain medicine and is Editor in Chief of Pain and Therapy. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Giustino Varrassi for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Hossein Mahmoudvand from Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has more than 150 publications. We appreciate Dr. Hossein Mahmoudvand for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Jozélio Carvalho from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has more than 320 publications. We appreciate Dr. Jozélio Carvalho for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Alvaro B. Lopes-Martins from University of São Paulo, Brazil, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Alvaro B. Lopes-Martins for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Karyn Ogata Jones from Clemson University, USA, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Her doctoral research involved focus group and survey methodology to assess breast cancer knowledge, communication, and screening behaviors among college students and their mothers. Her recent research includes mindfulness training interventions for individuals experiencing depression, substance misuse disorders including alcoholism and opioid addition, low physical activity, and prediabetes/diabetes. While completing her dissertation research in 2002, she joined the faculty at Clemson University, and has been a member of the Communication and Public Health Sciences departments and School of Nursing. She is an expert on agenda setting theory applied to health and risk messaging, having published a number of articles examining the effects of the intersection of interpersonal and mediated communication related to health, and has additional recognized areas of expertise in disability communication and breast cancer communication. We appreciate Dr. Karyn Ogata Jones for her participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Jamshidkhan Chamani from Islamic Azad University, Iran, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. His main research interests include: biochemistry, fluorescence, pharmacodynamics, molecular biology and biophysics. He has more than 160 publications. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Jamshidkhan Chamani for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Peta Stapleton from Bond University, Australia, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Dr. Peta Stapleton has 30 years of experience as a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and academic in Queensland, Australia. She is a world-leading researcher in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT or Tapping) and has been awarded many accolades including the Harvey Baker Research Award for meticulous research and the greatest contribution to the field of Energy Psychology. In 2019 she was named Psychologist of the Year by the Australia Allied Health Awards. She has a particular interest in biochemistry changes after psychological interventions and has recently completed fMRI trials, cortisol studies, and vagal tone measurement before and after energy psychology and meditation studies. We appreciate Dr. Peta Stapleton for her participation and support.
It is our pleasure to announce that LIDSEN has joined the ORCID community. ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID), a global, not-for-profit organization, provides a free, unique, and persistent digital identifier (an ORCID iD), which can automatically link researchers to their own contributions, so as to disambiguate researchers from one another. Authors who publish with OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine are greatly encouraged to register for a unique iD to ensure proper attribution.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Vittorio Gebbia from University of Enna Kore, Italy, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. He has expertise and published many papers on the treatment of pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer as well as combined modality treatment and supportive care. He is on several Editorial Boards related to cancer and cancer treatment. We appreciate Prof. Dr. Vittorio Gebbia for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Wing Fai Yeung from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Dr. Yeung’s research focuses on evaluating traditional Chinese medicine interventions for sleep and mood disorders using randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. In addition, he has been focusing on using acupuncture, acupressure, and other self-help interventions for symptom management. We appreciate Dr. Wing Fai Yeung for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Andrew A. Gumbs the Director of the Advanced & Minimally Invasive Surgery Excellence Center at the American Hospital Tbilisi, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Prof. Gumbs was previously the Head of Surgical Oncology for the North Yvelines Region of France and the Director of the Minimally Invasive Hepatic-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Program at SMG-MD Anderson Cancer Center. Prior to that, the Director of Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has been Instructor of Clinical Surgery at Cornell-Weill Medical College, Instructor of Clinical Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. He also serves as a member of the editorial boards of several journals. He has more than 140 publications in textiles. We appreciate Prof. Gumbs for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Wen Liu from University of Kansas Medical Center, USA, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Currently, he is responsible for teaching in the physical therapy and rehabilitation science doctoral degree programs. He also performs research in the field of rehabilitation and serves on various student and faculty committees. Prof. Liu teaches a class on research in evidence-based physical therapy practice. Research works in Dr. Liu’s laboratory has been focused on (1) neurorehabilitation of people with sensorimotor functional impairment after stroke, spinal cord injury, or sports injury; and (2) application of complementary medicine in people with chronic diseases such as chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. In their recent research works, Dr. Liu and his team tested the efficacy of Qigong exercise in managing symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, or cancer. The findings of their clinical efficacy trials indicate that Qigong exercise may benefit those people by releasing their symptoms of pain, fatigue, and sleep dysfunction. They have also examined the changes in inflammatory pathways and observed that the improvements in some symptoms in people with chronic health conditions after Qigong exercise are related to the changes in some inflammatory biomarkers, indicating possible biological mechanisms underlying the benefits of Qigong exercise. Their research works have been supported by NIH, National Science Foundation, American Heart Association, etc. We appreciate Prof. Liu for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Dr. Marianna Mazza from Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Italy, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Dr. Marianna Mazza is a Board Certified in Psychiatry and Psychoanalyst. She received her psychiatry and psychotherapy training at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Rome, Italy. She received a Ph.D. degree in Advanced Techniques in Psychotherapy. She is a member of Italian Psychoanalytical Society (SPI) and International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). Her clinical and scientific practice is at Psychiatric Consultation Service of Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University in Rome, Italy. Dr. Mazza’s research interests are Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Eating Disorders, Psychotherapy, Psychopharmacotherapy, Neurosciences, Psychoanalysis. She is author of more than 100 scientific publications and 30 chapters of books. She is a member of AEP (Association of European Psychiatrists) and SIP (Italian Society of Psychiatry). She is Professor of Psychiatry for undergraduates and residents at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Rome, Italy. We appreciate Dr. Mazza for her participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We sincerely welcome Prof. Dr. Enrica Santarcangelo from University of Pisa, Italy, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Prof. Santarcangelo has entirely devoted her research to the physiological correlates of the cognitive trait of hypnotisability in the perspective of the experimental hypnosis. Her findings in the fields of sensorimotor integration, imagery-perception relationship, cognitive control of pain and cardiovascular system contribute to the debate on the nature of hypnosis supporting socio-cognitive theories. We appreciate Prof. Santarcangelo for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We welcome Prof. Bruno Lunenfeld from Bar-Ilan University, Israel, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Prof. Lunenfeld is Professor Emeritus of Endocrinology at Bar-Ilan University, and he is well known in the field of endocrinology around the world. Prof. Lunenfeld is being recognized as a Giant in the specialty for his work on developing the clinical use and standardization of human menopausal gonadotropin in the treatment of female and male infertility. We are grateful to Prof. Lunenfeld for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We welcome Professor Kun-Chan Lan from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. From 1998 to 2004, Prof. Lan joined ISI's Computer Networks Division as a graduate research assistant. During this period, he maintained and contributed codes to the popular network simulation software ns-2. From 2004 to 2007, Prof. Lan joined the Network and Pervasive Computing Program at NICTA (National ICT Australia) in Sydney as a researcher and lead the effort of building one of the world's first outdoor wireless testbeds for traffic light communication in the context of STaR (Smart Transport and Roads) project (STaR in press). We are grateful to Prof. Lan for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We welcome Professor Umberto Solimene from University of Milan, Italy, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Professor Solimene is the director of World Health Organization Coll. Center for Traditional, Complementary and integrative Medicine. He also serves as president of Worldwide Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy, Italy. He has extensive experience in integrative and complementary medicine. We are grateful to Prof. Solimene for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We welcome Prof. Robert B. Raffa to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Prof. Raffa is the Adjunct Professor at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and Professor Emeritus at Temple University School of Pharmacy. He has published more than 300 papers in refereed journals, and co-authored or edited several books on pharmacology and thermodynamics. He is a past president of the Mid-Atlantic Pharmacology Society and is the recipient of research and teaching awards. He lectures and consults worldwide on pain pathways and analgesics. We are grateful to Prof. Raffa for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We welcome Professor W. Douglas Evans to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Prof. Evans is Professor of Prevention and Community Health & Global in the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University. He has over 25 years of experience in the design and evaluation of behavior change interventions and has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles, books, and chapters in the fields of health communication and social marketing. Dr. Evans has pioneered the theory and application of branding for social and behavioral change. In his research, he applies branding as a strategy to change social norms. He designs and evaluates interventions using digital technologies. We are grateful to Prof. Evans for his participation and support.
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Welcomes New Editorial Board Member
We welcome Dr. Sumiyo Umeda from Hokkaido University of Science, Japan, to join the Editorial Board of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Dr. Umeda is the Lecturer of Department of Drug Information Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science. She teaches more than 150 hours a year, publishes many papers and book chapters, and helps organize and run professional meetings. We are grateful to Dr. Umeda for her participation and support.
Historical Announcements
| Update: Article Processing Charge (Price Changes Effective January 1, 2026) | 2024-10-21 |
The American Society for Laser Acupuncture Therapy (ASLAT) warmly invites practitioners, researchers, educators, and students to the TCM 4.0 – 2026 Virtual Conference. Held on May 23–24, 2026, this fully online event will bring together international experts to explore innovations at the intersection of laser acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern photobiomodulation health technologies.
Attendees can look forward to keynote presentations, demonstrations, interactive panels, and networking opportunities with global colleagues. The conference will highlight the latest scientific findings, clinical applications, and technological progress shaping the future of laser acupuncture and laser-based therapies.
Join us for two inspiring days dedicated to advancing safe, effective, and visionary approaches in integrative medicine.
Photo Legend (© G. Litscher): From left to right: Gerhard Litscher, Honorary President of ASLAT; Steve Liu, President of ASLAT; and Volkmar Kreisel, Vice President of ASLAT — the three speakers of the conference. The photo was taken several decades ago in the Weser Highlands, Germany.
More information about the conference will soon be available on the ASLAT website: https://www.aslat.org/about/
It is our great pleasure to announce that Prof. DDr. Dr. h.c. TCM univ. Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-Chief of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine and Publishing Director at LIDSEN Publishing Inc., has been awarded the ICMART Science Award 2025. The award was presented during the 38th ICMART World Congress on Medical Acupuncture, held in Antibes Juan-les-Pins, France, on November 7-9, 2025. More details are provided at: https://icmart.org/
Prof. Litscher’s PowerPoint presentation from the award lecture is available here: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-04-049/obm.icm.2504049-supplementary.pdf
Meanwhile, Prof. Litscher also contributed an Editorial for this conference. The article has been officially published on our journal’s website and is now available for readers at: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-04-049
Citation:
Litscher G. And the ICMART Science Award 2025, Presented at the World Congress on Medical Acupuncture, Goes to…. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2025; 10(4): 049; doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2504049.
The International Exchange of Professionals – Thematic Event in Life Science, held on October 15-17, 2025, in Nice, France, inaugurated a global congress series focused on frontier topics in biomedical sciences. Key themes included translational medicine, neuromodulation, gene therapy, cancer treatment, and integrative approaches to healthcare.
Prof. Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-Chief of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine and Publishing Director at LIDSEN Publishing Inc., served as the Moderator of the Opening Ceremony & Welcome Banquet and delivered a brilliant speech. The presentation is available here: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-04-044/obm.icm.2504044-supplementary.pdf
Meanwhile, Prof. Litscher also contributed an Editorial for this conference. The article has been officially published on our journal’s website and is now available for readers at: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-04-044
Citation:
Litscher G. Life Sciences Worldwide – Global Perspectives and Networking for International Professionals1. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2025; 10(4): 044; doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2504044.
It is our great pleasure to announce the successful convening of "World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)/Acupuncture Science Association Sweden (ASAS) 2025 International Congress", held in Stockholm, Sweden, from September 19th-21th, 2025. More details are provided at: https://www.wfas-asas2025.com/
Prof. Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-Chief of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine and Publishing Director at LIDSEN Publishing Inc., participated in the conference and gave a keynote lecture. The presentation is available here: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-03-040/obm.icm.2503040-supplementary.pdf
Meanwhile, Prof. Litscher also contributed an Editorial for this conference. The article has been officially published on our journal’s website and is now available for readers at: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-03-040
Citation:
Litscher G. World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)/Acupuncture Science Association Sweden (ASAS) 2025 International Congress – Personal Report1. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2025; 10(3): 040; doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2503040.
The 3rd Scientific TCM Congress, held in August 14-17, 2025, in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland, focused on bridging current scientific research with clinical practice under the theme "From science to clinical practice." It brought together more than 100 researchers, therapists, physicians, and students for knowledge exchange, practical training, and networking, offering recognized continuing education credits. More details are provided at: https://tcmcongress.ch/
As part of the congress, Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-Chief of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, was awarded an honorary doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr. h.c. TCM univ.) by the first and currently only university in Europe dedicated to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is our great pleasure to announce the successful convening of "The 27th International ISLA Conference on Medical Laser Applications", held in Beverungen, Germany, from June 13th - 14th, 2025. More details are provided at: https://www.isla-laser.org/en/27th-isla-conference/
Prof. Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-Chief of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine and Publishing Director at LIDSEN Publishing Inc., participated in the conference and gave an excellent lecture on June 13, 2025. Meanwhile, Prof. Litscher also contributed an Editorial for this conference. The article has been officially published on our journal’s website and is now available for readers at: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-10-02-024
The eyes are the window of the mind.” With the increasing popularity of electronic products, people are paying more and more attention to eye protection. Exciting programs will broadly cover basic research, advanced technology, clinical ophthalmology and drugs and therapies of ocular diseases. More details are provided at: https://www.bitcongress.com/ophthalmology2025/index.asp
This congress offers a valuable opportunity to explore the latest advancements in orthopaedics, spanning research, technology, and clinical practice. The scientific program will cover a wide array of topics, including innovative surgical techniques, orthopaedic trauma management, joint replacement technologies, and rehabilitation strategies. Experts in the field will present their groundbreaking work, providing a forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration. More details are provided at: https://www.bitcongress.com/wcort2025nice/
The Annual World Congress of Neurotalk (NT), initiated from 2010, has successfully organized in Beijing (China), Shanghai (China), Hangzhou (China), Xi'an (China), Gyeonggi (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), Sapporo (Japan), Singapore, Lisbon (Portugal) and has attracted more than 5000 participants from over 30 countries and regions in the previous years. The scientific program will cover a broad spectrum of topics, spanning basic research, cutting-edge technology, and clinical applications. It will serve as a platform for experts to present their latest research and achievements.
More details are provided at: https://www.bitcongress.com/nt2025/index.asp
The World Cancer Congress provides a dynamic platform for leading researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to share their latest findings and advancements in cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. More details are provided at: https://www.bitcongress.com/cancer2025nice/
World Gene Convention (WGC), initiated from 2010, has been successfully organized in Haikou (China), Qingdao (China), Shanghai (China), Macau (China), Singapore, Tokyo (Japan), Nagoya (Japan) and Nara (Japan), and it has attracted more than 5,100 participants from over 53 countries and regions since the first year. WGC meeting is an international event focusing on the fields of biotechnology and life sciences, providing a platform for all experts to discuss latest researches and achievements. More details are provided at: https://www.bitcongress.com/wgc2025europe/
It is our pleasure to announce that "The 7th Plenary Meeting of Eurasia Pacific Uninet" is being held in Vienna, Austria. Prof. Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-chief of ICM Journal, participated in the meeting and gave an excellent lecture on September 26, 2024. The photos show Prof. Gerhard Litscher with some of the participants, with the President of Eurasia Pacific Uninet Prof. Wolf-Dieter Rausch and the Former President of Austria Dr. Heinz Fischer respectively. We wish this meeting a complete success.
It is our great pleasure to announce the successful convening of "2nd Scientific TCM Conference", held in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland, from August 15th - 18th, 2024.
This conference is a place where experts, practicing physicians, therapists, researchers, students and anyone interested in the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine meets to discuss current research, learn new techniques, and make new connections. Prof. Dr. Gerhard Litscher, Editor-in-Chief of the ICM Journal, was one of the guest organizers of the conference and gave an excellent lecture at the conference.
If you have information about upcoming conferences in 2024, please share it with us, we are always open to cooperating with conferences in all areas of integrative medicine.
As in the first conference, the scientific program will address current research findings in TCM and will focus on studies in patients. In addition, the conference will offer the opportunity to learn new TCM techniques in practical courses and will be a unique platform for scientific exchange and networking among experts, practicing physicians, therapists, researchers and students interested in TCM.
More details are provided at: https://www.tcmuni.ch/en/2nd-scientific-tcm-conference-en/
Budapest, Hungary
It is our great pleasure to announce the successful convening of "The 14th Annual World Congress of Neurotalk", held in Budapest, Hungary, from June 12th - 14th, 2024.
This conference focuses on basic research, advanced technology, and clinical application, providing a platform for all experts to discuss latest researches and achievements. Specific areas of interest include Neuroscience, Brain Development & Disorders, Advanced Technology, Neurodegenerative Disease, Drug Discovery, Clinical Biotherapy Development, Neuropathic Pain & Management, etc..
If you have information about upcoming conferences in 2024, please share it with us, we are always open to cooperating with conferences in all areas of integrative medicine.
The Annual World Congress of Neurotalk (NT) has been successfully organized 13 times in the previous years and has attracted more than 1000 participants from over 50 countries and regions. The 14th NT will be held on June 12-14, 2024 at Budapest, Hungary. It is an international event focusing on basic research, advanced technology, and clinical application, providing a platform for all experts to discuss the latest researches and achievements.
More details are provided at: https://www.bitcongress.com/neurotalk2024europe/
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine welcomes the following types of articles: original research, review, communication, opinion, case report, comment, conference report, technical note, book review, etc. There is no restriction on the length of the papers, color figures, supplementary file types. More details please see Instructions for Authors.
Update: Article Processing Charge (Price Changes Effective January 1, 2026)
The journal OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine (ISSN: 2573-4393) will have the new APCs (New APC, 350 USD) for manuscripts submitted after 31 December 2025.
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