Guest Editors
Gerhard Litscher
Swiss University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Gerhard Litscher is an internationally recognized researcher in evidence-based complementary medicine and medical laser applications. He has served as President of the International Society for Medical Laser Applications since 2012 and holds leadership roles in several international organizations, including the German Chinese Research Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies. He has also been appointed Honorary President of major professional societies and serves as an expert for the World Health Organization.From 2005 to 2023, he led biomedical engineering research in anesthesia and intensive care at the Medical University of Graz and founded key research units in laser medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Litscher holds doctorates in Technical and Medical Sciences and has authored several hundred scientific publications. In 2026, he was appointed Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Macau University of Science and Technology.
Tiancheng Xu
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
Prof. Dr. Tiancheng Xu is a Distinguished Professor (Class C) and master’s supervisor at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. He holds a PhD in acupuncture and tuina, is a licensed Chinese medical practitioner, and has been selected for multiple national and provincial young talent programs.He has led five national and provincial research projects and has published 141 academic papers, ranking among CNKI’s top 1% highly cited scholars. He holds 31 patents and software copyrights. His research focuses on acupuncture for obesity and diabetes, as well as intelligent acupuncture innovation.He proposed the Digital Meridian theory and developed intelligent acupuncture robots, receiving international recognition. He holds several academic positions, frequently speaks at international conferences, and has contributed to the inclusion of digital acupuncture in UNESCO-related reports.
Collection Overview
This Methods Collection seeks to showcase innovative research that integrates advanced technologies with traditional practices, highlighting methodologies that enhance understanding, reproducibility, and clinical application through video-supported manuscripts.
We invite submissions describing validated methods and protocols, including, but not limited to, laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture, telemedicine, robotics, sensor based monitoring, biofeedback, and digital treatment platforms. Contributions should clearly demonstrate how visual documentation strengthens the communication of techniques, protocols, and outcomes. Videos may illustrate experimental procedures, clinical interventions, device operation, or real-time data acquisition.
Interdisciplinary approaches that combine biomedical engineering, complementary medicine, digital health, and translational research are particularly encouraged. Submissions presenting novel methodologies, evidence-based protocols, or innovative digital solutions in acupuncture and integrative medicine are strongly welcomed.
This collection aims to advance high-tech and digital Chinese medicine through interactive, evidence-based publication.
Articles
Abstracts
Design and Research of a Teleoperated Acupuncture Robot System for Reproducing the Manual acupuncture manipulations of expert acupuncturists
Shijie Wei1,
Wenchao Tang2,
Chen Zhao2,
Chong Su*1,
Jingqi Yang1,
Wenqi Zhang1,
Jian Kang1
1Beijing University of Chemical Technology,
2Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Efficacy of Du Meridian Moxibustion for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease-Related Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Dong Li*1
1The Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupoint Propagated Sensation During Laser Acupuncture in Bell's Palsy with a Duration of Greater Than 8 Weeks: A Case Series
Dong Wu1
1Chinese Sports Medicine Institution
Acupoint Catgut Embedding Combined with Scalp Acupuncture for Sequelae of Peripheral Facial Paralysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Wanqing Lin*1
1The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine