Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Original Article

Anxiolytic Effect of Acupuncture Treatment for Anxiety Compared with Phytotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Brazil: Talita Bonato de Almeida, Maria Imaculada de Lima Montebelo, Godofredo Pignataro Neto, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa; Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(1):43-51. Published online February 11, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.02.007

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Background
Anxiety is the most common psychological disturbance; therefore, safe, and effective therapeutic options are necessary for managing the associated symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the anxiolytic effect of acupuncture, and phytotherapeutic Valerian officinalis in anxious patients.
Methods
The trial was a participant- and assessor-blinded, parallel clinical study with 64 anxious patients who were randomized into 4 study groups. All patients, upon attendance at the clinic, were asked to lie down and perform abdominal breathing. In total, the volunteers in Real Acupuncture Group received 5 sessions of acupuncture while those of the Placebo Acupuncture Group received no intervention. In total, the volunteers in Real Phytotherapy Group received 28 capsules of V. officinalis and the Placebo Phytotherapy Group, 28 inert capsules. Anxiety was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Ryodoraku and Bioelectrography were used for energy analysis.
Results
After 5 weeks, analysis of the Visual Analogue Scale scores, all groups achieved a statistically significant reduction in levels of anxiety and the Real Acupuncture showed a large effect. All groups showed a reduction in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, with the sub-item, “State in Real Acupuncture” being important. Ryodoraku showed the electrical properties values of the skin and with Bioelectrography indicated generally low energy that decreased further following use of the therapies.
Conclusion
Acupuncture was effective in reducing patients' anxiety and had a larger effect size than V. officinalis, therefore it could be offered as an alternative treatment for anxiety management.

Guidelines

Reporting Guidelines for Music-Based Interventions: An update and Validation Study: Sheri L. Robb, Stacey Springs, Emmeline Edwards, Tasha L. Golden, Julene K. Johnson, Debra S. Burns, Melita Belgrave, Joke Bradt, Christian Gold, Assal Habibi, John R. Iversen, Miriam Lense, Jessica A. MacLean, Susan M. Perkins; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):205-212. Published online October 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.009

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Detailed intervention reporting is essential to interpretation, replication, and translation of music-based interventions (MBIs). The 2011 Reporting Guidelines for Music-Based Interventions were developed to improve transparency and reporting quality of published research; however, problems with reporting quality persist.
Methods
The purpose of this study was to update and validate the 2011 reporting guidelines using rigorous Delphi approach that involved an interdisciplinary group of MBI researchers; and to develop an explanation and elaboration guidance statement to support dissemination and usage. We followed the methodological framework for developing reporting guidelines recommended by the EQUATOR Network and guidance recommendations for developing health research reporting guidelines. Our three-stage process included: (1) an initial field scan, (2) a consensus process using Delphi surveys (two rounds) and Expert Panel meetings, and (3) development and dissemination of an explanation and elaboration document.
Results
First-Round survey findings revealed that the original checklist items were capturing content that investigators deemed essential to MBI reporting; however, it also revealed problems with item wording and terminology. Subsequent Expert Panel meetings and the Second-Round survey centered on reaching consensus for item language. The revised RG-MBI checklist has a total of 12-items that pertain to eight different components of MBI interventions including name, theory/scientific rationale, content, interventionist, individual/group, setting, delivery schedule, and treatment fidelity.
Conclusion
We recommend that authors, journal editors, and reviewers use the RG-MBI guidelines, in conjunction with methods-based guidelines (e.g., CONSORT) to accelerate and improve the scientific rigor of MBI research.

Reporting Guidelines for Music-Based Interventions Checklist: Explanation and Elaboration Guide: Sheri L. Robb, K. Maya Story, Elizabeth Harman, Debra S. Burns, Joke Bradt, Emmeline Edwards, Tasha L. Golden, Christian Gold, John R. Iversen, Assal Habibi, Julene K. Johnson, Miriam Lense, Susan M. Perkins, Stacey Springs; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):190-204. Published online October 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.008

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Detailed intervention reporting is essential to interpretation, replication, and eventual translation of music-based interventions (MBIs) into practice. Despite availability of Reporting Guidelines for Music-based Interventions (RG-MBI, published 2011), multiple reviews reveal sustained problems with reporting quality and consistency. To address this, we convened an interdisciplinary expert panel to update and improve the utility and validity of the existing guidelines using a rigorous Delphi approach. The resulting updated checklist includes 12-items across eight areas considered essential to ensure transparent reporting of MBIs.
Methods
The purpose of this explanation and elaboration document is to facilitate consistent understanding, use, and dissemination of the revised RG-MBI. Members of the interdisciplinary expert panel collaborated to create the resulting guidance statement.
Results
This guidance statement offers: (1) the scope and intended use of the RG-MBI, (2) an explanation for each checklist item, with examples from published studies, and (3) 2 published studies with annotations indicating where the authors reported each checklist item.
Conclusion
Broader uptake of the RG-MBIs by study authors, editors, and peer reviewers will lead to better reporting of MBI trials, and in turn facilitate greater replication of research, improve cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses, and increase implementation of findings.

Case Report

Integrating Traditional East Asian Medicine Dietary and Herbal Therapies for Supporting Cancer Treatment and Survivorship in the West: Michelle Loy, John K Chen; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):171-180. Published online October 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.006; Correction in: Perspect Integr Med 2026;5(1):72

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) dietary and herbal therapies emphasize balance, nourishment, and resilience, and have long supported cancer care in Asia. In Western integrative oncology, these therapies are increasingly being used to manage side effects, enhance quality of life, and support survivorship. This retrospective study included patients to illustrate the integration of TEAM therapies in Western academic settings. Case 1, was an 84-year-old woman with Stage 4 bladder and kidney cancer who discontinued immunotherapy due to the side effects of treatment (dietary and herbal). A TEAM-informed dietary and herbal formulas plan was implemented alongside integrative group visits. Case 2, was a 65-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer experiencing endocrine therapy-related insomnia. She was treated with Suan Zao Ren Tang and a comprehensive sleep support plan (dietary, herbal, and cancer-related medications - i.e letrozole, abemaciclib, and zoledronic acid). In Case 1, the patient gained 3.2 kg, her foot ulcers healed, sleep and mobility improved, and she transitioned from using a wheelchair to using walker. In Case 2, the patient reported improved sleep within weeks of using Suan Zao Ren Tang, she discontinued use after 4 months, and 2 months later, she had maintained restful sleep without recurrence of insomnia. Both patients experienced enhanced quality of life, and treatment adherence without adverse effects. These cases highlight the potential of personalized, culturally sensitive TEAM dietary and herbal therapies to support symptom management and survivorship in cancer care. Integrative approaches combining traditional and modern modalities can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, even in advanced stages of disease.

Original Articles

Effects of Needling Acupoint SI3 on Pressure Pain Threshold in Healthy Participants: Xiaoqin Wu, Chi Eung Danforn Lim, Shuai Zheng, Christopher Zaslawski; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(1):39-50. Published online February 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.02.005

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Abstract PDF: Background
There has been a surge in prescribing opioids for pain-related conditions and it has resulted in a prescription "opioid epidemic." It is critical for researchers and clinicians to explore nonpharmacological approaches to manage pain and mitigate the reliance on opioid analgesics. Acupuncture could be an effective therapy to modulate pain. This study examined the effects on regional pressure pain threshold (PPT) following needling of the Small Intestine 3 (SI3 -Houxi) acupoint in healthy participants.
Methods
In a randomized, three-arm cross-over design study, 32 healthy participants enrolled between November 2018 and March 2019, received 3 different acupuncture interventions, in different sequences, to the right hand at SI3: (1) SI3 without manual manipulation (SI3m-); (2) SI3 with manual needle manipulation (SI3m+); and (3) sham laser, to assess changes in PPT following the interventions. The mean change in PPT was measured at 10 different regional acupoint sites using an algometer. All PPT scores were reported as a percentage change from the mean preintervention value, the mean of the 3 PPT measurements obtained prior to receiving the intervention.
Results
The SI3m+ and SI3m- interventions for the 31 participants (drop out n=1), showed that the postintervention mean % PPT scores were significantly elevated compared to the control (sham laser; p < 0.001). The SI3m+ intervention significantly increased % PPT compared with the SI3m- intervention (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The needling intervention was an important contributor raising regional PPT in healthy participants.

Assessing the Impact of Art Therapy on Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease: a Mixed-Methods Practice-Based Approach: Wangjung Hur, Jungtae Leem, Hanbit Jin, Miso S. Park, Sangsoo Park, Horyong Yoo; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(1):28-38. Published online February 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.02.004

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common degenerative brain condition worldwide. Art therapy has gained attention as a nonpharmacological, complementary, and integrative therapy, yet few studies have explored its effect on people with PD.
Methods
From May to August 2021, 9 participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD completed an art therapy program, consisting of 8 weekly sessions (60 minutes each). A mixed-method research approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses was used to evaluate participant outcome and experience. Quantitative analysis was assessed using tests for quality of life, motor symptoms, and nonmotor symptoms. Qualitative analysis was conducted through participant responses and researcher observations.
Results
After 8 sessions of drawing-based art therapy, the total non-motor symptoms scale score, which provides a comprehensive assessment including the domains of cognition and behavior along with nonmotor symptoms in participants, significantly improved from 79.3 ± 30.9 at baseline to 59.8 ± 26.1 points after 8 weeks (p = 0.01). The unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale-I score also demonstrated significant improvement (p = 0.03). There were no reported adverse events and no participant dropout. Qualitative analysis revealed enhanced self-esteem, self-acceptance, and positive emotional expression amongst participants.
Conclusion
The art therapy conducted on the people with PD in this study improved their nonmotor symptoms and activity of daily living. Furthermore, qualitative analysis revealed the positive effect of art therapy which included improved self-esteem and self-acceptance. In the future, art therapy could be actively considered as a nonpharmacological, complementary, and integrative therapy for treating PD.

Review Articles

The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review: Denis Arsovski; Perspect Integr Med. 2024;3(3):142-151. Published online October 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.10.003

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia significantly reduce the daily functioning and quality of life of individuals. Traditional treatments often fall short, thus opening interest in complementary therapies like animal assisted therapy (AAT) which encourages the human-animal bond and gives emotional and psychological support. This review evaluated the efficacy of AAT in treating mental health disorders, and understanding its mechanisms and benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted (using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 2 decades. Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. Benefits included reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improved social functioning and quality of life. AAT offered a complementary treatment for mental health disorders, providing emotional comfort, improving mood, and serving as a nonpharmacological option for individuals. However, challenges such as individual preferences, allergies, ethical concerns for therapy animals, and logistical issues must be addressed. Future research should focus on the long-term effects and mechanisms involved to optimize the application of AAT in the clinical setting, and alternatives like robotic companion pets could also be explored.

Citations

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Sweetzle Jay Marie Salvador, Samantha Nicole Jacalan, Jerielou Sazon, Prisca Villarosa, Wawie Ruiz, Nixon Agaser, Evelyn Acoba
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Current Status and Challenges of the Evidence for Cupping Therapy in Clinical Practice Guidelines in Korea: Seungwon Shin; Perspect Integr Med. 2024;3(2):74-85. Published online June 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.06.003

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) published in Korea were reviewed to evaluate up-to-date evidence and the recommendations for cupping therapy (CT) to inform clinicians and researchers for future studies. There were 14 CPGs (allergic rhinitis, ankle sprain, cervical pain, chronic low back pain, cold hands and feet, facial nerve palsy, Hwabyung, knee osteoarthritis, lumbar herniated intervertebral disk, migraine, osteoporosis, postoperative syndrome, shoulder pain, and traffic accident injury) with 29 recommendations for CT determined from “low” to “moderate” rated evidence. The levels of evidence were mostly downgraded due to the risk of bias and imprecision. The majority of recommendations for CT were graded as B or C. This comprehensive analysis underscores the imperative need for robust clinical research, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies using real-world data to enhance the quality of the evidence for CT. In addition, recommendations providing definite phases or scope of the target conditions/diseases and treatment regimens should be employed. This work lays a foundational step towards integrating CT into evidence-based clinical practice, emphasizing strategic directions for future research to bridge the gap between evidence and practice.

Citations

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Bee Venom Acupuncture in Traditional Korean Medicine: A Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Minjung Park, Seungwon Shin
Toxins.2025; 17(4): 158. CrossRef

An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews for Chuna (or Tuina) Manual Therapy on Musculoskeletal Disorders: Doori Kim, Gil Geun Baek, Byung-Cheul Shin; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(3):142-154. Published online October 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.10.002

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
To provide clinicians with reliable evidence an umbrella review of systematic reviews (SRs) on Chuna manual therapy (CMT) for musculoskeletal disorders was performed to synthesize important outcomes.
Methods
There were eight databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CNKI, KMBASE, KISS, Scienceon, and OASIS) searched as well as the international database Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews in health and social care until August 2023. SRs of randomized controlled trials involving patients with musculoskeletal conditions, limited to interventions explicitly labeled as “Chuna” or “Tuina” in English, Chinese, or Korean language were retrieved. Two reviewers independently conducted selection and data extraction, and SR quality was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews tool (low, medium, or high quality).
Results
This review included 32 SRs, categorized by cervical (n = 4), thoracolumbar (n = 7), upper extremity (n = 5), lower extremity (n = 9), and other musculoskeletal disorders (n = 7). Quality assessments determined that three SRs were of “high” quality, two were “low” quality, and the remaining SRs were of “medium” quality. CMT was consistently reported to demonstrate superior outcomes: an effective rate was observed in 17 of 19 SRs, CMT was effective at reducing pain in 12 of the 16 SRs, and functional outcomes of CMT were observed in 8 of 12 SRs. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
CMT may be a safe and effective treatment for various musculoskeletal disorders based on the limited number of studies and the low quality of included SRs.

Citations

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Integrative Medicine Research.2026; 15(1): 101251. CrossRef
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Ah-Ra Koh, Hyun-Woo Kim, Young-Jin Lee, Hye-Jeong Jo, Go-Eun Chae, Dong-Woo Kim, In-Hyuk Ha, Doori Kim
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Doori Kim, Jee Young Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, Chang Sop Yang, Chang-Hyun Han, In-Hyuk Ha
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Integrative Korean medicine treatment without surgery for the management of subacute radiating pain attributed to vertebral artery loop formation: A case report and literature review
Jung Min Yun, Dong Hyun Go, Sook-Hyun Lee
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Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy for temporomandibular disorder: A randomized clinical trial
Jae-Heung Cho, Koh-Woon Kim, Hyungsuk Kim, Woo-Chul Shin, Me-riong Kim, Joowon Kim, Min-Young Kim, Hyun-Woo Cho, In-Hyuk Ha, Yoon Jae Lee, Essam Al-Moraissi
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Integrative Postural Rehabilitation for Kyphotic Deformity in a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
Ye-Rim Yun, Ji-Sung Yeom, Joon-Seok Lee, Doori Kim, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha, Do-Young Kim
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(11): 3705. CrossRef
Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Treatments for Non-Acute Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Protocol for a Multicenter Pragmatic Trial
Doori Kim, Yoon Lee, Changsop Yang, Yong-Jun Ahn, Suna Kim, YeonSun Lee, Hyun-Woo Cho, Chang-Hyun Han, In-Hyuk Ha
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Traditional Korean Medicine Services and Its Association with Knee Surgery and Opioid Use in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Nationwide Retrospective Study in Korea
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Analysis of the utilisation of Chuna manual therapy for musculoskeletal disorders after its coverage under national health insurance in Korea: a retrospective analysis
Gil Geun Baek, In-Hyuk Ha, Yoon Jae Lee, Yeong-Jae Shin, Byung-Cheul Shin
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Effect of Cervical Manual Therapy on Sleep Quality: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
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Real-world evidence on the safety and effectiveness of integrative Korean medicine for older patients post-traffic accident: A retrospective observational study
Ju-Yeun Shin, Ye-Seul Lee, Seung-Hee Lee, Jeong-Hee Noh, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha, Su Won Lee
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Reporting Overviews of Reviews: PRIORitizing a Reporting Guideline
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Ja-Yean Son, Kangmoo Goo, Na-young Kim, Seok-Gyu Yang, Dong Hwan Lee, Yu-Ra Im, Oh Bin Kwon, Hyun-Woo Cho, Sang Don Kim, Doori Kim, In-Hyuk Ha
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(15): 4457. CrossRef

Short Communication

The Mazzanti AcuOsteo Method^®: Pathology and Treatment with Acupuncture and Osteopathy of the Musculoskeletal Pain of The Upper and Lower Limbs: Umberto Mazzanti; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(2):126-130. Published online June 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.06.007

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultations in my clinic. In my experience of 35 years, acupuncture, and osteopathy are effective techniques in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain of the upper and lower limbs. Pain reported by the patient often affects a widespread area around the joint and is usually associated with some stiffness. The aim of acupuncture is to restore the local circulation of Qì and Blood, inducing an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, along with myofascial detensioning. The aim of the osteopathic manipulative treatment is to return joints to their normal position and restore restricted joint motion. The Mazzanti AcuOsteo Method is a newly patented method which uses the synergistic combination of using points for acupuncture, cupping or bleeding, and osteopathy to maximize effectiveness of treatment for musculoskeletal pain.

Review Article

A Scoping Review of Clinical Research on Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment: Doori Kim, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(2):65-76. Published online June 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.06.001

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8 Citations

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

This scoping review was conducted to examine the concept of Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT), use in clinical practice, its effectiveness, and safety. A literature review of clinical study treatment methods combining acupuncture and movement therapy was performed using PubMed. Of 2,096 studies retrieved, 22 were included in this review. There were 12 randomized controlled trials, and all 22 studies were published in China and Korea, mostly, within the last 3 years. There were five studies concerning local acupoints and 17 studies regarding needling at distal acupoints, and the level of risk of the procedure was “high” in eight studies and “moderate” in 14 studies. The study participants were patients with musculoskeletal pain, and many studies reported significant improvements in pain and functional disability outcomes following treatment using MSAT. For conclusion, MSAT refers to a treatment method in which a patient performs active/passive movements under the supervision of a physician with the acupuncture needle retained at the insertion site. However, there are a limited number of MSAT studies, and various treatment types and related terms are mixed. Further studies, classification of the types of MSAT using a well-established classification system, and a clearer definition of the MSAT concept are needed.

Citations

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Effectiveness and safety of motion style acupuncture treatment for acute neck pain: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Yoon Jae Lee, Doori Kim, Kyoung Sun Park, Suna Kim, Ji-Yeon Seo, Hyun Woo Cho, In Heo, Woo-Chul Shin, Jae-Heung Cho, Jung-Hyun Kim, Byung-Kwan Seo, In-Hyuk Ha
Chinese Medicine.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
The Applications and Prescriptions of Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Scoping Review of Clinical Controlled Trials
Yetong Chen, Fenglin Zhu, Yang Zhu, Yucheng Duan, Zhenmin Bai
Journal of Pain Research.2025; Volume 18: 3275. CrossRef
Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Patients with Acute Neck Pain Undergoing Conservative Treatment with Korean Medicine
Ji Sun Kim, Eunsan Kim, Seungwon Shin, In-Hyuk Ha, Yoon Jae Lee
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Effect of extraocular muscle motion style acupuncture treatment on a patient with oculomotor nerve palsy unresponsive to conventional treatment: A case report
Hyukjin Jeong, Nam-Woo Lee, Jinho Lee, Joon-Shik Shin, In-Hyuk Ha, Yoon Jae Lee
Medicine.2025; 104(28): e43279. CrossRef
Motion style acupuncture therapy for acute lumbar sprain: A case report and clinical insights
Jieqi Hong, Danhong He
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Effectiveness of lumbar motion style acupuncture treatment on inpatients with acute low back pain: A pragmatic, randomized controlled trial
Oh-Bin Kwon, Dong Wook Hwang, Dong-Hyeob Kang, Sang-Joon Yoo, Do-Hoon Lee, Minjin Kwon, Seon-Woo Jang, Hyun-Woo Cho, Sang Don Kim, Kyong Sun Park, Eun-San Kim, Yoon Jae Lee, Doori Kim, In-Hyuk Ha
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Graded exercise with motion style acupuncture therapy for a patient with failed back surgery syndrome and major depressive disorder: a case report and literature review
Do-Young Kim, In-Hyuk Ha, Ju-Yeon Kim
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Effectiveness and Safety of Progressive Loading–Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain after Traffic Accidents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Seung-Yoon Hwangbo, Young-Jun Kim, Dong Guk Shin, Sang-Joon An, Hyunjin Choi, Yeonsun Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, Ju Yeon Kim, In-Hyuk Ha
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Protocol

A Protocol for the Overview of Systematic Reviews of Aromatherapy for Management of Health: Ki Jung Kil, Myeong Soo Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(1):56-58. Published online February 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.02.008

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Abstract PDF: Background
Aromatherapy has been reported to have a positive effect on various health conditions. While these studies show positive results, many of them have limited evidence. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol to evaluate all systematic reviews (SRs) that have evaluated the efficacy of aromatherapy (for any health condition) as a therapeutic treatment (protocol registration number INPLASY202280089).
Methods
We will include aromatherapy through different therapeutic application methods such as inhalation, massage, and bathing. Seven international databases (including PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library), and three Korean medical databases (Korean Studies Information, Research Information Service System, KoreaMed), will be searched. The SR process, including study selection, data extraction, and assessment, will be performed by two independent reviewers. Methodological assessment will be performed using AMSTAR-2.
Discussion
The benefits of aromatherapy for health management are evaluated to provide useful information to patients and therapists and inform decisions on further studies on this topic.

Original Article

In Vitro Effect of Herbal Medicines with Thermal Characteristics on Heat Sensitivity in Cancer Cells: Chae Ryeong Ahn, Sumin Jung, Seeun Kwon, Seung Ho Baek; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(1):42-48. Published online February 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.02.006

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

Background
Cancer remains a major public health threat even though there have been breakthroughs in conventional diagnostics and therapies. Alternatively, treatment with mild hyperthermia and herbal medicine treatment [selected using traditional Korean medicine theory 4 qi (cold, cool, warm and hot) and using the 5 senses of taste (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty)], may be an option to promote cancer cell death in patients where the cancer is accessible.
Methods
To investigate effect of combination treatment of herbal medicines and hyperthermia in vitro on cancer cell lines (ACHN, AGS, A549 and U937), the qualities of 38 medicinal herbs and sensitivity to mild hyperthermia (42 and 43°C) treatment were examined. An assay was performed to detect cell viability and proliferation (MTT) following exposure to medicinal herbs and hyperthermia.
Results
Heat sensitizing herbal medicines were determined to be larger in the warm and hot groups of medicinal herbs (29.6%) than the groups which were neither warm nor hot (18.2%). In addition, the proportion of heat sensitizing effect with bitter and pungent flavors was 33.3 % and 32.1 %, respectively, greater than the average (26.3 %).
Conclusion
In conditions of mild hyperthermia in cancer cell lines, incubation with herbal medicines caused cancer cell death in vitro. These results suggest that the use of traditional herbal medicines with warm, hot, pungent and bitter characteristics may be a useful treatment for cancer using conditions to induce mild hyperthermia and this requires further investigation.

Citations

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Review Article

Proposal of a Case Reporting Draft Guideline for Pharmacopuncture: Literature Review of Pharmacopuncture Case Reports: Soohyun Jeong, Chaeyeon Son, Hyunjin Kim, Gapsik Yang, Hongmin Chu, Jungtae Leem; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(1):24-35. Published online February 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.02.004

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Pharmacopuncture is a popular treatment that combines the advantages of both herbal medicine and acupuncture. However, pharmacopuncture care reporting guidelines have not yet been developed. This study aimed to propose a reporting guideline draft for pharmacopuncture case reports. Pharmacopuncture case reports were retrieved from 4 databases (KCI, RISS, ScienceON, OASIS) to analyze the items reported and their fidelity. We analyzed 5 existing reporting guidelines related to Korean medicine case reporting to identify the items to be included in the extension of pharmacopuncture reporting guidelines. From 3,684 studies, 29 case reports were included and 4 items were identified as not reported in enough detail: “direction and depth of pharmacopuncture” (89.5%); “method of manufacturing the syringe needle” (82.8%); “posture of the patient during the therapy” (75.9%); and “pharmacopuncture recipe” (69.5%). As a result of analyzing moxibustion and acupuncture clinical trial reporting guidelines, it was determined that detailed reporting guidelines on the type of pharmacopuncture, manufacturing method, and treatment method were required and we propose that a pharmacopuncture reporting guideline draft should include these details. Further investigations are warranted using the Delphi technique to reach agreement with clinical practitioners and clinical research experts.

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Jin Young Hong, Hyun Kim, Wan‐Jin Jeon, Changhwan Yeo, Junseon Lee, Hyunseong Kim, Yoon Jae Lee, In‐Hyuk Ha
JOR SPINE.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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