An introduction to traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture

As an independent medical system, the scientific value behind traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining appreciation because of growing evidence about mechanisms and efficacy. The aim of this special issue is to introduce this ancient medicine to readers through the compiled research papers focusing on TCM. The papers in this issue cover many research fields such as TCM theory, traditional Chinese prescription, syndrome biomarkers, and acupuncture. In particular for acupuncture, the focus on the history of acupuncture, the importance of precise acupoint positioning, the effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling among patients with shoulder pain, and the effect of electroacupuncture on senile plaque and insulin signaling pathway in the olfactory bulb of transgenic mice. By combining, the papers in this issue and TCM papers published elsewhere provide scientific evidence to improve understanding this ancient Oriental form of medicine.