@article{Pan2026, 
author = {Weixing Pan},
title = {Reclassifying therapeutic strategies: The 5R model and role of acupuncture},
year = {2026},
journal = {Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {48-50},
keywords = {Alternative and complementary medicine, Acupuncture, Therapy},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.12.003},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.12.003},
abstract = {Mainstream medicine commonly categorizes acupuncture as “alternative and complementary,” a designation that reflects conceptual gaps in existing treatment classification systems. Integrating complementary medicine into the mainstream medical system requires a conceptual adjustment. Here, I propose a mechanism-based 5R classification—Removing, Repairing, Replacing, Replenishing, Regulating—to systematically categorize therapies. Based on this classification, acupuncture and its related interventions fall under functional regulation therapy. This framework offers a unified, functional perspective that facilitates the integration of complementary medicine into mainstream medical taxonomy.}
}