Integrative Medicine as a Measurable and Translational Scientific Discipline: A Section Editor’s Contribution

1. Introduction

Integrative Medicine has reached an important stage in its scientific evolution. Despite rising clinical and research interest, challenges remain regarding methodological rigor, reproducibility, and broad acceptance within biomedical research. Many studies are exploratory, rely on subjective outcomes, or lack mechanistic insight.

Advances in biomedical engineering, digital health technologies, systems medicine, and informatic and data science provide the tools to address these challenges. The Integrative Medicine Section of the Sci journal by MDPI is committed to supporting high-quality, methodologically robust, and translational research in this evolving field.

2. Conceptual Framework

The section views Integrative Medicine not as an alternative to evidence-based medicine but as a scientifically integrative approach that combines conventional medical knowledge with complementary interventions while adhering to modern standards of research.

The focus is on the integration of complementary therapies, objective and quantifiable measurement technologies, mechanistic and system-level analyses, and translational research strategies. The aim is to transition the field from descriptive or anecdotal research toward data-driven, mechanistically informed studies. Rather than adhering to so-called ‘eminence-based complementary medicine,’ our focus will be on ‘evidence-based complementary medicine,’ emphasizing approaches that are measurable, reproducible, and scientifically validated.

3. Scope of the Sci-Section

The Integrative Medicine Section of Sci welcomes original research, reviews, and communications in areas including, but not limited to the following:

• High-tech and device-assisted integrative therapies;
• Laser-based and technology-supported acupuncture;
• Objective physiological, biochemical, and imaging-based measurements;
• Biosignal analysis and wearable technologies;
• Systems medicine and network-based modeling;
• Mechanistic studies of integrative interventions;
• Translational research linking experimental findings to clinical application;
• Artificial intelligence and data-driven methods in integrative diagnostics.

Interdisciplinary studies bridging medicine with engineering, physics, or data science are particularly encouraged.

4. Methodological Considerations

Methodological transparency and rigor are essential for advancing Integrative Medicine. Submissions should provide clear study designs, appropriate statistical justification, detailed intervention parameters, and discussion of limitations and reproducibility.

Pilot and feasibility studies are welcome if their exploratory nature is clearly stated and contextualized scientifically.

5. Reproducibility and Scientific Balance

Replication studies, confirmatory research, and studies reporting neutral or negative results are explicitly encouraged. Building a reliable and balanced evidence base is critical for the long-term credibility of Integrative Medicine.

6. Peer Review and Scientific Dialog

The Integrative Medicine Section of Sci fosters constructive and transparent peer review, interdisciplinary evaluation, and open scientific dialog. The objective is to enhance scientific quality and rigor, rather than to advocate specific therapeutic viewpoints.

7. Outlook, Perspective

In response to the growing need for evidence-based integrative medical approaches, the Integrative Medicine Section of Sci offers an international forum for methodologically sound and technology-oriented research. Through objective measurement, mechanistic insight, and transparency, the section supports the responsible application of integrative medicine in contemporary healthcare.

To date, the Integrative Medicine Section of Sci has published a relatively small number of articles. However, these contributions have demonstrated high average access and download rates, indicating strong visibility and engagement within the research community. We look forward to receiving your submissions and contributions to this Q1 (Scopus) multidisciplinary journal, Sci, where innovative and methodologically rigorous integrative medicine research can reach a wide international audience.