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OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine

(ISSN 2573-4393)

OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine is an international peer-reviewed Open Access journal published quarterly online by LIDSEN Publishing Inc. It covers all evidence-based scientific studies on integrative, alternative and complementary approaches to improving health and wellness.

Topics contain but are not limited to:

  • Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Acupotomy
  • Bioelectromagnetics applications
  • Pharmacological and biological treatments including their efficacy and safety
  • Diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • Herbal medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Manual healing methods (e.g., massage, physical therapy)
  • Kinesiology
  • Mind/body interventions
  • Preventive medicine
  • Research in integrative medicine
  • Education in integrative medicine
  • Related policies

It publishes a variety of article types: original research, review, communication, opinion, case report, study protocol, comment, conference report, technical note, book review, etc.

There is no restriction on paper length, provided that the text is concise and comprehensive. Authors should present their results in as much detail as possible, as reviewers are encouraged to emphasize scientific rigor and reproducibility. 

Indexing: DOAJ-Directory of Open Access Journals.

Archiving: full-text archived in CLOCKSS.

Rapid publication: manuscripts are undertaken in 6.1 days from acceptance to publication (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2020, 1-2 days of FREE language polishing time is also included in this period). A first decision provided to authors of manuscripts submitted to this journal are approximately 3.5 weeks (median values) after submission.

Current Issue: 2020  Archive: 2019 2018 2017 2016

Special Issue

Experience and activities of the Regional Tuscan Centre for Integrative Medicine

Submission Deadline: October 30, 2018 (Open) Submit Now

Guest Editor

Elio Rossi, MD

1. Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy
2. Homeopathic Centre of Lucca, Local Health Unit Tuscany north-west, Italy

Website | E-Mail

Research Interests: infectious diseases; homeopathy; complementary medicine

Co-Editors

Sonia Baccetti, MD

Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine

E-Mail

Mariella Di Stefano

Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine

E-Mail

About This Topic

The integration of complementary medicine (CM) in the regional public health of Tuscany started in the Nineties; it is widely considered the most relevant experience in Italy.

In 2005 based on a sufficient level of evidence, four CM - acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy and manual medicine - were included in the regional Essential Levels of Assistance. In the same year, a regional law stipulated to provide CM to Tuscan citizens in the public health system. In 2007, the regional Law n. 9 regulated training and accreditation of professionals and schools in acupuncture, herbal medicine and homeopathy.

This integration in the healthcare public service guarantees safety to citizens, since CM are subject to the same rules of official medicine and must respond to the same criteria of quality and appropriateness.

According to recent regulation, the priority areas where the Tuscan regional health system must provide CM services to Tuscan citizens are cancer care, pain control, promotion of physiological childbirth in low-risk pregnancies, gender medicine, prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections and atopic diseases in childhood and adulthood.

The last survey (2016) reported that public clinics providing CM in the regional healthcare system of Tuscany were 85 for 36,290 visits in that year.

Planned Papers

Editorial
Elio Rossi, Local Health Unit Tuscany north-west

The process of integration of complementary medicines in public healthcare service of Tuscany
Katia Belvedere, Directorate Citizen’s Rights and Social Cohesion, Region of Tuscany

Acupuncture for secondary symptoms of menopause
Valeria Monechi, Local Health Unit Tuscany centre

The experience of the Integrated Medicine Hospital in Pitigliano
Simonetta Bernardini, Local Health Unit Tuscany south-east

Interactions herbs /drugs
Fabio Firenzuoli, Careggi University Hospital Florence

Integrative anesthesia in breast cancer surgery
Filippo Bosco, Pisa University Hospital

Integrative approach to the treatment of diabetes
Rosaria Ferreri, Local Health Unit Tuscany south-east

Acupuncture in palliative care
Franco Cracolici, Local Health Unit Tuscany south-east

Homeopathic treatment of atopic diseases
Elio Rossi, Local Health Unit Tuscany north-west

Homeopathy for paediatric patients
Maria Marchitiello, Local Health Unit Tuscany north-west

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in breast cancer: pain and hot flashes
Sonia Baccetti, Local Health Unit Tuscany centre

Complementary medicine and lifestyles. A regional survey
Mariella Di Stefano, Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine

Chinese Medicine for breech position
Elena Cerri, Local Health Unit Tuscany north-west

Acupuncture for chemo-related nausea and vomiting
Carmelo Guido, Careggi University Hospital Florence

Complementary medicine in the programs of Tuscan health international cooperation
Maria José Caldés Pinilla, Global Health Centre, Region of Tuscany

Publication

Open Access Research Article

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Acupuncture, Plum Blossom, and Auriculotherapy in Treating Pain and Hot Flashes in Breast cancer Patients: An Observational Retrospective Study

Received: 27 September 2018;  Published: 25 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1904061

Abstract

Background: Pain and vasomotor symptoms are common side effects in breast cancer patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be an option of care for these side effects in a multidisciplinary pathway. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if TCM is safe and effective in hot flashes and [...]
Open Access Review

Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology: A Clinical Up-Date

Received: 27 September 2018;  Published: 18 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1904060

Abstract

In this article we shortly inform about the most important mechanisms lying at the basis of herb-drug interactions (HDI). We summarized the best known and relevant ones emerging from clinical evidence. The last part is dedicated to cancer patients
Open Access Research Article

Preliminary Long-Term Results of Homeopathic Treatment of Atopic Diseases in Adult Patients

Received: 01 November 2018;  Published: 20 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902038

Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of homeopathic treatment on adult patients with atopic diseases visited at the Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca (Italy) and long-term evolution of the disease over approximately an 8-year period. Materials and Methods: Data derive from an observational longitudinal study carried [...]
Open Access Research Article

Lifestyles and Complementary Medicine: A Survey in the Region of Tuscany

Received: 27 September 2018;  Published: 28 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902029

Abstract

Background: According to the international literature, users of Complementary Medicine (CM), Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) are more active, less overweight and have healthier lifestyles. Aim: To evaluate the lifestyle of patients of CM [...]
Open Access Original Research

Observational Study on Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Preliminary Data

Received: 26 September 2018;  Published: 28 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902028

Abstract

Introduction: Pain in musculoskeletal disorders is a common problem that involves high social and individual costs. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials show that a number of treatments usually applied in this field are not effective. On the other hand, there is clinical evidence of t [...]
Open Access Research Article

Integrated Medicine Strongly Improves Post-Stroke Rehabilitative Performance in a Public Health Facility in Italy

Received: 30 September 2018;  Published: 17 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902024

Abstract

Background - Since 2011, the Tuscany Regional Authority has been funding the use of Integrated Medicine (IM) in a clinical setting in Pitigliano Hospital, with the aim of testing the true efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) in a hospital setting. The clinical setting also compris [...]
Open Access Communication

The Process of Integration of Complementary Medicines in Public Healthcare Service of Tuscany (Italy)

Received: 22 February 2019;  Published: 10 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902022

Abstract

Background. Complementary Medicine (CM) is being increasingly used by European citizens in order to increase their overall health state and wellbeing, as well as to treat various illnesses and diseases. Aim. Describe the pathway and results of the integration process of complementary medicines in t [...]
Open Access Original Research

Acupuncture for Chemo-Related Nausea and Vomiting

Received: 29 September 2018;  Published: 28 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901020

Abstract

(1) Background: In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques have become very widespread; among these, acupuncture can play an important role in the treatment of adverse effects related to chemotherapy. This role has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health af [...]
Open Access Research Article

Integrated Oncology in an Integrated Medicine Hospital in Pitigliano (Grosseto, Italy)

Received: 29 September 2018;  Published: 01 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901008

Abstract

Background. Complementary medicines (CM: homeopathy and acupuncture/traditional Chinese medicine) have been introduced for cancer patients under treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the Pitigliano Hospital Centre of Integrated Medicine to minimize the side effects of these treatments, imp [...]
Open Access Original Research

Acupuncture in Palliative Care

Received: 14 October 2018;  Published: 30 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901006

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture is an innovative and scientific supported option to treat oncological patients and seems to be an effective palliative care option. In the region of Tuscany, at the Palliative Care Department of “Misericordia” Grosseto Hospital a real integration of acupuncture in Palliative [...]
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