Acupuncture Medicine in the Century of Genome Medicine: Evidence from Genome Science / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Genome Medicine and Acupuncture Medicine have a common attempt to explain them with one keyword, that is, DNA and Qi. I was taught at Meiji University of Oriental Medicine that Oriental Medicine had the advantage of personalized treatment along with the individual's physical conditions while Western Medicine provides standardized treatment. In addition, treating Mibyou (potential disease) was considered. However, this priority is not unique to Oriental Medicine because Genome Medicine aims at personalized medicine or preventive medicine.<br>In this paper, I introduce 1) research trends towards personalized medicine, 2) reconstitution of genomic information and its clinical application, 3) the significance of acupuncture research from a genomic point of view and its achievements (Takaoka et al. Articles in Press, Physiol Genomics, March 6, 2007). This Special Lecture was updated with additional data and findings from Physiological Genomics.<br><br>“The most proper way to unify all disciplines is to study and unite them by yourself.” (“Challenges to Science” (in Japanese) by Professor Hitoshi Takeuchi and Professor Takeshi Umehara)