eCAM: Neuroendocrineimmune, Electroacupuncture and Gene Expression

As mentioned in the first issue of volume 7, there was a review of covers and how these images could have served to prick the imagination of readers and invite esthetic appreciation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) before opening the pages to the scientific evidence-based work; however, covers were intended to stimulate an interest in contemporary art and how it might be related remotely to art (1, 2). Essentially, all of the images might be considered as high art as related to high culture and much too complicated and perhaps even inappropriate here. Suffice it to say, the works would evoke immediately for initiated the usual forms of what everyone considers art is all about. However, to depart from these and the periods in CAM early I decided to place on the covers figures that at first glance might re-sample contemporary art. There are brilliant colors, especially greens and reds, some suggestion of order often in the midst of disorder. Now, we come to the second issue and start with the origin of a portion of the title neuroendocrineimmune and its first usage in relation to eCAM. Next, we will treat briefly a proteomic approach to electroacupuncture (EA), departing from classical guesses and providing sound molecular interpretations. Results are all embracing: the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. First, here is a very brief description of the covers for eCAM supplements (3, 4). Supplement 4: ETM 2007 European Traditional Medicine International Congress, Vinci, Italy, October 4–6, 2007. ‘Star of Bethlehem: (Family Liliaceae, Ornithogalum umbellatum L)’, Leonardo da Vinci, Italy; pen and ink over chalk on paper. Reproduced by the kind permission of the Royal Collection 2006 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The concept of nature is fundamental in Leonardo’s art. The Star of Bethlehem is an ornamental plant; the florescence can bear 20 flowers. It is a toxic plant and poisonous if ingested, it contains cardiac glycosides in all parts with the bulbs containing a higher percentage of the toxin. Preliminary studies in the 1970s were devoted to its possible treatment of heart failure but these were abandoned. Supplement 6: Sasang Constitutional Medicine: as a Holistic Tailored Medicine. The Banquet of Seowangmo (Xiwangmu), Queen Mother of the West. Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), 18–19th Century Screen/ Scroll, painting. Eight-panel screen, ink, color and gold on silk.