In May 2024, the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Miyagi Conference, was held in Sendai city under the title of " Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Connection, Communication, and Utilization - Exploring Diversity and Developing Cooperative Medicine-". Overcoming the "fracture of connections" caused by disasters and pandemics, this congress organized to connect people involved in acupuncture and moxibustion, deepen mutual understanding, and find a direction to contribute to society. In the future, we believe that the entire academic society will work together to raise the level of acupuncture and moxibustion from a cycle in which advanced treatment techniques are disseminated, clinical research is advanced, and research results are applied to each treatment.

Herein, acupuncture medicine that incorporates the knowledge of family medicine will be referred to as "family acupuncture medicine". Acupuncture clinic management requires a balance between treatment philosophy and management philosophy, and knowledge of family medicine is useful with regard to an "academic field for research into human aspects", which learning is a requisite for management.Family medicine is comprised of three aspects, those being "patient-centered medicine", "family-oriented care", and "community-based primary care", with this definition being the same as primary care. In order to manage an acupuncture clinic that will be of use in the community, it is necessary to learn not only treatment-related technology but also family medicine, and to practice community based primary care using patient-centered medicine methods, family-oriented care, and community outreach.The continuing decrease in the population of Japan means that there is little leeway in the national budget, and it is believed that there will be a demand for acupuncture clinics that practice family medicine focused on preventative measures.

When learners fail to achieve results despite their efforts, various factors may contribute to this failure. This article will focus on cases of "not knowing how to learn" and "large variation in strengths and weaknesses" among learners. Regarding learning, we will introduce theories of "attention," "short-term memory," "encoding," and "long-term memory" based on the "multi store model of memory" form cognitive psychology. Regarding variations in strengths and weaknesses, we will focus on neurodevelopmental characteristics of developmental disabilities, such as "sensory bias," "difficulty in imagining, integrating information, and allocating attention," "weakness in working memory," and "impulsivity." This paper will explore the reasons for and countermeasures against difficulties in learning achievement from these and "metacognition" perspectives.

The Japan-Korea Symposium was held on Saturday, May 25th, 2024 as a special program in the 73rd Conference of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Miyagi. The topic of the symposium was "The Collaborative Education and Treatment utilizing Acupuncture", which was introduced previously at the Korea-Japan Symposium during the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine Society (KAMMS) in Seoul, Korea in November, 2023. In this article, we summarize the overview of the symposium.

A symposium was organized by the Meridians and Acupuncture Points Committee of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (JSAM) with the theme "A detailed explanation of acupuncture points from the viewpoints of education, clinical practice and research - about SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), and GV20 (Baihui)" at the 73rd Annual Meeting of JSAM in Miyagi. During the symposium, Commissioner Nakamura elucidated the significance of acupuncture points from an educational standpoint, highlighting their importance in the training of acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners. He expounded upon the meanings and precise locations of the three acupuncture points, emphasizing the importance of safe acupuncture practices. Additionally, he underscored the pivotal role of education in bridging the gap between clinical practice and research. From a clinical perspective, Commissioner Yamami provided an in-depth explanation of the fundamental tenets of acupuncture points, including their primary modalities, distinctive attributes, and the extraction of acupuncture points from authoritative texts on meridians and acupuncture points. He further elaborated on the specific reactions, treatment modalities, and indications of the three acupuncture points in clinical practice, noting that the ideas underpinning research originate from clinical experiences. Standardization and accuracy of education are necessary to enhance safety and effectiveness in clinical practice. From a research perspective, Commissioner Koido analyzed data from 2019 to 2023 using national and international databases to elucidate the status of target diseases and stimulation methods in clinical trials involving the three meridians. The findings revealed that the three acupuncture points are extensively employed in both national and international clinical trials across a broad spectrum of diseases, with various stimulation techniques being utilized.

The 73rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion was held in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. The symposium "Disaster and Acupuncture and Moxibustion" was held on May 26, 2024, included presentations on the following topics: Disaster and Traditional Medicine (Kampo medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion); support for the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent efforts as a business organization,; the potential of acupuncture and moxibustion to expand through long-term support for disaster relief; the challenges of disaster acupuncture and moxibustion; the non-technical and technical skills required in disaster areas. Finally, we discussed issues and future prospects for disaster-related acupuncture and moxibustion massage. In Japan, where the frequency of natural disasters is relatively high, disaster relief activities are one of the acupuncture and moxibustion activities that can contribute to addressing social issues. This report summarizes the contents of this symposium.

In the 2023 Guidelines for the Treatment of Facial Nerve Palsy, which were revised for the first time in 12 years, recommendations were made for two clinical questions regarding acupuncture and moxibustion: 1) Is acupuncture and moxibustion effective for early recovery from paralysis (acute phase) and 2) Is acupuncture and moxibustion effective for reducing symptoms of sequelae (chronic phase).　This paper describes the purpose of the guidelines, the process of creating them, the CQs for paralysis, and the use of the guidelines; the evidence for rehabilitation and the role played by certified rehabilitation instructors from the Japanese Facial Neurology Society; and the evidence for acupuncture and its role in treating paralysis.　In the future, the role of acupuncturists will be to work closely with medical institutions to understand the stage of paralysis, and to provide acupuncture and moxibustion treatment and self-care guidance according to the stage of the disease.

[Objective] In Japan, pediatric acupuncture and moxibustion are practiced mainly in the Kansai region, and the influence of treatment experience by close relatives has been suggested to influence the treatment behavior. On the other hand, the rate of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in Japan has been declining, and the nuclear family is also increasing.　Based on the above, we decided to conduct an awareness survey of parents regarding their expectations and concerns about pediatric acupuncture in order to understand the issues involved in receiving pediatric acupuncture treatment.[Subjects and Methods] The survey was conducted from May to December 2016 among 50 parents who participated in a self-care workshop for children and their parents held in Tokyo. The survey was a questionnaire, in which the parents' age, gender, relationship with their children, employment status and childcare support status, and age and gender of their children were ascertained.　Massage was also used as a control, and a five-item method was used with acupuncture and massage as independent variables and expectations and anxiety as dependent variables. Expectations consisted of eight items related to symptoms, such as 『childhood neurosis and asthma』, and five items related to general questions, such as 『disease prevention and relaxation』. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare acupuncture and massage.[Results] Respondents were 35.0 years old (median), 92% were women, 94% were mothers, 98% were nuclear families, 46% were working parents, 44% were housewives/househusbands, 68% had concerns about childcare, and 92% had someone to talk to about childcare.　The children were 1 year (median) and 50% were girls, 48% were boys, and 94% were singletons.　In expectation, the scores for each item were high for both acupuncture and massage (3.0-4.6 points: mean), and there was no significant difference between the two.　For anxiety, acupuncture and moxibustion scored significantly higher than massage in terms of worsening symptoms, hygiene, and effectiveness.[Discussion and Conclusion] The parents of health-conscious children attending the workshop had high expectations for pediatric acupuncture and massage, but were more concerned about worsening symptoms, hygiene, and effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion compared to massage.　Based on the above, we believe that acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners updating and complying with information on findings and safety measures and disseminating this information to the public at large will lead to further promotion of the behavior of receiving acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain. First, factors influencing treatment outcomes were identified using multiple regression analysis. Second, factors related to treatment selection were identified using logistic regression analysis. Third, the effects of non-electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture were compared using propensity score matching. [Subjects and Methods] This study utilized a retrospective observational design, enrolling participants based on the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision. In the multiple regression analysis, the dependent variable was the change in Visual Analogue Scale score before and after treatment, and in the logistic regression analysis, the dependent variable was the presence or absence of electroacupuncture. To compare the therapeutic effects of the non-electroacupuncture group and the electroacupuncture group, propensity scores were calculated based on factors related to treatment selection, and matching was performed to adjust the background characteristics of the two groups. The change in pain intensity was compared between the two groups using a two-sample t-test. [Results] First, in the multiple regression analysis, the initial Visual Analogue Scale score, Body Mass Index, and Undergoing electroacupuncture treatment were significantly associated with the change in pain before and after treatment. Second, the logistic regression analysis indicated that previous acupuncture experience and gender were related to treatment selection. Third, the comparison between the two groups revealed that the change in pain intensity was significantly greater in the electroacupuncture group (p = 0.03). [Discussion] The influence of initial Visual Analogue Scale score and Body Mass Index on treatment outcomes was consistent with previous studies. Regarding treatment selection, it was suggested that there is a tendency to avoid high-intensity treatments such as electroacupuncture for patients without prior acupuncture experience. The comparison between the non-electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture groups showed that both treatments resulted in a reduction in pain exceeding the minimum clinically important difference, indicating that both methods may be effective for pain management. [Conclusion] In patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain, electroacupuncture may be more effective than non-electroacupuncture, suggesting a greater therapeutic effect.

[Introduction] Previous researches have suggested that safety education in acupuncture and moxibustion training schools may be insufficient. Inadequate training could lead to students exhibiting unsafe behaviors during practical sessions, potentially resulting in unsafe practices in their future clinical environments. Thus, this study aims to identify and analyze the actual unsafe behaviors exhibited by students during acupuncture and moxibustion practical skills.[Subjects and Methods] This observational study was conducted with 18 university students enrolled in acupuncture and moxibustion training programs (12 third-year students [5 females], 6 fourth-year students [2 females]; mean age 21.06 years [SD = 0.68]). All participants provided informed consent. The students were recorded during their practical skills, and their unsafe behaviors were later documented by observers using a pre-established checklist while reviewing the footage. Unsafe behaviors that were not listed in the checklist were recorded in a free description section.[Results] A total of 21 types of unsafe behaviors were observed (9 from the checklist and 12 from the free description section). The checklist identified behaviors such as "failure to disinfect hands immediately before touching the patient," "failure to disinfect hands immediately after touching the patient," and "touching potentially contaminated substances," all of which were observed in all 18 students, with occurrence rates exceeding 20%. Other behaviors observed by more than one person included "failure to disinfect the treatment area after needle removal," "inadequate palpation," and "reuse of single-use needles." In the free description section, behaviors such as "unnecessarily touching patient roles," "returning used alcohol swabs to the container," and "reuse of alcohol swabs" were noted in multiple students. For these behaviors that were performed by multiple people, there was a bias in the incidence of those who exhibited the behavior between grades.[Discussion] The occurrence of unsafe behaviors during practical skills may be attributed to inconsistent safety protocols, human error, and various psychological factors. To reduce these behaviors, it is necessary to implement standardized educational methods and address psychological and other factors, in addition to the existing safety education.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to elucidate the awareness of Generative AI among students. To this end, fundamental data was collected through an awareness survey.[Methods] The survey targeted 103 students enrolled in four Anma, Massage, and Acupuncture teacher training institutions nationwide. It was conducted anonymously using Google Forms from October to November 2023.[Results] Fifty-seven people responded (response rate: 55.3％). The main results are as follows：1. Thoughts (impressions) on Generative AI: A relatively large number of students (38.6％) had "expectations" for Generative AI, while those who felt "resistance" were in the minority (24.6％).2. Awareness of the reliability, safety, and efficiency of Generative AI: Opinions were divided on reliability, with 42.1％ saying "it's a little high" and 26.3％ saying "it's a little low." Safety was also rated low, with 43.9％ saying "it's a little low."3. Opinions on the use of Generative AI in the classroom: The most common response to the use of Generative AI was "somewhat in favor" at 47.4％, with 21.1％ of students actively in favor.4. Usefulness of Generative AI as a teaching material: Regarding the usefulness of Generative AI as a teaching material, 45.6％ said "it's somewhat useful," while 24.6％ said "I don't know."5. Impact on learning skills: While many students expressed concern that Generative AI would have a negative impact on their "writing ability" and "thinking ability," many expressed hopes that it would have a positive impact on their "reading ability" and "questioning ability."[Discussion and Conclusion] This survey revealed that while students have high expectations for generative AI, they also have anxiety and resistance. It was also shown that while many students expect it to improve work efficiency, they have concerns about its reliability and safety. Furthermore, while opinions about its use in the educational field are positive, careful consideration is required regarding its impact on learning skills.

[Introduction] The domestic market for medical devices is expected to increase steadily against the backdrop of growing medical needs due to the aging population. This will create more business opportunities for medical device manufacturers. However, clarity regarding the domestic market for the medical device category "acupuncture and moxibustion apparatus" is poor, and information is lacking for companies to use when considering implementing new business development strategies.[Materials and Methods] Data from the "Statistics of Production by Pharmaceutical Industry" for the last five years (2019-2023) were used as the information source, and medical devices categorized as "acupuncture and moxibustion apparatus" were analyzed.[Results] The average domestic market size (production value + import value - export value) for acupuncture and moxibustion devices over the past five years was 7,141,948,800 JPY (95% confidence interval: 6,095,584,238-8,112,805,362), and the average annual growth rate was -4.29%. In terms of the average annual growth rate by generic name, "home-use affixed contact grains" (12.8%) had the largest growth rate; "warm moxibustion devices" (9.3%) and "non-invasive home-use acupuncture and moxibustion devices" (5.7%) showed positive growth; while "reusable acupuncture needles" (-1.3%), sterilized needles" (-5.8%), and "non-active contact needles" (-23.8%) showed negative growth.[Conclusion] Among devices in the category "acupuncture and moxibustion devices", "home-use affixed contact grains", "warm moxibustion devices", and "non-invasive home-use acupuncture and moxibustion devices" showed positive growth over the past five years. Thus, these are the medical device categories for which new business development can be expected.