A catalyst for traditional medicine: AI as a scientific, standardized, and regulated bridge

The convergence of traditional medicine and artificial intelligence represents a pivotal moment, offering an unparalleled opportunity to advance the field. As a neurophysiologist whose work has long focused on bridging ancient practices with modern science, Ji-Sheng Han is a firm advocate for the scientific, standardized, and regulated development of traditional medicine. His decades of research into the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture, which demonstrated its analgesic effects through the release of endogenous opioid peptides, were guided by this very principle. This journey, culminating in the development of the Han's Acupoint Nerve Stimulator (HANS) and the establishment of ISO standards for electroacupuncture 1 , 2 , 3 , proved that traditional therapies can be understood and validated through a scientific framework. Today, AI provides the next logical step in this modernization process. It serves as a powerful catalyst for achieving these three critical goals. AI's capabilities in data analysis and pattern recognition can drive scientific discovery by uncovering the complex mechanisms underlying traditional treatments 4 . It can facilitate standardization by providing objective metrics and consistent protocols for diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, AI tools can support the regulation of practice by offering rigorous, evidence-based guidelines and ensuring safety and efficacy. However, this integration must be approached with a deep understanding of its ethical dimensions and the fundamental role of human connection in medicine. The future of traditional medicine does not lie in AI replacing physicians, but rather in a powerful synergy between human wisdom and technological precision. We must develop AI systems that augment, not diminish, the crucial doctor-patient relationship. This requires a commitment to ethical guidelines that protect patient data, ensure transparency in AI-driven decisions, and preserve the compassionate, holistic care that is the core of our tradition. By guarding the tradition while innovating, we can leverage AI to make traditional medicine more rigorous, reproducible, and accessible for a global audience, thereby contributing to a new paradigm of global health.