Academic Collaboration Fuels Progress: The Triple‑Therapy Approach Writes a New Chapter! The 9th International Summit on the Triple Sequential Therapy for Rheumatology and Pain Concludes Successfully.

From June 11 to 13, 2026, the 24th Annual Academic Conference of the Rheumatic Diseases Professional Committee of the Chinese Association for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, together with the 9th International Summit Forum on the Triple‑Sequential Therapy for Rheumatism and Pain, was grandly held at the Qianhu Yingbin Hotel in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. Experts, scholars, and clinical physicians from across the country specializing in rheumatology, pain management, orthopedics, and related fields gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on key topics such as cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for rheumatic and painful conditions, the clinical application of triple‑sequential therapy, and innovative developments in the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Participants shared academic achievements, exchanged practical experience, and contributed to the standardization and wider dissemination of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for rheumatic and pain disorders. Nearly 400 experts and scholars attended the event in person, while over 5,000 others joined online.

Opening Remarks: Together, We Usher in a Grand Event

The conference opened with an inaugural address by a distinguished guest, followed by a series of compelling presentations from leading experts. Academician Liu Liang of the Chinese Academy of Engineering delivered a landmark report titled “Exploring New Pathways to Enhance Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases—Establishing Chronotherapy for Rheumatic Disorders,” offering attendees a cutting-edge discussion that combined profound academic insights with practical clinical value. Drawing on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “adapting treatment to the times,” he reviewed the Huangdi Neijing’s discussions on how the four seasons, lunar cycles, and circadian rhythms influence the human body, and shared his team’s research on time‑specific drug administration using sinomenine (Zhengqing Fengtongning). Building on this theoretical framework, Zhengqing Fengtongning Time‑Release Micro‑Pellet Capsules are soon to be launched, designed to precisely synchronize therapeutic effects with peak inflammatory periods, thereby providing a novel approach to the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions.

Academic Debate: A Summit of Intellectual Discourse

On the afternoon of June 12, the forum entered its core academic‑sharing session, with numerous industry experts taking the stage to present their latest research findings and clinical experience. Zhou Hua delivered an in-depth analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of sinomenine in treating rheumatoid arthritis; Huang Zhangxiang provided a detailed overview of the key clinical considerations for using Zhengqing Fengtongning in soft‑tissue release; Wei Qiancheng elucidated the “Technical Operation Guidelines for the Triple Sequential Therapy of Rheumatism and Pain in the Treatment of Elderly Osteoarthritis,” establishing standardized protocols for frontline clinical practice; and Wu Di, currently pursuing advanced studies at Harvard Medical School, shared online an innovative strategy combining sinomenine hydrochloride with cartilage organoids for the repair of early‑stage osteoarthritis. In addition, Li Juan reviewed recent advances in stereotactic interventional therapy for postherpetic neuralgia, while Chen Wei presented the development achievements of Hanshou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and its specialized departments.

During the case‑presentation session, experts including Yang Jie, Jiao Shuanghu, Chen Tianwu, Ye Xiaoling, Huang Wei, and Li Dengke each drew on representative clinical cases to share their experiences with the Six‑Point Cervical Acupuncture technique, the diagnosis and treatment of spondyloarthritis, and the three‑step sequential therapy for postoperative fracture rehabilitation. They also discussed the application of distinctive therapeutic approaches—such as “Zhengqing plus visualization technology” and “Zhengqing plus needle‑knife”—in conditions like cervical spondylosis, post‑stroke muscle spasticity, and knee joint disorders. The presentations were highly relevant to clinical practice and exceptionally practical. Each segment featured a dedicated moderator who skillfully managed the pace, fostering a vibrant academic atmosphere. Attendees listened attentively, engaged in lively exchanges, and gained valuable insights into innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Craftsmanship Builds Dreams, Role Models Shine

Every steadfast commitment to our original aspirations and every dedicated effort will serve as a testament to our honor. On the evening of June 12, the summit’s awards ceremony was held with great solemnity. The International Group of Rheumatology and Pain Physicians, together with the report on the “Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Towns” initiative, comprehensively reviewed the progress made under the program and the group’s interim achievements, while continuing to extend the three‑pronged sequential therapy for rheumatic and pain conditions to the grassroots level, ensuring that distinctive traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic and therapeutic techniques benefit communities at the community level.

Following the presentation, a plaque‑awarding ceremony was held at the venue to designate training bases for the rheumatology–pain triple‑sequential therapy. Institutions demonstrating both professional expertise and teaching capabilities were recognized, thereby supporting the standardized and large‑scale dissemination of these diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

National-level People’s Hospital of Liuhe District, Nanjing City

Provincial-level Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shaoyang Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Regional level Guangxin District People’s Hospital, Jinxian County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Qingtian County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xianfeng County TCM Hospital, China Rongtong Medical Group Qujing No. 69 Hospital, Gaozhou City TCM Hospital

Following the ceremony, two major recognition events were held: the award presentation for the 8th Zhengqing Cup “Best Joint Guardian” and the prize-giving for the Case Presentation Competition, honoring individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance in clinical diagnosis and treatment as well as in the dissemination of medical expertise.

The Best Joint Protector Li Dengke, Ye Xiaoling, Jiao Shuanghu, Liu Dan, Huang Wei

Excellent Joint Guardian Chen Wenqi, Gong Chongjiu, Tao Yinli, Zhu Guang, Yang Jie, Li Wei

Winner’s Award in the Case Presentation Competition Huang Wei, Li Dengke, Yang Jie

Excellent Award in the Case Presentation Competition Ye Xiaoling, Jiao Shuanghu, Chen Tianwu

Joining hands to embark on a new journey together.

Shared ideals converge into a powerful driving force for progress. In his address at the awards ceremony, Academician Liu Liang noted that the nine‑year‑long Summit Forum has passed on its torch, establishing a high‑level platform for the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the mutual exchange of technologies, and the sharing of clinical experience. This year’s conference featured scholarly presentations that squarely addressed pressing clinical challenges and focused on the cutting edge of the discipline, continually enriching and refining the diagnostic and therapeutic framework for rheumatic pain and steadily elevating the overall standard of care in China. He pointed out that the field of rheumatic pain is currently advancing along three major axes—digitalization, standardization, and grassroots outreach—and that, leveraging the TCM Hengqin domain‑specific large model, it is possible to achieve human–machine collaborative personalized treatment, thereby supporting the sector’s transition toward digital intelligence and precision medicine. The academician emphasized that the “Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Towns” initiative serves as a vital vehicle for fulfilling the original aspiration of strengthening primary healthcare and improving people’s well‑being, and the practical achievements of Hanshou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital underscore the robust vitality of distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques when rooted at the community level. Looking ahead, the hospital will continue to build on the Hengqin large model, the Three‑Link Sequential Therapy, and the “Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Towns” program, deepening its commitment to primary care, enhancing academic exchange and talent development, and ensuring that the unique therapies of traditional Chinese medicine benefit an even broader population.

In his address, Wu Feichi, Chairman of the Zhengqing Group, reviewed the company’s more than thirty-year journey of deep engagement in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. He highlighted that Zhengqing Fengtongning has achieved remarkable results—“one world‑first and six national firsts”—and that its three‑part sequential therapy for rheumatic and pain conditions, as a national-level TCM science and technology promotion project, has been implemented in over 10,000 medical institutions nationwide. After nine years of dedicated effort, the forum has remained true to its original mission of “unveiling TCM through science and technology” and its vision of “a world without pain.” Currently, the “Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Townships” initiative has been incorporated into the National Key R&D Program for Strengthening Foundations, steadily advancing toward the goal of “establishing a presence in a thousand counties and reaching ten thousand townships.” Looking ahead, he stated that the company will focus on four key areas—cultivating talent, streamlining supply chains, harnessing intelligent technologies, and setting industry standards—to enhance its systems for talent development, supply‑chain services, smart diagnostics and treatment, and specialized department building, thereby forging a replicable and scalable model for county‑level healthcare.

Ideas converge and collide, while wisdom is passed down from one generation to the next. The conference has established an efficient platform for academic exchange, significantly strengthening communication and collaboration in the fields of rheumatology and pain management, and building strong momentum for innovative disciplinary development. Experts in attendance shared cutting-edge concepts, engaged in lively intellectual dialogue, and jointly outlined a new vision for the advancement of diagnosis and treatment in rheumatology and pain care. We look forward to all colleagues uniting their efforts and moving forward together, continuously driving the field of rheumatology and pain management to new heights.