Date: 17 October, 2026
Venue: Aula Parva, Vilnius University, Universiteto St 3, Vilnius
Organizers: Confucius Institute at Vilnius University and VU Faculty of Medicine
Conference language: English
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Healthcare professionals with an interest in medical acupuncture and its integration into clinical practice, with particular relevance to CAM (PASP) acupuncture practitioners.
Continuing Professional Development: 5 CPD hours, recognised according to the relevant professional competencies.
CONFERENCE AIM
To provide healthcare professionals with relevant, evidence-based knowledge of the mechanisms of action of medical acupuncture, its clinical applications, safety, and integration into multidisciplinary patient care, as well as to introduce Lithuanian and international clinical experience and the prospects for further development in this field.
CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION
The International Conference on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Medical Acupuncture in Lithuania will bring together Lithuanian and international medical, rehabilitation, and acupuncture professionals to discuss the scientific evidence surrounding modern acupuncture, its mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and integration into contemporary healthcare.
The scientific programme will present current research on the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of acupuncture, the principles of evidence-based medical acupuncture, and international clinical experience. Dedicated presentations will explore the application of acupuncture in integrative oncology, mental health, reproductive medicine and infertility treatment, pain management, and other areas of clinical medicine.
The conference will also present the current situation of acupuncture within the framework of complementary and alternative healthcare (PASP) in Lithuania, including acupuncture regulation, professional training, professional competencies, and opportunities for further integration into the Lithuanian healthcare system.
The conference will conclude with a round-table discussion, during which Lithuanian and international experts will discuss the role of medical acupuncture in contemporary, evidence-based, patient-centred healthcare, its development prospects in Lithuania and Europe, and answer questions from conference participants.
REGISTRATION TO THE CONFERENCE
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME / PROGRAMA LIETUVIŠKAI (Press title to download)
08:30-09:00 Registration
09:00-09:10 Opening & Welcome
Vilnius University Confucius Institute
09:10-10:05 | Dr. Ian Appleyard, PhD. Email
Interpreting Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture: Resolving a Paradox
45-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A
Abstract
High-quality research demonstrates that acupuncture is superior to usual care for chronic pain.
However, there is only a small difference when it is compared to placebo. This has led to controversy
regarding how the results should be interpreted and to the so-called paradox of acupuncture research.
This presentation takes a close look at how results were interpreted in the NICE clinical guidelines for
osteoarthritis, where misunderstandings about acupuncture, inappropriate placebo controls, and
different assessment criteria resulted in a recommendation not to use acupuncture. In the interest of
patients, a more nuanced approach is required.
10:05-11:00 | Dr. Beverley de Valois, PhD, LicAc FBAcC MBLS. Email
Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship
45-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A
Abstract
This talk will introduce the concept of cancer survivorship. It will address the issues faced by people
with and beyond diagnosis and treatment, and discuss how acupuncture can be used in supportive
care to address emotional and physical symptoms and support resilience. The evidence for
acupuncture in integrative oncology will also be presented.
11:00-11:20 COFFEE BREAK
11:20-12:15 | Dr. Federico Campos, MD, MSc. Email
Medical Acupuncture in Mental Health
45-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A
Abstract
This talk will explore the mechanisms through which medical acupuncture may influence mental
health. It will review the current evidence and clinical applications of acupuncture as an adjunctive
intervention for common mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Practical
considerations for integrating acupuncture safely into clinical care will also be discussed.
12:15-13:15 LUNCH BREAK
13:15-13:50 | Dr. Mindaugas Liškauskas, MD. Email
Acupuncture and Infertility: An Integrative Approach to Western
Pathophysiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Clinical Evidence
30-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A
Abstract
This lecture will explore infertility from both Western biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine
perspectives, focusing on the role of acupuncture as a complementary approach to conventional
fertility care. Current clinical evidence and proposed physiological mechanisms will be discussed
alongside key TCM concepts and acupuncture strategies used in reproductive health.
13:50-14:25 | Dr. Dainius Butvilas, PhD. Email
The Unlimited Limits of Acupuncture? Reflecting on the Experience of Treating 10,000 Cases
30-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A
Abstract
Drawing on more than 20 years of clinical experience treating patients with a wide range of conditions,
Dr Butvilas will discuss the strengths and limitations of acupuncture as a therapeutic modality, as well
as its clinical indications and contraindications.
14:25-14:40 COFFEE BREAK
14:40-15:10 | Dr. Nadja Gircis Satyro, MD. Email
Medical Acupuncture in Lithuania: Building Bridges Between Science, Clinical
Practice and International Collaboration
30-minute presentation
Abstract
This presentation will provide an overview of the development of medical acupuncture in Lithuania,
focusing on education, regulation and clinical practice. It will explore opportunities for integrating
evidence-based medical acupuncture into multidisciplinary, patient-centred healthcare and
rehabilitation, while highlighting the importance of international collaboration for its future
development.
15:10-15:55 Round-Table Discussion & Audience Q&A
From Evidence to Integration: The Future of Medical
Acupuncture
15:55-16:05 Closing Remarks
Dr. Nadja Gircis Satyro
Conference duration: 09:00-16:05
The programme subject to minor changes.
For any inquiries please contact