Scientific Programme
The symposium will feature an outstanding scientific program, consisting of plenary keynote speeches from renowned scientists around the world, sessions from experts across countries. The location of the symposium venue is International Conference Hall at Li Fu Education Building of China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan.
Programme Overview
PK1. Plenary Keynote
Dr. Wolf Marx, Ph.D. | Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods: Emerging Evidence Linking Industrial Diets to Depression
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defined by the NOVA classification as industrial formulations composed largely of refined ingredients and additives, now account for over half of daily energy intake in many high- income countries and are rapidly rising worldwide. While their role in cardiometabolic disease is well established, evidence increasingly implicates UPFs in the development and course of mental health disorders, particularly depression. This plenary will synthesise the current state of knowledge on UPFs and mental health, integrating data from large-scale observational studies, mechanistic research, and emerging intervention trials. Prospective cohort studies across the United States, Brazil, and Australia consistently show that individuals with the highest UPF consumption have a 30–50% greater risk of developing depression compared to those with the lowest intake, even after adjusting for confounders. Potential biological mechanisms include nutrient dilution, chronic inflammation, gut–brain axis disruption, oxidative stress, and direct neurobiological effects of additives such as artificial sweeteners. Early intervention trials, including the SMILES and AMMEND studies, demonstrate that dietary improvement—marked by substantial reductions in UPF intake—can significantly reduce depressive symptoms, suggesting a potential causal link. The presentation will conclude by outlining key research priorities, including disentangling specific components of UPFs that drive mental health risk, identifying vulnerable populations, and integrating dietary strategies into mental health care and policy. Together, this evidence underscores the need to consider UPF consumption as a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and treatment of depression and calls for a paradigm shift in how diet is addressed in mental health research and practice.
PK2. Plenary Keynote
Prof. Hung-Rong Yen, MD, Ph.D. | When "West" meets "East": "WE" together promote health through integrative medicine
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been one of the major therapeutic approaches in Taiwan’s healthcare system, with approximately 30% of the population regularly utilizing TCM services. Common modalities—such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and traumatology—are widely applied in immune, endocrine metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. Through nationwide health insurance databases and clinical studies, we investigated the application and effectiveness of integrative medicine combining TCM and Western medicine. The studies examined disease prevalence, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes across multiple chronic and complex conditions. Integrative approaches demonstrated significant benefits in improving patient outcomes and quality of life, particularly among individuals with atopic dermatitis, asthma, depression, cancer, fibromyalgia, and so on. Evidence from real-world data and clinical studies revealed that integrative interventions can alleviate symptom severity, reduce dependence on pharmacological treatments, and enhance overall well- being. These findings underscore Taiwan’s role as a living model of integrative medicine, where “West” and “East” work collaboratively to advance person-centered healthcare. The “WE” paradigm represents not only the fusion of two medical systems but also a shared vision of global health promotion grounded in compassion, scientific rigor, and holistic healing.
S11. When West Meet East (I)
Session Summary:
Acupuncture entails using needles to stimulate specific areas of the body to produce beneficial clinical effects. While it has been employed to treat a variety of disorders, its role in pain management has drawn the most scientific interest in recent years. Previous experiences and expectations can influence how tactile sensations are perceived. In this session, we will explore (1) the cognitive and emotional aspects of acupuncture beyond the physical act of needling, and (2) how expectation and contextual framing significantly influence our perception of symptoms, treatments, and bodily states. (3) aspects from TCM diagnosis of mental health and pain comobidity via traditional methods and modern technology, and finally (4) the possible mechanism that link each together.
Speakers:
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(Chair) Prof. Younbyoung Chae, KMD, Ph.D. | From Perception to Prescription: Understanding Acupuncture through Cognition and Data Science
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Prof. In-Seon Lee, KMD, Ph.D. | The Brain on Expectation: Modulation of Pain, Treatment, and Perception
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Dr. Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, MD, Ph.D. | Exploring Mental Health Pattern with Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Methods and Modern Technology
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Prof. Jihoon Jung, Ph.D. | Integrative regulation of p53, c-Myc and ferroptosis by novel genes and Korean medicine: Relevance to cancerand immunity
S21. When West Meet East (II)
Session Summary:
This thematic session explores the intersection of traditional medicine and mental health, highlighting cross-cultural approaches and empirical research from Korea and Taiwan. Four presenters will share their findings on the integration of traditional East Asian medical concepts with modern psychiatric assessments and interventions.
Prof. Jongwoo Kim will introduce the development of Korean Medicine clinical practice guidelines for mental disorders such as Hwabyung and autonomic dysfunction, emphasizing diagnostic methods and evidence-based traditional treatments.
Dr. Seok-In Yoon will report on a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of Mindfulness and Qigong Training for Self-Healing (MQT-SH) in patients with both Hwabyung and depression. This study also explores the mediating role of “vitality” or qi as a mechanism of change. Lastly, Dr. Seung-il Lee will discuss outcomes of a digital mindfulness-based intervention for stress and burnout in office workers, offering insights into scalable mental health solutions rooted in traditional practice.
Dr Liao will sgare the experience and results from Chinese version Hwa-Byung Scale in Taiwan, providing the international aspects of Hwa-Byung research.
Together, this session provides a unique platform to discuss culturally grounded diagnostics and therapies, and how traditional medicine frameworks can contribute to modern mental health paradigms through rigorous clinical research and cross-national collaboration.
Speakers:
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(Chair) Prof. Jongwoo Kim, MD, Ph.D. | Understanding Mental Disorders Based on Korean Medicine (Traditional Medicine)
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Dr. Seok-In Yoon, Ph.D. | Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Qigong Training for Self-Healing in Patients with Hwabyung and Depressive Disorder: The Mediation Effect of Integrative Vitality
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Dr. Seung-il Lee, Ph.D. | A Study on the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Digital Interventions on Stress, Burnout, and Work Engagement of Workers
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Dr. Hsien-Yin Liao, MD, Ph.D. | Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese version Hwa-Byung Scale: Results from Taiwan.
Panel Discussion and Educational Workshop (By Invitation)
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Topic: When West meets East: Aspects from Nutirents and Traditiaonl Medicine.
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Chair: Prof. Joseph Hibbeln
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Speakers
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Prof. Philip Ward, Ph.D. | Lifestyle Psychiatry: Re-integrating Body and Mind.
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Discussion Participants
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Prof. Kuan-Pin Su
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Dr. Jane Pei-Chen Chang
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Prof. Keith W. Kelly
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Prof. Leah M. Pyter
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Dr. Adrienne M. Antonson
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Dr. Marie-Eve Tremblay
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Dr. Wolf Marx
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Prof. Younbyoung Chae
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Dr. In-Seon Lee
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Prof. Jihoon Jung
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Prof. Jongwoo Kim
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Dr. Seok-In Yoon
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Dr. Seung-il Lee
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Dr. Hsien-Yin Liao
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Dr. Daniel Tzu-Li Chen
