In recent years, the field of rheumatology has increasingly recognized the complex and multidimensional nature of chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases. Alongside conventional pharmacological treatments, a growing number of patients seek complementary and integrative approaches to improve pain control, fatigue, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life. This evolving landscape presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to rigorously investigate, validate, and integrate these therapies within scientific and clinical frameworks.

This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality, evidence-based contributions exploring the role of integrative medicine in rheumatic diseases. We welcome studies on established modalities such as acupuncture, phytotherapy, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, and mind–body interventions, as well as emerging practices including regenerative techniques, bioenergetic therapies, precision lifestyle medicine, and East–West integrative models. Submissions addressing mechanisms of action, clinical outcomes, safety profiles, and translational insights are particularly encouraged.

Rather than anecdotal or empirical use, our goal is to foster a scientific dialogue grounded in methodological rigor—through randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, mechanistic studies, and real-world clinical data. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern research, this Special Issue seeks to clarify which approaches may offer meaningful benefits in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia, spondyloarthropathies, and osteoarthritis.

We invite clinicians, researchers, and interdisciplinary scholars to contribute original studies, critical reviews, and clinical perspectives. Together, we aim to advance an open yet critical understanding of integrative medicine—highlighting therapeutic potential, identifying limitations, and ultimately improving patient-centered care in rheumatology. Through this collaborative effort, we hope to shape a scientifically grounded and globally relevant vision for the future of integrative rheumatology.

Keywords: Integrative medicine, complementary therapies, complementary and alternative medicine, rheumatic diseases, evidence-based practice, autoimmunity, mind-body interventions, regenerative therapies