Submit Your Complementary Medicine Research
Join leading researchers advancing integrative healthcare through rigorous, peer-reviewed science
Two Convenient Submission Methods
We offer flexible submission options designed to accommodate your workflow preferences. Choose the method that works best for your research submission needs.
ManuscriptZone Portal
Our comprehensive manuscript management system provides complete control over your submission from start to publication.
- Auto-save functionality protects your work
- Real-time submission status tracking
- Direct access to reviewer comments
- Guided workflow with step-by-step instructions
- Secure document management
- Revision tracking and version control
Best for: Complete manuscript management, tracking multiple submissions, and accessing detailed reviewer feedback throughout the peer review process.
Submit via ManuscriptZoneQuick Submission Form
A streamlined alternative for straightforward submissions when you need a faster, simpler process without account creation.
- No account registration required
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Fast submission process
- Direct manuscript upload
- Immediate confirmation
- Perfect for single submissions
Best for: Quick submissions of straightforward manuscripts when you prefer a simplified process without creating an account.
Use Quick Submission FormArticle Types We Publish
The International Journal of Complementary Medicine welcomes diverse research contributions that advance our understanding of integrative healthcare approaches. Our multidisciplinary scope encompasses traditional medicine systems, evidence-based complementary therapies, and innovative integrative treatment protocols.
Original Research Articles
Clinical trials, observational studies, and experimental research investigating complementary medicine interventions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic outcomes.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Comprehensive evidence syntheses following PRISMA guidelines, evaluating efficacy and safety of complementary therapies across multiple studies.
Clinical Case Reports
Detailed documentation of unique patient cases, novel treatment approaches, or unexpected outcomes in complementary medicine practice.
Review Articles
Comprehensive overviews of specific complementary medicine topics, therapeutic modalities, or emerging research areas in integrative healthcare.
Methodology Papers
Novel research methods, assessment tools, or protocols for investigating complementary medicine interventions and outcomes.
Short Communications
Preliminary findings, pilot studies, or brief reports of significant observations in complementary medicine research.
Perspectives & Commentaries
Expert opinions, critical analyses, and forward-looking perspectives on current issues in complementary and integrative medicine.
Ethnopharmacology Studies
Research on traditional medicine systems, medicinal plants, and ethnobotanical knowledge with therapeutic applications.
Multidisciplinary Scope: We welcome research spanning acupuncture, herbal medicine, mind-body therapies, manual therapies, traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani), nutritional interventions, homeopathy, naturopathy, and integrative oncology approaches.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Ensure your manuscript meets all requirements before submission to expedite the review process and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Manuscript prepared in Word or LaTeX format, following journal formatting guidelines
- Title page includes all author names, affiliations, ORCID IDs, and corresponding author contact details
- Abstract (250-300 words) clearly summarizes objectives, methods, results, and conclusions
- Keywords (5-8 terms) selected from MeSH or relevant complementary medicine terminology
- All figures prepared as high-resolution files (TIFF or EPS format, minimum 300 DPI)
- Tables formatted properly with clear headings and referenced in text
- References formatted according to journal style (Vancouver or AMA format)
- Ethics approval obtained and documented (for human/animal studies)
- Clinical trial registration number included (if applicable - CONSORT guidelines)
- Informed consent obtained from all study participants
- All authors have approved the final manuscript version
- Competing interests and funding sources declared
- Cover letter prepared, highlighting novelty and significance of your research
- Supplementary materials prepared (if applicable)
Clinical Trials: All clinical trials must be registered in a WHO-approved registry (ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN, etc.) and follow CONSORT reporting guidelines. Include your trial registration number in the manuscript.
Peer Review Timeline
Our transparent, efficient peer review process ensures rigorous evaluation while respecting your time. Expert reviewers with specialized knowledge in complementary medicine assess each submission.
Submission & Initial Screening
Editorial team reviews your manuscript for completeness, scope alignment, and adherence to submission guidelines. Plagiarism check performed using iThenticate.
3 daysEditor Assignment
An editor with expertise in your specific area of complementary medicine is assigned to manage the peer review process.
2 daysPeer Review
Minimum of two expert reviewers with specialized knowledge in complementary medicine evaluate your manuscript for scientific rigor, methodology, and contribution to the field.
21 daysEditorial Decision
Editor evaluates reviewer reports and makes a decision: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject. You receive detailed feedback and recommendations.
3 daysRevision & Re-review
If revisions are required, submit your revised manuscript with a detailed response to reviewers. Re-review focuses on how you addressed the feedback.
14 daysAcceptance & Production
Upon acceptance, your manuscript enters production for copyediting, typesetting, and final formatting. You'll review proofs before publication.
10 daysOnline Publication
Your article is published online with immediate open access, making it freely available to the global complementary medicine community.
ImmediateTotal Timeline: From submission to publication in approximately 60 days for manuscripts accepted without major revisions. Our commitment to efficiency ensures your research reaches the complementary medicine community quickly.
Why Researchers Choose IJCO
We provide a trusted platform for complementary medicine research with transparent processes, expert review, and global visibility.
Indexed in Major Databases
Your research gains worldwide visibility through indexing in Google Scholar, connecting it with the global scientific community.
Expert Peer Review
Specialized reviewers with deep expertise in complementary medicine modalities provide constructive, rigorous feedback.
Fast Decisions
Average time to first decision: 21 days. We respect your time while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Open Access Impact
Immediate, unrestricted access ensures maximum visibility and citation potential for your complementary medicine research.
COPE
We adhere to Committee on Publication Ethics guidelines, ensuring ethical publishing practices and research integrity.
APC Waivers Available
Financial support available for eligible authors from low-income countries and unfunded research projects.
Manuscript Preparation Guidelines
Structure Your Manuscript
Organize your complementary medicine research following this standard structure to facilitate peer review and reader comprehension:
Title & Abstract
Concise, informative title (maximum 150 characters) that accurately reflects your research focus. Structured abstract (250-300 words) with Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions sections. Include 5-8 keywords using MeSH terms or complementary medicine-specific terminology.
Introduction
Establish the context of your research within complementary medicine. Clearly state the research question, objectives, and hypothesis. Review relevant literature and explain the significance of your study to integrative healthcare practice or policy.
Methods
Provide sufficient detail for replication. Describe study design, participant selection, intervention protocols (including dosage, frequency, duration for complementary therapies), outcome measures, and statistical analyses. Include ethics approval details and trial registration for clinical studies.
Results
Present findings objectively without interpretation. Use tables and figures to illustrate key results. Report both positive and negative findings. Include effect sizes, confidence intervals, and p-values where appropriate.
Discussion
Interpret results in the context of existing complementary medicine literature. Discuss clinical implications, limitations, and future research directions. Address how findings contribute to evidence-based integrative healthcare practice.
Conclusion
Concise summary of key findings and their significance to complementary medicine practice, research, or policy. Avoid overstating conclusions beyond what your data support.
Reporting Guidelines
Follow appropriate reporting standards for your study type:
- Randomized Controlled Trials: CONSORT statement and checklist
- Observational Studies: STROBE guidelines
- Systematic Reviews: PRISMA statement and flow diagram
- Case Reports: CARE guidelines
- Qualitative Research: COREQ or SRQR standards
- Animal Studies: ARRIVE guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate?
Our acceptance rate is 65%. We maintain rigorous peer review standards while supporting authors through the revision process to help strengthen their manuscripts.
How long does peer review take?
Average time to first decision is 21 days. The complete process from submission to publication typically takes 60 days for manuscripts accepted without major revisions.
What are the publication charges?
Article Processing Charges (APCs) vary by article type and length. Waivers and discounts are available for authors from low-income countries and unfunded research. Contact us for specific pricing information.
Can I track my submission status?
Yes. The ManuscriptZone portal provides real-time status updates, reviewer comments, and direct communication with editors throughout the peer review process.
Do you accept research on all complementary medicine modalities?
We welcome research on diverse complementary and integrative medicine approaches, including traditional medicine systems, herbal medicine, acupuncture, mind-body therapies, manual therapies, and nutritional interventions. Review our scope to ensure alignment.
What if my manuscript is rejected?
You'll receive detailed feedback explaining the decision. Many rejected manuscripts can be strengthened and resubmitted after addressing reviewer concerns, or submitted to another journal with the benefit of peer review feedback.
Ready to Submit Your Research?
Join the global community of complementary medicine researchers advancing evidence-based integrative healthcare.
Submit via ManuscriptZone Quick Submission FormNeed assistance with your submission? Our editorial team is here to help: info@openaccesspub.org
