目的 探析2006至2025年间针灸干预肥胖与代谢综合征领域的研究热点和前沿动态, 帮助研究者清晰把握该领域的知识图谱和发展脉络. 方法 收集Web of Science数据库中针灸干预肥胖与代谢综合征的相关文献.采用Biblioshiny, VOSviewer和CiteSpace软件, 从发文量,高产发文国家和机构,核心发文作者,期刊和高被引论文分析,关键词共现,前沿主题分析等多个维度进行可视化分析, 构建针灸干预肥胖与代谢综合征热点前沿知识图谱. 结果 近20年针灸干预肥胖与代谢综合征相关文献共计372篇, 文献数量呈逐年上升趋势, 年均增长率为8.15%;全球共有35个国家在该领域发表过论文, 中国是发文量(267篇)和总被引频次(3653次)最高的国家, 日本的篇均被引频次最高(41.4次);284个机构参与过该领域的研究, 成都中医药大学是发文量最高的机构(34篇);共有1801位作者为该领域做出贡献, 黄伟在该领域发表的论文数量最多(9篇);共123种期刊发表过相关研究, Medicine是发文量最高的期刊(42篇);本领域高频关键词包括针灸,电针,减重,女性,肥胖,胰岛素抵抗, 关键词聚类分析形成3个主要主题, 分别为针对复杂代谢及生殖系统疾病的针灸疗法作用机制研究,肥胖治疗的临床试验与系统评价/荟萃分析,针灸疗法在多系统疾病中的应用探索及其神经内分泌作用机制研究.主题分析显示, 本领域研究前沿呈现双重演进:在研究内容上, 已从针刺减重的单一疗效验证, 逐步拓展至多维度机制阐释(涵盖神经内分泌调节,白色脂肪棕色化等关键通路)及代谢相关共病的综合干预(如肥胖合并高血压,多囊卵巢综合征的代谢调控,减重术后体重反弹管理等);在研究方法上, 临床试验设计加速向双盲,假针刺对照的高质量随机对照试验转型, 系统评价与Meta分析大量涌现, 共同推动了证据体系的层级跃升. 结论 在全球学者的广泛参与下, 针灸治疗肥胖及代谢综合征的研究呈稳步发展态势.针刺,穴位埋线及耳穴疗法的临床疗效验证(包括随机对照试验,系统评价及Meta分析)仍是当前研究热点.面向共病状态的真实世界干预成为重要趋势, 以多囊卵巢综合征患者胰岛素抵抗及代谢异常调控为典型代表.机制研究则是当前增速最快,前沿性最突出的领域, 聚焦于针刺在多系统疾病中的应用及其神经内分泌调节等潜在机制.总之, 针灸干预肥胖与代谢综合征正处于从“疗效验证”向“证据建设”转型的战略关键期.
Objective: The exact regulatory effect of acupuncture on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma remains controversial. This review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the effect of acupuncture on glaucomatous IOP and to identify the factors influencing therapeutic responses. Methods: A narrative review combined with exploratory stratified analysis was conducted. Relevant clinical studies were identified and evaluated to comprehensively analyze the clinical effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the regulation of glaucomatous IOP. Furthermore, exploratory stratified analysis was applied to investigate key variables, including baseline IOP, glaucoma subtype, acupoint selection, and stimulation parameters. Results: Acupuncture induced three modulatory effects on IOP: reduction, biphasic changes (stress-induced elevation followed by reduction), and no significant effects, with IOP reduction being the predominant pattern. The analysis revealed that this heterogeneity was primarily associated with the patients’ baseline IOP level and needle retention time; a higher baseline IOP correlated with a greater reduction, whereas when the IOP was within the normal physiological range, acupuncture produced almost no further IOP-lowering effect. Acupuncture may indirectly improve the aqueous humor circulation by improving ocular blood circulation and modulating the autonomic nervous system. However, direct cellular evidence of this is lacking. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that acupuncture can effectively reduce pathologically elevated IOP in patients with glaucoma, particularly in those with a higher baseline IOP. However, its definitive long-term efficacy, ability to regulate 24 h IOP fluctuations, and whether it acts directly or indirectly on aqueous humor dynamics require further rigorous, large-scale clinical trials and in-depth molecular mechanistic studies.
针刺麻醉技术是传统中医理论与现代西方麻醉相结合的产物, 是中西医结合的代表性典范.随着加速康复外科 (ERAS) 理念的引入, 现代针刺麻醉从传统的术中辅助镇痛技术延伸至围手术期全程管理的系统性干预策略.本文系统综述现代针刺麻醉的理论内涵与临床应用要点, 从外周神经免疫调控,脊髓伤害性信号整合,脊髓上内源性镇痛网络激活三个层级解析其核心镇痛机制, 并从术前抗焦虑,术中减药与脏器保护,术后加速康复三个维度总结其临床应用, 展望生物标志物,脑成像技术与AI赋能下针刺麻醉的个体化,智能化的未来发展路径, 为现代针刺麻醉的临床规范化应用与深入研究提供理论依据.
This paper, based on the body-mind theory, views that post-stroke limb spasticity represents a body-mind comorbidity characterized by muscular contracture. The pathogenesis includes three stages. Onset of disease: The mind fails to regulate the body, leading to disruption of qi circulation; during progression: The mind function becomes impaired, resulting in stagnation; in recovering: The mind restores the harmony with the body, and limb joints regain mobility. Hence, when the theory of body and mind in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is integrated with the Brunnstrom staging system, the three phases of this disease in TCM are corresponded to Brunnstrom stages I–II, III–IV, and V–VI respectively; and accordingly a three-stage intervention strategy of acupuncture and moxibustion is proposed. Onset of disease: “mind regulation on the top priority to prevent spasm”; during progression: “promoting qi and blood circulation to resolve masses and invigorate the mind”; and in recovery: “building up the body to restore the mind.” It is emphasized that treatment should be dynamically adjusted corresponding to disease progression and recovery, so as to achieve the coordinated regulation of body and mind. Eventually, the theoretical references and practical pathways are provided for the interpretation of TCM pathogenesis and the staged treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion therapy post-stroke limb spasticity.
Health economics evaluations of acupuncture are important and play important roles in patient decision-making, clinical decision-making, standardization of clinical practice guidelines, and policy formulation. However, these evaluations are complicated. Evaluating the cost of acupuncture is highly challenging due to substantial institutional labor heterogeneity and the complexities of valuing patient-incurred indirect costs. Also, Acupuncture outcome measurement is heavily constrained by high clinical efficacy heterogeneity and a critical lack of standardized evaluation methodologies. Furthermore, the advancement of acupuncture health economics is persistently hindered by resistant professional attitudes among practitioners and a severe scarcity of interdisciplinary expertise. From the perspective of health economics, this paper discusses several methods to reduce the cost of acupuncture, such as the use of disposable acupuncture needles, the selection of specific acupuncture therapy methods, the establishment of more appropriate doses of acupuncture, the appropriate application of acupuncture to specific diseases and/or stages of diseases, and the screening of good acupuncture “responders.” Nevertheless, professionals with expertise in the health economics of acupuncture are limited, and more experts should be recruited.
Objective Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ) is a well-known aromatic plant whose volatile constituents hold considerable pharmacological value; it is primarily used in the form of compound herbal preparations, moxibustion sticks, and essential oil products, exerting sedative and sleep regulatory effects. However, the volatile constituents released upon combustion of NJ, particularly in NJ-containing moxibustion sticks (Wuyan Jiutiao- smokeless moxa-stick and Yaoyong Jiutiao-medicated moxa stick), have not been fully characterized. Herein, we report on the compositional profiling of NJ combustion smoke and a preliminary assessment on the recycling potential of spent NJ extraction residues. Methods The common and distinct volatile constituents in NJ raw herb, residues following methanol ultrasonic extraction and water reflux extraction, and NJ-containing moxibustion sticks were characterized by headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) coupled with controlled combustion. Results A total of 40, 17, 41, and 63 volatile constituents, predominantly sesquiterpenes, were identified from NJ raw herb along with its essential oil and combustion smoke; NJ residues following methanol extraction together with the corresponding combustion smoke and ash; NJ residues following water extraction along with their combustion smoke and ash; and NJ herb combined with the combustion smoke from NJ-containing moxibustion sticks (Wuyan Jiutiao and Yaoyong Jiutiao), respectively. Among them, calarene was the sole constituent identified consistently across all sample matrices, while sesquiterpene alcohols and ketones preferentially accumulated in the NJ essential oil and combustion smoke fractions. A considerable amount of active volatile constituents from NJ, including calarene and β-maaliene, could be detected in combustion smoke of post-extraction residues, particularly after water refluxing extraction. Conclusions The principal volatile constituents of NJ were consistently detected across the combustion smoke of NJ raw herb, post-extraction residues, and NJ-containing moxibustion sticks, suggesting that NJ exerts at least part of its therapeutic activity through combustion. Water reflux extraction residues have the potential to be recycled and reused as raw material for moxibustion stick production. Furthermore, calarene is proposed as a candidate quality marker compound for discriminating NJ from other aromatic herbs employed in moxibustion therapy.
Acupuncture has unique advantages in regulating neurotransmitters, improving vascular function, and inhibiting inflammatory responses. However, most of these studies have been limited to the independent validation of a single target or pathway and have not yet clarified the synergistic relationships among various targets as a whole. Therefore, this study integrated existing research results to construct a multi-dimensional regulatory network for acupuncture in the treatment of migraine. Acupuncture intervention achieves analgesia through multiple targets, including the regulation of neurotransmitters, correction of vascular dilation and contraction functions, inhibition of neuroimmune inflammation, restoration of central pain regulation, and balance of endocrine levels. However, these targets are not independent of each other. Disruptions in the neurotransmitter balance can trigger abnormal vascular contraction and activate inflammatory responses, while the release of inflammatory factors can further sensitize pain transmission and disrupt endocrine balance, forming a pathological vicious cycle. Acupuncture achieves synergistic analgesia through the coordinated intervention of multiple pathways, forming an interactive regulatory network among the neural, vascular, immune, and endocrine systems, breaking the vicious cycle, and generating a synergistic analgesic effect. This multi-system, multi-targeted, coordinated regulation represents the core advantage of acupuncture’s holistic therapeutic approach.
Objective The exact regulatory effect of acupuncture on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma remains controversial. This review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the effect of acupuncture on glaucomatous IOP and to identify the factors influencing therapeutic responses. Methods A narrative review combined with exploratory stratified analysis was conducted. Relevant clinical studies were identified and evaluated to comprehensively analyze the clinical effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the regulation of glaucomatous IOP. Furthermore, exploratory stratified analysis was applied to investigate key variables, including baseline IOP, glaucoma subtype, acupoint selection, and stimulation parameters. Results Acupuncture induced three modulatory effects on IOP: reduction, biphasic changes (stress-induced elevation followed by reduction), and no significant effects, with IOP reduction being the predominant pattern. The analysis revealed that this heterogeneity was primarily associated with the patients’ baseline IOP level and needle retention time; a higher baseline IOP correlated with a greater reduction, whereas when the IOP was within the normal physiological range, acupuncture produced almost no further IOP-lowering effect. Acupuncture may indirectly improve the aqueous humor circulation by improving ocular blood circulation and modulating the autonomic nervous system. However, direct cellular evidence of this is lacking. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that acupuncture can effectively reduce pathologically elevated IOP in patients with glaucoma, particularly in those with a higher baseline IOP. However, its definitive long-term efficacy, ability to regulate 24 h IOP fluctuations, and whether it acts directly or indirectly on aqueous humor dynamics require further rigorous, large-scale clinical trials and in-depth molecular mechanistic studies.
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted behaviors. Scalp acupuncture may improve ASD symptoms. However, high-quality clinical evidence and mechanistic insights are limited. This trial aims to rigorously assess the clinical efficacy and neurophysiological mechanisms of scalp acupuncture for ASD using behavioral evaluations and multimodal neuroimaging (EEG and sMRI). Methods and analysis This single-center, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial will enroll 120 children with ASD aged 2–6 years. Participants will be allocated (1:1) to scalp acupuncture plus educational rehabilitation or rehabilitation alone for 12 weeks (six sessions/week). The primary outcomes will be changes in the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes will include the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Psychoeducational Profile-3 (PEP-3), and caregiver satisfaction. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and sMRI data will be collected at baseline and week 12 to assess brain network and structural changes. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the study period. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Institute of Basic Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Approval No. P25009-PJ09). Written informed consent will be obtained from the legal guardians of all participants prior to enrollment. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and academic conferences. Trial registration number ITMCTR2025001437.
This article, based on the body-mind theory, views that post-stroke limb spasticity represents a body-mind comorbidity characterized by muscular contracture. The pathogenesis includes three stages. Onset of disease: The mind fails to regulate the body, leading to disruption of qi circulation; during progression: The mind function becomes impaired, resulting in stagnation; in recovering: The mind restores the harmony with the body, and limb joints regain mobility. Hence, when the theory of body and mind in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is integrated with the Brunnstrom staging system, the three phases of this disease in TCM are corresponded to Brunnstrom stages I–II, III–IV, and V–VI respectively; and accordingly a three-stage intervention strategy of acupuncture and moxibustion is proposed. Onset of disease: “mind regulation on the top priority to prevent spasm”; during progression: “promoting qi and blood circulation to resolve masses and invigorate the mind”; and in recovery: “building up the body to restore the mind.” It is emphasized that treatment should be dynamically adjusted corresponding to disease progression and recovery, so as to achieve the coordinated regulation of body and mind. Eventually, the theoretical references and practical pathways are provided for the interpretation of TCM pathogenesis and the staged treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion therapy post-stroke limb spasticity.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Fu’s subcutaneous needling (FSN) for various pain subtypes and assess the reliability of available evidence using trial sequential analysis (TSA). Methods Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP Database) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of FSN for pain management. Eligible studies were screened, and methodological quality assessed using the RoB 1 tool. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan and Stata to synthesize pain relief and adverse event data. The required information size (RIS) was calculated using TSA. Results Forty-five RCTs involving 3180 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed that FSN had superior analgesic effect compared with acupuncture (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI: −1.59 to −0.99), electroacupuncture (SMD = −1.34, 95% CI: −1.80 to −0.87), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (SMD = −1.02, 95% CI: −1.36 to −0.68), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SMD = −1.40, 95% CI: −1.98 to −0.82). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent analgesic effects across musculoskeletal pain (SMD = −1.23, 95% CI: −1.47 to −0.99), neuropathic pain (SMD = −1.56, 95% CI: −2.09 to −1.03), acute pain (SMD = −1.21, 95% CI: −1.60 to −0.83), and chronic pain (SMD = −1.25, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.98) in the visual analog scale scores. TSA revealed that the cumulative sample size exceeded the RIS, indicating robust evidence to support FSN’s analgesic effect. Additionally, adverse event analysis showed that the FSN group (20 events among 663 patients, 3.01%) had a lower incidence of adverse events than the control group (36 events among 663 patients, 5.43%), with a pooled risk ratio of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.35 to 0.97, P = 0.04). Conclusions FSN is a safe and effective nonpharmacological intervention for pain, usable alone or with pharmacotherapy. Limitations include moderate study quality and geographic concentration. High-quality multicenter RCTs are needed to confirm its efficacy and generalizability.
This paper reports the clinical efficacy of the Fameng acupuncture method combined with high-frequency electroacupuncture in treating a case of secretory otitis media complicated by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with a disease course of over 10 years. Based on the patient’s specific condition, the Fameng method was adopted to activate the Tinggong (SI19) acupoint combined with high-frequency (100 Hz) electroacupuncture stimulation at the Yunting Area (1.5 cm directly above the apex of the ear, with horizontal lines drawn 2 cm forward and backward, respectively), Mastoid 1–2(aking the mastoid process as the center, Mastoid 1 point was located 1 cm behind the auricle and 1 cm above the upper margin of the external auditory canal; mastoid 2 point was located 1 cm behind the auricle and at the level of the lower margin of the external auditory canal), Fengchi (GB20), and Gongxue (blood supply point, 2 cm below GB 20, at the level of the lower lip). After 13 sessions of treatment over 30 days, the patient’s hearing threshold significantly improved, the eustachian tube function returned to normal, and the patient eventually succeeded in discarding the hearing aid without any impact on daily life. The Fameng acupuncture method effectively improved the functional status of the eustachian tube, while the local electric field generated by high-frequency electroacupuncture promoted axonal regeneration of damaged cochlear nerves. At present, the optimal stimulation frequency of electroacupuncture remains controversial in academic circles and warrants further investigation through large-sample high-quality clinical studies.
Objective To define the core acupoints for improving gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy, clarify their association with primary indications, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing clinical acupoint selection and constructing evidence-based foundational prescriptions. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for relevant literature published between August 2005 and August 2025. After rigorous screening, data on acupoint usage, acupoint-symptom relationship pairs, and symptom improvement were extracted to quantitatively analyze the acupoint selection patterns in acupuncture to improve gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy. Complex network analysis was used to construct a bipartite acupoint-symptom network. Core acupoints and their targeted symptom profiles were identified using the symptom-acupoint association network. The internal relationships and hierarchical structure among the symptoms were analyzed using a symptom co-occurrence network to elucidate the underlying logic of the intervention and the strength weights within the network. Topological metrics were calculated using Gephi 0.10.0. Community detection was performed using the modularity algorithm, and visualization was conducted using the Force Atlas 2 algorithm to comprehensively determine the core acupoints based on multi-dimensional indicators. Results A total of 55 studies involving 3721 patients were included. Neiguan (PC6), Zhongwan (CV12), Gongsun (SP4), and Zusanli (ST36) were identified as the core acupoints. Vomiting and nausea occupied core positions in the symptom network. Conclusion Acupuncture improved gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy at the core acupoints Neiguan (PC6), Zhongwan (CV12), Gongsun (SP4), and Zusanli (ST36). Neiguan (PC6) is highly targeted at nausea and vomiting, Zhongwan (CV12) exhibits broad-spectrum regulation across multiple symptoms, Gongsun (SP4) focuses on abdominal distension and diarrhea, and Zusanli (ST36) addresses diverse symptom types. Clinically, priority should be given to selecting acupoints targeting nausea and vomiting, the core symptoms within the network, and leveraging the associative effects among the symptoms to drive overall improvement.
Objective The value of acupuncture for the treatment of cancer-related symptom clusters (CRSCs) is widely recognized. The key features of its therapeutic effect on CRSCs are its holistic regulation and multitarget mode of action. Unlike pharmacological interventions that target a single symptom, acupuncture exerts broad biological effects through the neuroimmune regulatory network, involving the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine release, activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, restoration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis homeostasis, and modulation of neurotransmitter and immune cell balance. Methods This review systematically elaborates on the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying acupuncture intervention in CRSCs, focusing on inflammatory signaling, autonomic regulation, and central symptom-processing networks. Through a systematic literature review, we found that acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating cancer-related fatigue, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Results The mechanisms of action include systemic immunomodulation and symptom-specific pathways, such as the inhibition of spinal glial cell activation, regulation of CCL2/CCR2-mediated macrophage activity, promotion of intraepidermal nerve fiber regeneration, and Neiguan (PC6)-stimulated modulation of vagus–brainstem integration. Conclusion The neuroimmune mechanisms by which acupuncture regulates CRSCs bridge traditional acupuncture theory and modern neuroimmunology, lay the foundation for individualized treatment strategies, and provide new perspectives for the management of CRSCs.
背景 高脂饮食可通过氧化应激和炎症反应诱导血管内皮功能障碍, 而不同主动脉节段在解剖结构,血流动力学环境和血管损伤易感性方面存在差异.因此, 比较胸主动脉与腹主动脉对艾灸干预的反应, 有助于判断艾灸血管保护作用是否具有区域特异性, 并为其在饮食相关血管损伤防治中的精准应用提供实验依据. 目的 探讨艾灸“足三里”是否能够改善高脂饮食诱导的内皮功能障碍,氧化应激及炎症反应, 并分析其在胸主动脉与腹主动脉之间是否存在差异. 方法 将18只雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分为正常饮食组(ND组),高脂饮食组(HFD组)和高脂饮食加艾灸组(HFD+MM组), 每组6只.ND组给予普通饲料喂养, HFD组和HFD+MM组给予高脂饲料喂养.造模8周后, HFD+MM组于双侧“足三里”进行45 °C温和艾灸干预, 10 min/次, 1次/日, 连续4周;ND组和HFD组不予艾灸干预.于第12周末取材, 采用ELISA检测血清及主动脉组织中血脂,内皮功能相关指标,氧化应激指标及炎症因子水平;采用HE染色和油红O染色观察主动脉形态及脂质沉积;采用Western blot和qPCR检测eNOS及炎症相关因子的蛋白和mRNA表达. 结果 (1)在内皮功能障碍,氧化应激及炎症反应方面:与ND组相比, HFD组出现血脂异常, 血清ox-LDL水平较高(4.02±0.55 v.s. 6.03±0.62 ng/mL, P < 0.01), NO水平较低, ET-1水平较高, 主动脉ox-LDL水平较高, 血清IL-6和TNF-α水平较高, 主动脉eNOS蛋白表达较低(P < 0.01).与HFD组相比, HFD+MM组血清TC,TG,LDL-C和ox-LDL水平较低, HDL-C水平较高;血清及主动脉组织中NO,SOD和eNOS水平较高, ET-1,ox-LDL,ROS和MDA水平较低;胸主动脉和腹主动脉中IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-12和TNF-α蛋白及mRNA表达较低(均P<0.01).(2)在胸主动脉与腹主动脉区域性差异方面:在HFD组中, 胸主动脉炎症因子表达高于腹主动脉(P<0.01), 而腹主动脉油红O阳性面积高于胸主动脉(9.99±0.17% v.s. 10.96±0.12%, P<0.01).在HFD+MM组中, 胸主动脉eNOS蛋白和mRNA表达升高幅度大于腹主动脉(P<0.01), 胸主动脉油红O阳性面积低于腹主动脉(5.99±0.10% v.s. 8.70±0.08%, P<0.01). 结论 艾灸足三里可改善高脂饮食诱导的内皮功能障碍,氧化应激及炎症反应, 其血管保护作用在胸主动脉中较腹主动脉更为明显, 提示艾灸对不同主动脉节段的作用存在区域特异性, 本研究为艾灸干预饮食相关血管损伤及其区域化血管保护效应提供了实验依据.
Objective:To systematically analyze the research hotspots and developmental trajectory of acupuncture ophthalmology using bibliometric methods,with the aim of clarifying research trends,collaborative net-works,the evolution of thematic focuses,and predicting future directions. Methods:Literature on acupuncture ophthalmology published between January 1,1985,and May 31,2025,was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection.Bibliometric analyses were conducted using CiteSpace 6.2.R3,VOSviewer 1.6.20,and SCImago Graphics to visualize publication characteristics,country and regional contributions,authorship patterns,journals,institutions,keywords,and cited references. Results:A total of 349 publications were included.(1)Annual publications:The number of studies on acupuncture in ophthalmology showed a generally increasing trend from 1985 to 2025.(2)Coun-tries/regions:Research in this field spanned 33 countries and regions,with China(203 papers),the United States(55 papers),and South Korea(25 papers)as the top three contributors.(3)Institutions and authors:A total of 321 institutions and 621 authors were involved.Authors with more than three publications formed seven collaborative research teams,comprising three major collaboration networks.Xiao-peng MA was the most prolific author(12 papers),whereas Tae-Hun Kim was the most influential author(41 citations).(4)Journals:The 349 articles appeared in 152 journals,with Medicine(32 articles)and Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine(18 articles)being the most common publi-cation venues.(5)Keyword and reference analyses identified several major thematic areas,including dry eye syndrome,systematic reviews,etiology identification,secondary glaucoma,visual symptoms,retinal pigment research,and myopia control. Conclusion:This bibliometric analysis demonstrates that current research in acupuncture ophthalmol-ogy is primarily focused on disorders in which acupuncture shows notable clinical benefits,incorporating multimodal therapies and multidisciplinary approaches.The field is progressing toward greater protocol standardization and clearer visualization of underlying mechanisms.Acupuncture has become an impor-tant complementary and alternative therapeutic modality within ophthalmic care,offering unique advan-tages in symptom improvement,enhancement of quality of life,and reduction of medication dependence for conditions such as dry eye disease,asthenopia,and myopia.Future research priorities include:(1)deepening mechanistic research on acupuncture for ophthalmic diseases;(2)advancing integration with modern ophthalmology in chronic disease management and prevention;and(3)generating high-level clinical evidence to establish standardized acupuncture regimens for eye health.
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for chemotherapy-induced myelosup-pression. Methods:The randomized controlled trials of moxibustion for chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression were searched in PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,China Journal Full-text Database,SinoMed,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,and VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform,from the inception of each database to July 30,2024.RevMan5.3 and Stata18.0 were used for meta-analysis,and the quality of included literature was evaluated by Cochrane Risk of Bias(RoB)assessment tool. Results:A total of 19 articles were included.Moxibustion can increase white blood cell count(MD=1.06,95％CI:0.45-1.68,P=0.0007),platelet count(MD=32.02,95％CI:16.33-47.72,P＜0.00001),hemoglobin content(MD=5.57,95％CI:1.61-9.53,P=0.006)and neutrophil count(MD=1.20,95％CI:0.94-1.45,P＜0.00001).Moxibustion could alleviate chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression(RR=0.70,95％CI:0.56-0.86,P=0.0007),reduced the incidences of leukopenia(RR=0.39,95％CI:0.26-0.59,P＜0.000001)and thrombocytopenia(RR=0.33,95％CI:0.21-0.53,P＜0.000001),and can improve the score of quality of life(MD=0.55,95％CI:0.32-0.79,P＜0.00001). Conclusion:Moxibustion can increase the white blood cell count,platelet count,hemoglobin content and neutrophil count of patients after chemotherapy,alleviate myelosuppression,and the incidences of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia induced by chemotherapy,and improve the quality of life.Moxibus-tion is effective and safe for chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression.However,due to the relatively low quality of included studies,there are certain limitations.More high-quality studies are needed in the future to provide more reliable evidence-based basis for clinical practice.
This case report presents a 70-year-old male patient who developed gastroparesis syndrome after resection of a cancerous abdominal organ. Initially, Western medicine was used for symptomatic treatment with little effect. In following, conventional acupuncture was supplemented, resulting in a slight improvement in abdominal distension and gastric juice reduction. Acupuncture treatment strategy changed accordingly afterward. The double-needle stratified reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture was adopted at the pain-sensitive points of Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37). The symptoms of gastroparesis were quickly cured and the patient was discharged. This double-needle stratified reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points obtains significant curative effects on gastroparesis of postoperative structural loss and accelerates the comprehensive postoperative recovery in patient.
Objective: To define the core acupoints for improving gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy, clarify their association with primary indications, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing clinical acupoint selection and constructing evidence-based foundational prescriptions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for relevant literature published between August 2005 and August 2025. After rigorous screening, data on acupoint usage, acupoint-symptom relationship pairs, and symptom improvement were extracted to quantitatively analyze the acupoint selection patterns in acupuncture to improve gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy. Complex network analysis was used to construct a bipartite acupoint-symptom network. Core acupoints and their targeted symptom profiles were identified using the symptom-acupoint association network. The internal relationships and hierarchical structure among the symptoms were analyzed using a symptom co-occurrence network to elucidate the underlying logic of the intervention and the strength weights within the network. Topological metrics were calculated using Gephi 0.10.0. Community detection was performed using the modularity algorithm, and visualization was conducted using the Force Atlas 2 algorithm to comprehensively determine the core acupoints based on multi-dimensional indicators. Results: A total of 55 studies involving 3721 patients were included. Neiguan (PC6), Zhongwan (CV12), Gongsun (SP4), and Zusanli (ST36) were identified as the core acupoints. Vomiting and nausea occupied core positions in the symptom network. Conclusion: Acupuncture improved gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy at the core acupoints Neiguan (PC6), Zhongwan (CV12), Gongsun (SP4), and Zusanli (ST36). Neiguan (PC6) is highly targeted at nausea and vomiting, Zhongwan (CV12) exhibits broad-spectrum regulation across multiple symptoms, Gongsun (SP4) focuses on abdominal distension and diarrhea, and Zusanli (ST36) addresses diverse symptom types. Clinically, priority should be given to selecting acupoints targeting nausea and vomiting, the core symptoms within the network, and leveraging the associative effects among the symptoms to drive overall improvement.
Background:Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(taVNS),a non-invasive neuromodula-tion technique,has been demonstrated to effectively treat depression and is associated with modulating stress-induced neuroinflammation,while its specific antidepressant mechanism remains unclear. Objective:To investigate whether taVNS can exert antidepressant effects by regulating the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Methods:A total of 36 SD rats were randomized into 4 groups,a control group,a model group,a taVNS group and a transcutaneous auricular non-vagus nerve stimulation(tnVNS)group,9 rats in each one.Ex-cept the control group,all other groups were subjected to a chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)with single-cage housing to formulate depression model,lasting for 35 days.After the successful model-ing,1 h prior to the stress test,the rats in the taVNS group and tnVNS group were subjected to electrical stimulation at the bilateral auricular concha/auricular margin rim for 30 min daily at an intensity of 2 mA and a frequency of 2/15 Hz,for 21 days.The body weight gain and the immobility time in forced swim-ming test(FST)were recorded before and after the intervention.After experiment,the samples were collected and the relative protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),nuclear factor κB p65(NF-κB p65),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-18(IL-18)in the hippocampus of rats were detected by using Western blot.The expression and co-localization of TLR4 in hippocampal microglia(Iba1)were examined by using immunofluorescence. Results:CUMS could induce depression-like behavior and hippocampal neuroinflammation in rats.Com-pared with the control group,the model group exhibited a prolonged forced swimming immobility time(P＜0.01)and increased protein expression of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,IL-1β and IL-18 in the hip-pocampus(P＜0.01).On Day 35(21 days after intervention),compared with the model group,the taVNS group exhibited an increased body weight(P＜0.01)and shortened forced swimming immobility time(P＜0.01).Additionally,the expression of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,IL-1β and IL-18 in the hippocampus was decreased(P＜0.01),and the expression of TLR4 also decreased in microglia. Conclusion:TaVNS could alleviate depression-like behaviors in CUMS rats,and its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and the suppression of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
