World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion最新文献

{"title":"Scalp acupuncture for children with autism spectrum disorder: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial using EEG and structural MRI to assess multimodal neurofunctional changes","authors":"Rui-Jie SUN (孙睿婕),&nbsp;Zheng-Li LONG (龙政莉),&nbsp;Xue CAO (曹雪),&nbsp;Meng-Qi WANG (王梦琪),&nbsp;Jia LIU (刘佳)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>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).</div></div><div><h3>Methods and analysis</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Ethics and dissemination</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration number</h3><div>ITMCTR2025001437.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 332-338"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupoint-symptom quantitative analysis of acupuncture for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms after chemotherapy for cancer","authors":"Shuai-yan WANG (王帅研),&nbsp;Si-yu ZHUANG (庄司煜),&nbsp;Meng-zhe ZHANG (张萌哲),&nbsp;Xin LIU (刘鑫),&nbsp;Yi-ming LI (李一明),&nbsp;Guan-hu YANG (杨观虎),&nbsp;Tian-cheng XU (徐天成)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 265-272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploration of acupuncture-moxibustion diagnosis and treatment approaches for post-stroke limb spasms based on “body and mind” theory","authors":"Qiu-jia LI (李秋佳),&nbsp;Nian-peng ZENG (曾念鹏),&nbsp;Sheng-yong SU (粟胜勇),&nbsp;Xiao-yan QIN (覃晓燕)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>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 <em>qi</em> 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 <em>qi</em> 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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 312-318"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of Fu’s subcutaneous needling for pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis","authors":"Feng-yi WANG (王唪义),&nbsp;Bi-yin CHEN (陈碧茵),&nbsp;Xiao-yu MA (马晓雨),&nbsp;Zhen-yu ZHANG (张振瑜),&nbsp;Rui-xuan LIU (刘睿轩),&nbsp;Jian SUN (孙健),&nbsp;Zhong-hua FU (符仲华)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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, <em>P</em> = 0.04).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 273-288"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of the volatile constituents from Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in combustion by HS-GC-MS and preliminary evaluation on the recycling of its dregs","authors":"Xu-yang ZHANG (张旭阳),&nbsp;Xiao-jie LIU (刘晓洁),&nbsp;Hui-yi CHEN (陈汇怡),&nbsp;Jun HE (何俊),&nbsp;Miao-miao JIANG (姜苗苗),&nbsp;Wen-zhi YANG (杨文志),&nbsp;Hong CHEN (陈宏),&nbsp;Xiao-liang CHEN (陈孝良),&nbsp;Li-hua ZHANG (张丽花),&nbsp;Bai-ping MA (马百平),&nbsp;Hong-hua WU (吴红华)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Nardostachys jatamansi</em> (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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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 <em>β</em>-maaliene, could be detected in combustion smoke of post-extraction residues, particularly after water refluxing extraction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 299-311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuroimmune mechanism of acupuncture in regulating cancer-related symptom clusters: A research progress","authors":"Qin-hong ZHANG (张秦宏),&nbsp;Jin-huan YUE (岳金换),&nbsp;Dong-hong HUANG (黄冬虹),&nbsp;Bo CHEN (陈波),&nbsp;Yi-ming LI (李一明),&nbsp;Xian-qi ZHAO (赵先齐),&nbsp;Wei-ran CHEN (陈蔚然),&nbsp;Hui-Ze YANG (杨慧泽),&nbsp;David M. ZHENG,&nbsp;Tian-cheng XU (徐天成),&nbsp;Guan-hu YANG (杨观虎)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mechanisms of action include systemic immunomodulation and symptom-specific pathways, such as the inhibition of spinal glial cell activation, regulation of CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2)/ CC chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)-mediated macrophage activity, promotion of intraepidermal nerve fiber regeneration, and Neiguan (PC6)-stimulated modulation of vagus–brainstem integration.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 231-239"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss treated with the Fameng method combined with high-frequency electroacupuncture: A case report","authors":"An WU (邬安),&nbsp;Yan-yan SUN (孙艳艳),&nbsp;Sen-kun LAI (赖森坤),&nbsp;Bai-le NING (宁百乐)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper reports the clinical efficacy of the <em>Fameng</em> 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 <em>Fameng</em> 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 <em>Fameng</em> 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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 319-325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The health economics of acupuncture: Challenges and countermeasures","authors":"Zhi XU (徐治),&nbsp;Peng SUN (孙鹏),&nbsp;Chao CHEN (陈超)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 253-258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture regulation of intraocular pressure in glaucoma: Up or down","authors":"Yi-fan LEI (雷一帆),&nbsp;Shi-yong XUE (薛世勇),&nbsp;Xiao-peng FAN (樊晓鹏),&nbsp;Xue-jun WANG (王雪君),&nbsp;Yao-jia-ni CAO (曹姚佳妮),&nbsp;Xie-he KONG (孔谐和),&nbsp;Hao-dong GUO (郭浩东),&nbsp;Xiao-peng MA (马晓芃)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 240-252"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From single-target mechanisms to multi-target network regulation: Mechanisms of acupuncture in migraine","authors":"Han XIANG (向晗),&nbsp;Cai-feng ZHU (朱才丰),&nbsp;Gao-shang YANG (杨高尚),&nbsp;Bing-yuan ZHOU (周冰原),&nbsp;Xue-wei WANG (王雪伟),&nbsp;Da-hong GAO (高大红),&nbsp;Shi-hao JIANG (姜世豪)","doi":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wjam.2026.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44648,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion","volume":"36 3","pages":"Pages 259-264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}