Visualized Analysis of Research Hotspots in Acupuncture-Neuro Immunoregulation Based on Bibliometrics

Objective: To review the development of acupuncture and moxibustion-neural network regulation research systematically and comprehensively in China. Method: This study adopted co-word analysis, cluster analysis and other bibliometric methods such as SATI3.2, Citespace and Gephi to visually demonstrate the annual publication volume, cooperation between institutions and co-authorship in the field of acupuncture-neuro immunoregulation research based on the data of more than 70 papers on related topics covering a period of 24 years from 1997 to 2020 in China. Results: The results show that there are three major research institutions in the field of acupuncture-neuro immunoregulation, namely Shanghai, Zhejiang major research institutions in the field of acupuncture-neuro immunoregulation, namely Shanghai, Zhejiang and Heilongjiang Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as 7 clusters, including immune function, acupuncture therapy and endogenous opioid peptide. In the future research, a more comprehensive system will be constructed based on the gradually clear relationship between meridians and nerve regulation, humoral regulation, and immune regulation. Application practice will combine traditional acupuncture with modern medicine to create a variety of new therapies, such as electroacupuncture, electric acupuncture, and acupoint injection. Conclusion: The research focus will be expanded on how to improve the clinical efficacy of multiple combined therapies such as acupuncture for the prevention and treatment of diseases through the regulation of immune cells and immune molecules as well as the regulation of the "acupuncture-meridian- neuroendocrine-immune" network.