The standardization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the strategic support for the high-quality development of TCM in the new era.Regarding the bottleneck problems encountered during the initial stage of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standardization, ten core relationships involved in the construction of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standardization were systematically summarized.We established the methods for developing TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standards of "multi-syndrome integration, syndrome differentiation and recommendation".Furthermore, we proposed standards for evaluating and grading ancient literature and expert experience, along with methods for recommendation.Based on the "three main and three auxiliary", we also proposed a selection method of the recommended plan of the guidelines for the preventive treatment of disease, as well as a quantitative evaluation method for the applicability of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standards according to the analytic hierarchy process, resulting in a series of practical outcomes.Therefore, we put forward the fundamental principles and system framework of TCM acupuncture standardization and the multi-dimensional talent training model and the implementation framework and implementation system of TCM acupuncture standardization, being derived from the thought of standardization thought in the Analects of Confucius.Finally, we formulated a strategic development plan for the standardization of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion.The above practice constructs a closed-loop research paradigm for the development, application, evaluation and revision of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standards, providing a methodological reference for TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standardization research,thereby improving the quality and level of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion standards.
In the development of acupuncture-moxibustion guidelines, the lack of robust clinical research evidence presents a significant methodological challenge to support strong recommendations.Regarding the demand for evidence integration and utilization, ancient clinicians′ experience have the potential values in clinical practice.The classical acupuncture-moxibustion theory, though highly generalized,is rich in insights that can inspire treatment strategies.Furthermore, detailed case records from ancient clinicians provide valuable precedents for developing treatment protocols, while records of manipulation techniques offer practical guidance that can be instructive in modern practice.In clinical research, the experience of ancient clinicians can serve as an important source for designing interventions and may act as supplementary evidence supporting the efficacy and specificity of various treatments.However, integrating this experience into contemporary guidelines is currently hindered by the absence of established screening and evaluation methods.Therefore, we suggest the development of systematic methods for evaluating and applying ancient clinicians′ experiences, thereby incorporating them into the body of evidence for acupuncturemoxibustion clinical practice guidelines.
Transformation of standards is the way for Chinese standards to go international with global recognition.As acupuncture continues to spread worldwide, there is an urgent need for international standards to support practices such as cupping.In 2008, China issued the national standard GB/T 21709.5-2008 Standardized Manipulation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Part Ⅴ, Cupping, which was successfully converted in 2023 into the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS) standard WFAS 006.9-2023 Technical benchmark of Acupuncture-Moxibustion: Cupping.Taking the conversion of GB/T 21709.5-2008 into WFAS 006.9-2023 as an example, this paper compares and analyzes the differences between the national standard and the WFAS international standard in terms of formulation methods, operational details,disinfection requirements, precautions, and contraindications.It addresses key issues in the conversion process, such as how to meet international needs, resolve technical differences, and ensure the international applicability and relevance of the standards.Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding international standardization procedures, reaching international consensus, and issuing standards under the authority of international organizations.
This paper summarizes the development of acupuncture international standards by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies ( WFAS), analyzes the characteristics of these standards, and observes the gradual increase in their number and the expansion of their scope.Currently, the published standards primarily focus on foundational aspects, including technical operation guidelines and clinical practice protocols.In the future, greater emphasis should be placed on the dissemination and implementation assessment of these standards.Additionally, this paper outlines key considerations for the submission of standards, providing a reference for those involved in standardization efforts.We aims to support the further development of acupuncture international standards, thereby facilitating the broader application and promotion of acupuncture therapy.
The World Health Organization′s International Standard Terminology for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), also known as the TCM Glossary, is the first official English translation of TCM terminology issued by the WHO to its 194 member states.This standard marks a significant milestone in the standardization and internationalization of TCM terminology in China and has played a key role in promoting TCM culture globally.However, there is still room for improvement in the current English translation of TCM terminology.Therefore, a comprehensive comparative study of the TCM Glossary and the International Standard for Terms and Terminology of Traditional Medicine in the Western Pacific Region (ISTTM) has been conducted by analyzing the type of terms, their formulation process, and the underlying frameworks.Furthermore, this study explores and summarizes the translation strategies and methods used, along with specific cases, to provide a foundation for further enhancements to the English translation standard of TCM terminology.
Bee acupuncture therapy is one of the traditional Chinese medicine therapies with a long history and has been widely used in clinical practice with unique advantages.This paper introduces the significance of the development of the Standardized Manipalation of Bee Acupuncture Therapy and interprets terminology and definitions, pre-treatment preparation, skin testing for bee stings, operational methods, and precautions etc.This act aims to promote the research and application of acupuncture techniques, to ensure the safety of both patients and practitioners during the treatment, and to facilitate the standardized development of bee acupuncture therapy.Additionally, issues encountered in clinical applications, such as bee management, acupuncture point selection, operational standards, and emergency procedures are discussed to provide recommendations for clinical practitioners.
Postoperative ileus ( POI) is a clinical phenomenon characterized by delayed gastrointestinal motility after surgery due to non-mechanical factors, resulting in the inability to ingest orally.POI can be divided into transient neurogenic phase and persistent inflammatory phase.Delayed recovery of gastrointestinal motility increases the incidence of complications, prolongs hospital stay, and raises the economic burden on patients.While pharmacological treatments, minimally invasive techniques, and enhanced recovery after surgery ( ERAS) protocols have shown some effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of POI, it remains a challenging clinical issue.Acupuncture, as an important component of traditional medicine, exerts a bidirectional regulatory effect on gastrointestinal motility and has become a promising therapy to promote gastrointestinal motility during the perioperative period.However, studies on the underlying mechanisms are limited.This paper aims to summarize the mechanisms by which acupuncture improves POI in the context of ERAS protocols, with the aim to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical use of acupuncture in the treatment of POI.
Vasomotor symptoms and other side effects after receiving adjuvant hormone therapy are prevalent among breast cancer patients, which affect their quality of life significantly.Acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate these symptoms, but its effectiveness assessment is still limited by the design of randomized controlled trials.As part of real-world study, registration study provides more possibilities for developing personalized acupuncture protocols.This study explores the design essentials and implementation experience of registration study on acupuncture intervention for breast cancer patients with vasomotor symptoms, including inclusion criteria, participant recruitment, team establishment, data analysis, and quality control.Despite confronting many challenges in design and implementation, registration study provides a new perspective of clinical research with great significance for the real-world evidence of acupuncture treatment for cancer and related complications.