Hotspots and trends in acupuncture combined with non-invasive neuromodulation technology in the past 20 years: a bibliometric analysis.

Researchers analyzed 20 years of scientific publications to understand how acupuncture is being combined with modern brain stimulation technologies. They reviewed 803 studies from 55 countries published between 2004 and 2023, examining what conditions are being treated and which techniques show the most promise. The study found that combining acupuncture with non-invasive brain and nerve stimulation devices has become an increasingly popular area of research, particularly in China. The most common applications include managing pain after surgery, reducing nausea and vomiting following operations, improving digestive function after procedures, treating chronic lower back pain, supporting fertility treatments, and reducing inflammation. The most frequently used technique is called TEAS (transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation), which combines traditional acupuncture points with modern electrical stimulation through the skin. This approach offers a less invasive option than traditional needle acupuncture while potentially enhancing therapeutic effects. The researchers noted that while this field is growing rapidly, there's still a need for more high-quality studies and better international collaboration to fully understand how effective these combined treatments are. For patients, this research suggests that acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation may offer benefits for various conditions, particularly pain management and post-surgical recovery. If you're considering acupuncture treatment, seek a licensed acupuncturist trained in modern electroacupuncture techniques.

This bibliometric analysis examined 803 publications on acupuncture combined with non-invasive neuromodulation (NIN) technology from the Web of Science Core Collection (2004-2023). Using CiteSpace and RStudio visualization tools, researchers identified publication trends across 55 countries and 468 institutions. China leads research output with 390 publications, primarily from Capital Medical University and Peking University. Current research hotspots include postoperative gastrointestinal function, postoperative analgesia, PONV, chronic low back pain, reproductive medicine, and inflammation management. TEAS (transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation) emerges as the predominant intervention modality. The study reveals growing interdisciplinary integration between traditional acupuncture and modern neuromodulation technologies. Clinical takeaway: Evidence supports TEAS application for perioperative care and chronic pain management, though the authors emphasize need for enhanced research quality, standardized protocols, and increased international collaboration to establish robust clinical guidelines for acupuncture-NIN integration.