Mechanisms and progress in the application of traditional acupuncture methods for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

This paper summarizes the operational methods of nine acupuncture techniques recorded in the Ling Shu Guan Zhen and the mechanisms of special acupuncture techniques in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation over the past two decades. The techniques include the left and right crossing acupuncture method, local multi-needle acupuncture method, bone-piercing method, and tendon-piercing method. An overview of the types of lumbar disc herniation suitable for each acupuncture technique is provided, offering a theoretical reference for selecting appropriate acupuncture techniques in clinical treatment. However, current research lacks an exploration of the differential efficacy mechanisms among different acupuncture techniques for treating lumbar disc herniation. Issues such as the absence of standardized quantitative evaluation criteria, limited sample sizes, and a lack of long-term efficacy tracking still need improvement in future research.