Visual Analysis of the Current Research Status in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Academic Thought

This study aims to explore the current research status, hot topics, and development trends in acupuncture and moxibustion academic thought of literature and experience in China over the past 20 years. It provides reference for researchers to comprehensively grasp the research dynamics in this field. Using CiteSpace 6.1.R6, a visual analysis was conducted on 1,123 literature items published from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and Weipu databases between 2003 and 2023. The analysis covered authors, research institutions, and keywords. The results show fluctuations in the number of publications in this field over time, with the highest number of publications attributed to author Chang Xiaorong, who represents the largest academic research group in this domain. The analysis of research institutions reveals that Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has the highest number of publications, and the most frequent collaboration occurs with the Second Clinical College of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, mainly within adjacent regions. Keyword analysis indicates that research on acupuncture and moxibustion academic thought primarily focuses on literature studies, clinical experiences, and academic schools. The future development in this field is predicted to emphasize academic characteristics and Zhejiang-style Traditional Chinese Medicine. The findings underscore the burgeoning stability in the research domain, emphasizing the need for future endeavors to bolster interprovincial and interdisciplinary collaborations in the study of acupuncture's academic tenets. Moreover, in order to advance the depth and breadth of research, it is imperative to build upon the outcomes of keyword analyses.