[Review on studies of correlativity of needle retention duration and needling sequence with the therapeutic effect]

In the present paper, the authors review the influences of time factor in single treatment session, duration of needle retention and needling sequence on acupuncture effects in literatures of recent 20 years. In the aspect of relation between the duration of needle retention and acupuncture effect, more is laid on the exploring the proper duration of needle retention for different diseases through clinical and experimental researches. Regarding the influences of needling sequence on acupuncture effect, very few modern researches were carried out, and there are the gaps in the research on the influence of different duration of needle retention on acupuncture effects on basis of a certain needling sequence. Strengthening the studies on this aspect suits for the requirements of based-evidence medicine for acupuncture treatment model and has a guiding significance for clinical treatment.