[Advances in studies on the correlation between acupuncture-moxibustion treatment and mast cells]

The present paper reviewed the literatures at home and abroad in the recent ten years; it stated the effects of acupuncture on local mast cells around meridian acupoints and affected area; it stated the advanced development in the possible mechanism of the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for diseases related to mast cells in recent ten years. Currently, the underlying mechanism of the efficacy of acupuncture on mast cells still remains mysterious. It needs further investigations to study the effect of mast cells in acupuncture treatment and the mechanism of the effects of moxibustion on mast cells.