[Advances of studies on acupuncture and moxibustion for exercise-induced fatigue]

This paper introduces recent advances in research and clinical trials on treating exercise-induced fatigue with acupuncture, focusing on the areas of oxygen free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activity, the regulation of immune function, prevention of dysfunction exercise induced hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, improvement of energy metabolism, the ability to maintain internal environment, the ability to alleviate delayed-on set muscle soreness (DOMS), and anti-central nervous system fatigue. This paper is intended to explain that because of its safety, effectiveness, less adverse reactions, and not involving stimulants, acupuncture has great potential to protect against exercise-induced fatigue. However, there are problems of acupoints selection, manipulation and indicators. Therefore, it needs further investigations to explore the advantages of acupuncture treatment for the exercise-induced fatigue.