[Analysis on shortcomings or insufficiencies of some manuscripts for publication in acupuncture research]

Based on the manuscripts delivered to Acupuncture Research, the author of the present paper analyzes some current shortcomings existing in scientific research work of acu-moxibustion. The main shortcomings are 1) insufficient experimental design, 2)inopportune intervention time, 3) indexes unable to explain the underlying mechanism of therapeutic effects, 4) unfounded exaggeration of the roles of acu-moxibustion therapy, and 5) improper conclusion. In addition, the author gives some typical examples to show these shortcomings or insufficiencies, so as to provide references for researchers in avoiding some defects in experimental designs and in giving reasonable explanations about their research findings in the future.