Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
05:54
Author Spotlight: Exploring Acupuncture in Alzheimer's Research from Thread-Embedding Techniques to Clinical Trials
Published on: May 10, 2024
1.7K
Safety of Thread Embedding Acupuncture Therapy: A Systematic Review
Jia-Jia Huang1, Jun-Quan Liang1, Xiao-Kang Xu1
1Clinical Medical School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
|April 24, 2021
Summary
Thread embedding acupuncture therapy (TEAT) is generally safe, with most adverse events (AEs) being mild and local. Improved techniques and materials have further enhanced the safety of this acupuncture treatment.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Thread embedding acupuncture therapy (TEAT) is a treatment modality.
- Understanding the safety profile and adverse events (AEs) of TEAT is crucial for its clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the safety of thread embedding acupuncture therapy (TEAT).
- To discuss the prevention and management strategies for adverse events (AEs) associated with TEAT.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted across multiple databases (CNKI, CBMdisc, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science) up to January 2020.
- Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case reports detailing AEs of TEAT.
- Study quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's tool and RevMan V.5.3.3 software.
Main Results:
- A total of 61 studies reported 620 cases of AEs, with common events including induration, bleeding, ecchymosis, redness, swelling, fever, and pain, mostly mild.
- Rarest AEs included epilepsy, irregular menstruation, skin ulcer, thread malabsorption, and fat liquefaction, with unclear causal links in some instances.
- Most AEs were local reactions (9.83%); severe AEs were rare (0.1%), particularly with modern absorbable sutures, and all resolved without sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Thread embedding acupuncture therapy (TEAT) is a relatively safe and convenient treatment, especially with the use of new absorbable surgical sutures.
- Enhancing practitioner skills, standardizing procedures, and close patient monitoring can further minimize AEs and improve TEAT safety.
