[Operator effects in acupuncture research]

As the principal part of acupuncture therapy, acupuncture operators play the key role in clinical effect. There are the inevitably differences in the characteristics among different operators when delivering acupuncture, which may bring a potential impact on the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. However, this impact has not been drawn enough attention in acupuncture research, and the relevant evidences are still contradictory and partially viewed. If ignored, the quality of the relevant outcomes in research is reduced undoubtedly. In order to ensure these problems being realized by more investigators, perfect the clinical design of acupuncture research and improve the quality of acupuncture operation and research, we put forward the theory of the effects of acupuncture operator, analyzed the limitations of current researches in the aspect of the consideration by acupuncture operators and holistic cognition, and provided the corresponding solutions. It is significant in guiding clinical research and practice of acupuncture in future.