Research progress of tissue clearing and three-dimensional imaging on multiple effects of acupuncture and moxibustion

Acupuncture therapy has demonstrated therapeutic effects on various systemic diseases through the use of specific acupoints along meridians. However, due to the multi-target effect of acupuncture and the complexity of meridian pathways, the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture have not been well understood. Tissue clearing and three-dimensional (3D) imaging is an emerging medical technology that provides high-resolution 3D molecular information while preserving the structural integrity of tissues. In relevant research articles, tissue-clearing and 3D imaging techniques stood out for their ability to visualize the structural characteristics of meridians and acupoints of intact tissues, in order to reveal their intricate connections by means of topological principles. Specifically, this technology has managed to show that acupuncture points like Guilai (ST29) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), which are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating gynecological disorders, promote angiogenesis in the ovaries and thus improve follicle numbers in polycystic ovary syndrome-like ovaries. This article summarizes recent progress on tissue-clearing and 3D imaging technologies and anticipates the prospects of utilizing this technology to further explore the effects of acupuncture. Please cite this article as: Gao WH, Wang Y, Tong XY, Hu W, Wang YC, Xiao Y, Li JJ, Feng Y. Research progress of tissue clearing and three-dimensional imaging on multiple effects of acupuncture and moxibustion. J Integr Med. 2026; 24(1):49-56.