Neural circuit mechanisms of acupuncture for pruritus: A review

Pruritus, or itch, is a common and distressing clinical symptom that severely impacts quality of life, and its complex pathophysiology presents a formidable challenge for clinical treatment. Acupuncture, an ancient and effective non-pharmacological therapy, has demonstrated significant potential in alleviating various types of pruritus. However, an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms has limited its widespread use and integration into modern medicine. This review synthesizes cutting-edge research on the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the antipruritic effects of acupuncture and delineates a comprehensive neurobiological framework for acupuncture's action across the entire neuraxis, from peripheral neuro-immune interactions and spinal cord gating to supraspinal descending modulation and the remodeling of higher-order brain networks. This integrated perspective aims to provide a scientific foundation for optimizing clinical protocols and inspiring novel, circuit-based strategies for pruritus management. Please cite this article as: Hu Y, Wu SX, Xu ZJ, Liu Y, Yi YH, Li GP, Zhang Y. Neural circuit mechanisms of acupuncture for pruritus: A review. J Integr Med. 2026; 24(5):656-666.