[Integrated pathways for acupuncture research from the perspective of systems science: from classical theoretical...

From the perspectives of systems science and translational medicine, this study addresses key issues in acupuncture research, including insufficient elucidation of classical theories, inadequate synthesis of clinical efficacy patterns, and poor integration between basic research and clinical application, aiming to construct a closed-loop research system comprising 4 stages: "scientific decoding of classical theoretical frameworks, elaboration of clinical efficacy patterns, implementation of research outcomes, and iterative validation of TCM theories". This system emphasizes a clinically relevant problem-oriented approach, integrating multidisciplinary methods such as textual research, evidence-based evaluation, mechanistic studies, artificial intelligence, standard development, and outcome translation, aiming to bridge the translational pathway from theoretical understanding to clinical application. Taking the systematic research on "Jing-well points for prevention and treatment of encephalopathy" as an example, this study presents the entire process from theoretical origin tracing, therapeutic efficacy evaluation and mechanism analysis to standard conversion, providing an actionable theoretical framework and practical pathway for the scientific advancement, standardization, and translational application of acupuncture research.