Clinical practice guidelines including recommendations on acupuncture in Japan

Abstract

As of the end of 2024, at least 19 clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in Japan include recommendations on acupuncture, comprising a total of 28 individual recommendations. Among these, 18 are positive recommendations. The proportion of positive recommendations has increased since around 2020. While CPGs can serve to summarize the evidence on acupuncture without requiring detailed technical explanation, some guidelines contain underestimations, overestimations, inconsistencies, or even misinformation. Because of the unique issues in the evidence obtained from clinical trials of acupuncture, it is desirable that experts in acupuncture be involved in the formulation of relevant recommendations. Given the substantial societal influence of CPGs, it is important that individuals and organizations specializing in acupuncture regularly verify the accuracy and appropriateness of acupuncture-related content and actively raise concerns or request corrections when necessary.