Literature Review on Adverse Events (2020-2023) Associated with Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Yasufumi FUKUYO; Taro MIYAWAKI; Hisashi SHINBARA; Nobutatsu FURUSE; Hitoshi YAMASHITA

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Literature Review on Adverse Events (2020-2023) Associated with Acupuncture and Moxibustion

VernacularTitle:鍼灸安全性関連文献レビュー2020～2023年
Author: Yasufumi FUKUYO ¹ ; Taro MIYAWAKI ² ; Hisashi SHINBARA ³ ; Nobutatsu FURUSE ² ; Hitoshi YAMASHITA ³
Author Information

1. Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy, Faculty of Health Promotional Sciences, Tokoha University
2. Safety Committee, Clinical Information Department, The Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Abstract
3. Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medical Science, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science
Keywords: acupuncture; moxibustion; safety; adverse event; literature review
From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 2025;75(4):442-462
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: [Objective] This study aimed to collect, analyse, and examine the literature on adverse events in acupuncture and moxibustionin order to improve safety.[Subjects and Methods] A literature search was conducted using Ichushi Web and PubMed to identify reports of adverse eventsrelated to acupuncture and moxibustion published in domestic and international medical journals from 2020 to 2023. The searchkeywords included 'acupuncture', 'moxibustion', and various terms related to adverse events associated with them.[Results] We identified 33 papers describing acupuncture-related adverse events in Japan. The reported adverse events includedinfections (9 papers), organ injuries (11), neurological injuries (2), dermatological problems (2), and needle breakage, retainedneedles, or foreign bodies (9). We also identified 56 papers reporting adverse events that occurred abroad, including infections(17); organ injuries (23); neurological injuries (1); dermatological problems (6); needle breakage, retained needles or foreignbodies (3); others (4); and moxibustion-related adverse events (2).[Conclusion] Consistent with previous surveys, various adverse events related to acupuncture and moxibustion occurred bothdomestically and internationally. These findings highlight the importance of learning from the reported cases and implementingsafety education on acupuncture and moxibustion.Zen Nihon Shinkyu Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: JJSAM).2025; 75(4): 442-462. Received 29 Jun, 2025 Accepted 13 Jul, 2025