Acupuncture for ICU patients: evidence, mechanisms, and implementation challenges.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore the clinical applications, mechanisms of action, and methodological and implementation challenges of acupuncture in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, to provide a theoretical foundation for its standardization and evidence-based advancement.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis of recent clinical studies, mechanistic investigations, and consensus guidelines regarding acupuncture use among ICU patients was conducted. The review summarizes its efficacy in analgesia and sedation, ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), delirium, and gastrointestinal dysfunction, while systematically addressing aspects of infection control, procedural standardization, and research design.

Results

Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews indicate that

SUBMITTER: Li P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12807917 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature