The process of acupuncture internationalization includes two basic stages: pre-internationalization period and post-internationalization period. The former is mainly characterized by unidirectional export led by China

while other countries and regions are mainly learning and absorbing. The latter is manifested by the localization transformation and development of acupuncture in foreign countries

which brings severe challenges to traditional Chinese acupuncture. It is helpful to grasp the international trend of acupuncture development by actively understanding the trajectory of acupuncture internationalization. To effectively cope with the challenges brought by the post-internationalization period

modern acupuncture is needed to be developed proactively. Only by establishing a modern acupuncture system compatible with modern science

can China continue to lead the international acupuncture academic development.