Objective

2

To summarize the current status and research hotspots of acupuncture-assisted female reproduction and to provide references for clinical and basic research in this field.

Methods

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Relevant literature regarding acupuncture-assisted female reproduction included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) was retrieved

with the search period from database inception to November 12

2024. The CiteSpace 6.2.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software were used to analyze publication volume

institutions

authors

keywords

and to draw visualization maps.

Results

2

A total of 727 articles were included (547 from CNKI and 180 from WoS). The annual publication volume in both databases showed an overall upward trend

with continuous expansion of research content and increasing diversification of study types. In CNKI

the institution and authors with the most publications were from Shandong University of TCM

while in WoS

the top overseas institution and authors were from Western Sydney University. Although the institutions in both domestic and international databases were relatively scattered

core research teams had formed. CNKI yielded 388 keyword nodes

and WoS yielded 341. High-frequency keywords in both databases mainly included four categories: intervention methods

assisted reproductive technology (ART)

related diseases

and outcome indexes. Research hotspots mainly focused on the effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rate

pain

and negative emotions in ART

as well as its application in ovulation disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In recent years

acupuncture for improving endometrial receptivity and low ovarian response has emerged as a new focus.

Conclusion

2

The development of acupuncture-assisted female reproductive research is relatively fast in China

but its international influence remains insufficient. Furthermore

collaboration among institutions and research teams is lacking. Future efforts should enhance cooperation and communication

improve the quality of clinical evidence

and promote the application of acupuncture in this field.