Acupuncture has evolved from a traditional therapeutic practice into a scientifically investigated modality with growing integration into modern healthcare systems worldwide. Advances in neurobiology, bioengineering, and digital health technologies have significantly enhanced our understanding of acupuncture’s mechanisms and broadened its clinical applicability across a wide spectrum of diseases, including neurological disorders, chronic pain, metabolic syndromes, and inflammatory conditions. As interest in evidence-based complementary medicine continues to rise, there is a pressing need to consolidate emerging innovations and interdisciplinary approaches that are shaping the future of acupuncture research and its translation into clinical practice.

Despite substantial progress, several challenges persist, including variability in treatment protocols, limited standardization of methodologies, inconsistent clinical outcomes, and gaps in mechanistic understanding at the molecular and systems levels. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies such as imaging, biosensors, artificial intelligence, and data-driven modeling into acupuncture research remains fragmented, limiting reproducibility and large-scale clinical validation.

This Collection aims to provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform that brings together original research articles, methodological advancements, case reports, and reviews addressing both fundamental and translational dimensions of acupuncture. It seeks to capture the full breadth of contemporary research in the field, encompassing diverse experimental, clinical, theoretical, and technology-driven approaches that advance understanding, evaluation, and application of acupuncture in healthcare.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and highlighting robust scientific evidence, this collection will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare innovators. It is expected to accelerate the standardization, validation, and global acceptance of acupuncture as a scientifically grounded and technologically enhanced therapeutic approach for diverse clinical applications.