Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety

Tran Thi Thu Ngoc Vo

doi:10.70058/cjm.1947642

Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to provide a critical overview of the current literature on thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA), with emphasis on its proposed mechanisms, clinical applications, and safety profile.

Methods: Relevant published literature was reviewed to summarize current knowledge regarding the proposed mechanisms, clinical applications, and safety profile of TEA.

Results: TEA is a modified acupuncture technique in which absorbable threads are implanted into acupuncture points to provide prolonged mechanical and sensory stimulation. Proposed mechanisms include sustained peripheral sensory stimulation, localized tissue responses, and possible modulation of central nervous system and neuroimmune pathways; however, these mechanisms remain largely hypothetical and are supported primarily by indirect evidence extrapolated from conventional acupuncture and biomaterial research. Available clinical studies have primarily focused on pain-related and neurological conditions. Some studies have reported improvements in pain intensity and functional outcomes compared with control interventions. However, the overall certainty of evidence remains low because of methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, inadequate randomization and blinding, heterogeneous treatment protocols, short follow-up periods, and inconsistent outcome reporting. Reported adverse events were predominantly mild and localized, although serious complications, including infection and delayed inflammatory reactions, have also been documented.

Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests that TEA may offer therapeutic potential for selected conditions. However, current evidence remains insufficient to support firm conclusions regarding its effectiveness and safety. Well-designed randomized controlled trials, standardized intervention protocols, and rigorous safety reporting are needed to clarify the role of TEA in contemporary clinical practice.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies are appropriately cited. The research was conducted in full accordance with ethical principles.

Thanks

The author thanks the regularly updated useful information, lectures and articles of scientists, as well as the support of Quy Nhon Health Center.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Sciences (Other), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Journal Section

Review Article

Authors

Tran Thi Thu Ngoc Vo ^*
0009-0005-6243-3041
Vietnam

Early Pub Date

July 30, 2026

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

May 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 3 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70058/cjm.1947642

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA25CU88RR

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Vo, T. T. T. N. (2026). Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety. Cerasus Journal of Medicine, 3(3), 228-244. https://doi.org/10.70058/cjm.1947642

AMA

1.Vo TTTN. Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety. Cerasus J Med. 2026;3(3):228-244. doi:10.70058/cjm.1947642

Chicago

Vo, Tran Thi Thu Ngoc. 2026. “Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety”. Cerasus Journal of Medicine 3 (3): 228-44. https://doi.org/10.70058/cjm.1947642.

EndNote

Vo TTTN (September 1, 2026) Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety. Cerasus Journal of Medicine 3 3 228–244.

IEEE

[1]T. T. T. N. Vo, “Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety”, Cerasus J Med, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 228–244, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.70058/cjm.1947642.

ISNAD

Vo, Tran Thi Thu Ngoc. “Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety”. Cerasus Journal of Medicine 3/3 (September 1, 2026): 228-244. https://doi.org/10.70058/cjm.1947642.

JAMA

1.Vo TTTN. Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety. Cerasus J Med. 2026;3:228–244.

MLA

Vo, Tran Thi Thu Ngoc. “Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety”. Cerasus Journal of Medicine, vol. 3, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 228-44, doi:10.70058/cjm.1947642.

Vancouver

1.Tran Thi Thu Ngoc Vo. Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Current Perspectives on Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety. Cerasus J Med. 2026 Sep. 1;3(3):228-44. doi:10.70058/cjm.1947642