Effectiveness of Moxibustion Therapy: An Evidence Mapping Based on 223 Systematic Reviews

Moxibustion therapy, a distinctive external therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)[1]，primarily functions through the conductive properties of meridians and acupoints, combined with specific operational techniques, to treat diseases. Moxibustion therapy demonstrates therapeutic advantages for various conditions. Concurrently, with growing public emphasis on health preservation, safety concerns regarding moxibustion therapy have regained attention.[2] However, clinical research outcomes on moxibustion therapy exhibit complexity and heterogeneity, characterized by factors such as subjectivity, individualization, and challenges in quantification. Consequently, methodological research is increasingly recognized as a critical area of investigation. The scientific extraction of treatment protocols and clinical outcomes from moxibustion therapy studies constitutes a vital means of enhancing therapeutic standards. The development of an evidence map regarding the therapeutic efficacy of moxibustion therapy offers a systematic approach to collate and synthesize diverse research findings. This process reduces information redundancy and inconsistency, thereby providing a reliable foundation for both research and clinical practice. Furthermore, it promotes transparency and reproducibility in moxibustion therapy, supporting its evidence-based practice, informed decision-making, and broader dissemination. Ultimately, this facilitates the translation and application of research outcomes.