Current application status and prospects of pestle needle therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis

<x>Abstract</x> <sec> <title>Objective:</title> Pestle needle therapy is a unique external treatment method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been secretly passed down through 14 generations of the LI family. It was ultimately developed through over 6 decades of profound research and clinical practice by professor LI Zhongyu. This study aims to explore the application and efficacy of pestle needle therapy in the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis, a prevalent public health concern in China. </sec> <sec> <title>Methods:</title> Guided by TCM theory, pestle needle therapy expands upon traditional acupuncture theory and techniques while maintaining its own distinct characteristics. The study review recent academic theories, clinical applications, mechanisms of action, and notable advantages of pestle needle therapy based on search results in 8 databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> Pestle needle therapy has demonstrated significant efficacy in the management of cervical spondylosis, through targeting specific acupoints or areas and employing unique manipulation techniques with specialized needles, characterized by simple operation, safety without side effects, and high patient compliance. Its unique approach aligns with the development trend of modern medicine, offering functional, preventive, therapeutic, health-promoting, wellness-enhancing, and strengthening effects. </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> This study reviews and summarizes the notable advantages of pestle needle therapy in treating cervical spondylosis and analyzes current research limitations, with the aim of expanding the clinical application of pestle needle therapy and providing a reference for the use of external treatment methods in TCM for the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis. Further research is needed to address existing limitations and enhance the understanding and utilization of this unique therapy. </sec>