Developing Guideline Recommendations and Treatment Regimens for Acupuncture: An Example from the Clinical Practice Guideline

Acupuncture is a widely practised modality in complementary and alternative medicine, with demonstrated efficacy in managing nonspecific low back pain. Despite its inclusion in international guidelines, formal protocols for developing acupuncture-specific clinical recommendations remain insufficient. The present study outlines the methodology employed to develop the clinical practice guideline for acupuncture-moxibustion in nonspecific low back pain, using a representative clinical question to illustrate each phase of development. The guideline development process involved a systematic compilation of clinical evidence and a critical examination of evidence quality and applicability within real-world clinical settings. The results present a structured, transparent process for achieving expert consensus and generating guideline recommendations and treatment protocols. The study provides a replicable framework for developing acupuncture clinical practice guidelines, thereby contributing to the broader standardization of acupuncture practice and its integration into evidence-informed healthcare.