Acupuncture anesthesia: history, dilemma and future

Abstract Ancient China has a rich history of acupuncture anesthesia (AA), with both theoretical and clinical foundations that were notably effective in the 1970s. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of AA's historical context and clinical applications, juxtaposing it with conventional anesthesia methods. It also aims to forecast the future trajectory of AA and examine the factors influencing its evolution. Despite experiencing a decline after its peak—primarily due to the precision, effectiveness, visibility, and cost-effectiveness of conventional anesthesia—AA's potential remains significant. Its application in perioperative period has been demonstrated to significantly reduce side effects associated with traditional methods, leading to improved clinical outcomes. However, in recent years, the concept of AA has been associated with perioperative acupuncture. There are numerous successful AA cases reported worldwide, and the field is in urgent need of continuously being evaluated and refined to keep pace with modern medical advancements and societal needs. This nonsystematic narrative review manifests the potential for further development in AA is considerable, and ongoing research and integration efforts suggest a promising future for this ancient practice in contemporary medicine.