Development of a Standard Protocol for Head and Neck Acupoint Massage Using the Delphi method: An Integrative Approach of Cosmetology and Korean Medicine

Head and neck acupoint massage integrates Korean medicine principles with cosmetology, yet lacks standardized protocols. This study developed an evidence-based standard through the Delphi method with a purposive sample of 9 experts (professors, clinical estheticians, and Korean medicine doctors with ≥20 years of experience). The panel size was deemed appropriate given the high level of expertise and homogeneity of the group. Three rounds were conducted from March to June 2025 using consensus criteria (mean ≥4.5 on a 5-point Likert scale). The experts reached a very high level of consensus on core elements. The final protocol consists of 29 acupoints, 6 techniques, 3 adjunct routines, and a 5-step ascending sequence based on the physiological principles of ‘Open → Drain → Fill 1 → Fill 2 → Fix.’ Unlike previous studies focused on isolated points, this protocol establishes a systematic anatomical flow from the neck to the crown. This study bridges cosmetology and Korean medicine, providing scientifically grounded guidelines for evidence-based practice (EBP) in both education and clinical settings.