Neuroimmunological anti-inflammation is one of the most successful areas of translational medicine in the past 50 years

leading directly to the success of anti-TNF biologics and vagal nerve stimulation therapy for anti-inflammation. The latter has many similarities with traditional acupuncture therapy and further research may reveal more intertwining and enlightenment to acupuncture. This paper briefly reviews the discovery and translational process of Cachectin/TNF

anti-TNF therapy

neural inflammatory reflex arc

vagus nerve stimulation therapy

and Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Condition(SPARC) project

and also summarizes the experience and lessons learned from the path of translational medicine in this field. The two key steps in the translational process are discussed in details. The purpose is to provide reference for the development of translational medicine in acupuncture. “Minimal injury with significant healing” should be considered as the principal hypothesis to further study the biological mechanism of acupuncture and it may result in more clinical translation in the future.