Objective To investigate the effect characteristics and mechanism of acupuncture in autonomic nerve regulation through a comprehensive literature analysis. Methods CNKI and PubMed databases were searched for the studies on acupuncture in autonomic nerve regulation in the past 30 years

and Excel was used to perform a descriptive analysis of research subjects

intervention methods

intervention sites(acupoint selection)

intervention parameters

and effect mechanism of acupuncture. Results A total of 202 studies were included

among which there were 51 clinical studies

mostly on the nervous system and the circulatory system; Neiguan(PC6)

Zusanli(ST36)

Fengchi(GB20)

and Hegu(LI4) were the most frequently used acupoints

manual acupuncture was the most common intervention method

most of the acupoints selected were in the extremities

head

face

and neck

and heart rate variability was the main parameter for evaluation. Among the 151 animal experimental studies

there were many studies on the digestive system and the circulatory system; "Zusanli"(ST36)

"Neiguan"(PC6)

and "Shenmen"(HT7) were the most frequently used acupoints

electroacupuncture was the most common intervention method

most of the acupoints selected were in the extremities

and the main effect mechanism was to regulate the central vagus nerve activity and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway(CAP). Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect on autonomic nerve regulation. The acupoints in extremities

head

and face are mainly used in studies. The main action pathways are central vagus nerve activity and CAP

as demonstrated in the animal experiments. Acupuncture has specific effect characteristics

which are closely associated with the acupoints

methods

and parameters of stimulation.