A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion cake on thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis

Haitao R, Gaokai L, Chunxia L, Hongchen X, Zongjiao W · Medicine · 2026 May 01

Objective

To investigate the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT).

Conclusions

Acupuncture and moxibustion show potential to influence thyroid-related biomarkers (TPOAb, TGAb, and TSH) in patients with HT, but the evidence is limited by methodological weaknesses, heterogeneity, and publication bias.

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Insights

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment may influence thyroid-related biomarkers in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis.

The research was conducted through a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis, aimed at understanding the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion cake on thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. The scholars conducted an unrestricted search across seven databases, namely, four international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) up until March 29, 2024. The data was analyzed using Review Manager, Version 5.3, and was assessed based on the mean difference to evaluate the role of acupuncture or moxibustion on biomarker levels in Hashimoto thyroiditis. Upon carefully reviewing 306 records identified from the databases, 15 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The discussion of the results revealed that acupuncture group reported changes in levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. A similar pattern was seen in the moxibustion group. However, they also noted that the evidence gathered was highly limited due to the presence of methodological weaknesses, heterogeneity, and publication bias. This precludes the feasibility of presenting reliable clinical recommendations at this stage.